I guess I'd call them design questions...

[Ric Williams]

Okay, I've been turning for just over a year now, and have managed to absorb a lot of information and learned a lot of techniques, etc., but there are a few design questions that I've wondered about:

If there a clear definition for what is considered a hollow form vs a bowl? Obviously, a large vessel with a small opening in a large top is probably gonna fall into the hollow form group, but there are vessels that could go either way.

Where can I learn more about different styles of bowls and vessels. I've seen Calabash bowls and have a vague idea of what makes them a Calabash, but there must be other traditional styles and techniques that have names and defining characteristics. Where can I find out more about those kinds of design/style essentials?

I've learned enough to know that I don't know enough about what I don't know enough... about...

 

[Bill Blasic]

I have easily over 100 books and 400 DVDs on Woodturning and there is no 1 easy source for learning what you are looking for. Do a search for woodturning books and pick out a few. I think for most it will be a lifelong search for those answers. Ask 15 different woodturners a question and you will probably get at least 10 different answers. As I point out the best starting place is a club where you can meet and learn from a good cross section of turners (tough now because of the virus but they will comeback). The everyday learning about turning is a good thing.

 

[odie]

If there a clear definition for what is considered a hollow form vs a bowl?

Ric......That's a question I've never really pondered before, but at first thought, the difference between a hollow form and a bowl might be that a bowl has the interior visibly showing to the point where it, too, must have a finely crafted surface, or it just wouldn't look right. Hollow forms generally have the interior hidden, to the point where it takes some effort to see what kind of surface quality exists......

-----odie-----

 

[Mike Johnson]

Design is a vague word when it comes to arts and crafts?
The artistic expression of the character inherent in the material you are using?
The artistic expression of the ratio of the geometry, shape and curves machined into the work piece?
The contrast of shape, color, texture and patterns machined into the work piece?
How well the finished work piece functions based on the intended purpose of the item?

Dictionary Definition:
A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process.

 

[RichColvin]

Okay, I've been turning for just over a year now, and have managed to absorb a lot of information and learned a lot of techniques, etc., but there are a few design questions that I've wondered about:

If there a clear definition for what is considered a hollow form vs a bowl? Obviously, a large vessel with a small opening in a large top is probably gonna fall into the hollow form group, but there are vessels that could go either way.

Where can I learn more about different styles of bowls and vessels. I've seen Calabash bowls and have a vague idea of what makes them a Calabash, but there must be other traditional styles and techniques that have names and defining characteristics. Where can I find out more about those kinds of design/style essentials?

I've learned enough to know that I don't know enough about what I don't know enough... about...

Ric,

A typical definition of a hollow form is that the opening is smaller than the inside diameter.

As for where to learn about form, I have learned a whole lot from the ceramic side of the arts. They have a lot of books on form and are very good at explaining ideas like the overall shape, the relative proportions, and footer/base shapes. You can get some really good books from the library.

And I doubt you will ever master all of woodturning, as i doubt anyone can. So enjoy the journey (and laugh at some of the beautiful firewood you are going to make).

Kind regards and best wishes,
Rich

 

[hockenbery]

Where can I learn more about different styles of bowls and vessels.

Nature, museums, pottery books, woodturning shows, pottery shows, art shows......

One of the best places for design ideas and Inspiration is the AAW instant gallery and symposium.
you see a piece and get the idea - I could do it this way, add this, take away this .....

Everyone’s creativity works differently
Here is a takeaway I got from a Soren Berger demo at an AAW symposium

This form 8” dia sphere came from a Soren burger scoop demo
My thought process was
What would a 2 handled scoop look like?
What if I made the bowl bigger?
Can I hold it in a vacuum chuck?
Can I hollow the ball instead of turning a bowl?

 

[robo hippy]

Well, there are 'open' forms, 'closed forms', and 'hollow' forms. Open form is the standard bowl or plate. Closed form is any where the opening is smaller than the largest diameter like the calabash style bowls. Hollow forms are more of the vase type forms. Huge variations of all of them. I do consider lidded boxes to be a good way to practice for bigger and deeper hollow forms, and they can be more open or closed.

robo hippy

 

[hockenbery]

If there a clear definition for what is considered a hollow form vs a bowl?

As the maker you can call it whatever you wish.

often shows will have define categories. These are the categories for the Florida state fair.

I have judged this twice and as a judge I have to determine that each piece fits the category it is entered in.
As the judge I can move pieces to an appropriate category.

other shows will have different definitions. Problem is there are turnings that don’t obviously belong to only one category.

 

[Richard Coers]

I prefer to study ancient work as much as contemporary design. Museum catalogs are a great place for that. Lark publishing has a series of picture books, like "500 wood bowls" as a great resource. I also study a lot of ceramic art work for form and embellishment.

 

[Mike Johnson]

When the large majority of turners are making round bowls the small minority focus on square turned bowls. Woodturners that stand out from the crowd and create their own signature design elements to the work piece are the ones that usually move to the front of the line.

 

[robo hippy]

I was chatting with a potter, don't know if it is ceramic type or not, and asked her if she could do plates for me as I don't want to put wood plates in the microwave. Apparently plates are difficult for the potters to do. In part because it is more difficult to judge even thickness on plates than it is on bowls, and the plates tend to warp as they are cured in the kiln. Some pottery work is not really suited for the microwave. This could be related to the type of clay that is used, but they can develop micro cracks. I had wondered why I seldom ever saw any platter/plates from the potters....

robo hippy

 

[Charlie Knighton]

Greek Roman American Indian

I guess we can still use adjectives