Show season is ending. How was yours?

[n7bsn]

shop class

I think that around 25 to 30 years ago was when shop classes disappeared from high schools just about everywhere and I know one very fine teacher who lost his job when the school where my wife taught decided to eliminate all shop classes.
...

Maybe where you live.
My ol'High School still has a dedicated shop building, with an electronics, CAD (drafting when I was there), Auto-Machine-Sheetmetal and Woodshop rooms. With 2 years of instruction in each one. (I took one class in all, except electronics, that was two)
The Senior kids now combine with the other high school and build a Habitat-For-Humanity home every year.

That was in Montana, I now live in Washington.

Where I live now all the High Schools have shop classes, one of the local shop teachers shows up for turning club meetings to get ideas for his kids. The shop teacher at another school came over and I worked with him on his turning skills. One of our local club members "volunteer-teaches" turning at yet-another school.
Plus the Olympia club has a thriving program with the Olympia School district, teaching wood-turning in their shop classes.

 

[Bill Boehme]

I'm glad to hear that shop classes haven't completely died out every where, however, your part of the country isn't the norm. I think what has been the primary cause for the demise of classes in shop and home ec classes has been the political football of performance metrics where those types of courses were not included in the metrics. Things like TAKS test metrics have become the all-important measure of the performance of school districts, administrators, principals, and teachers ... to the overall detriment of the educational needs of the students.

If you Google phrases like, "high school shop classes", you can find numerous tidbits like this Forbes article about the demise of shop classes in California.

My wife was the president of a teachers organization for several years when State funding for shop classes was a big battle in Texas many years ago. It seems like funding for education isn't exactly a big priority here anyway so shop got the shaft. However, high school football is more important than anything else because it teaches ... uh ... let's see ... hmmmmmm ... can somebody gimme a hint.

Anyway, it is heartening to know that some parts of the country are being more sensible about education.

 

[hockenbery]

Shop classes are a mixed bag.
It would seem that the majority of school districts have shops only in the vocational schools if at all.
Thankfully some school districts continue to have shops in the middle and high schools.
Some of our chapters meet in those shops.

Al

 

[odie]

And ..... by the way, it isn't a "herd", it's a "flock". Baaaaaah! Baaaaaaah!

Well.....that caused a good hearty laugh!

I must seem very inflexible in my beliefs to some of the others here......but, I'm willing to bet there are a few who understand why I believe as I do.....because they believe similarly. Those who do, do.....and those who don't probably never will get it......

If I might interject a "mental picture".....consider ten men rowing a boat from one side of a lake to another. By necessity, they reach the other side together at a single shore location. They may take separate paths once they get there, but the starting point at the other side of the lake is the exact same spot. Now, consider ten men rowing ten boats to the other side of the lake. In the latter case, they all may not get to the other side as fast as the ten-man crew.....but, each one of them has the option of reaching shore wherever they wish. They all have a choice, because it's individual effort that gets them to the other side, instead of a group effort.

That a decent example of how I see "herd", as opposed to an individual effort when considering the entire journey......not just the crossing of the lake, but the final destination has been influenced as well.

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

Odie, I am fairly certain that I get it. Just FYI, I was also self taught to a certain extent because I was somewhat too timid to ask for tutoring eleven years ago and back then our club was more informal in offering tutoring -- or at least that is my perception. I bought a few videos. There was no YouTube back then. I also read some books, but did not find them to be very useful. It was at some group event that somebody noticed my pitiful turning style and offered to show me how he used a bowl gouge. I'm glasd that he did or otherwise I might have wasted a few more years making ugly bowls with lots of tearout and frequent catches. Next, I concluded that bowls with flat bottoms and vertical sides might be fine for Fido or Scooter, but besides not being very attractive, they were not very stable.

For a long time, it seemed like your use of the word "herd" was meant to be disparaging, but I have changed my mind and now believe that you are simply referring to the fast track way that the majority of beginners get up to speed. I know that you are justifiably proud of the perseverance that got you to the place where you are today, but I have doubts that you are able to speak with credence to something that you haven't personally experienced. As you know, there is nothing like experience to make turning second nature. At the same time, there is nothing like a helping hand to get a beginner past a lot of the big stumbling blocks so that they can start working on the second nature part of turning. I don't know of anybody who has been ruined, or has become somebody's clone, or has had their creativity stifled as a result of sharing knowledge.

Apologies to Sergio for hijacking his thread.

 

[hockenbery]

Odie,

I value my personal achievement too. When I create a unique turning series that is something really special to me.
The journey is at least as important as the completed piece.

I hope you get an opportunity to go to an AAW symposium or the Colorado, or Utah regional symposiums.
Just walk through the instant gallery, it can take a couple of days to really see all the pieces in the AAW gallery.
It will blow you away to see the work people are doing. The numbers and diversity of bowls, platters, hollow vessels, pierced vessels,segmented pieces, ornamental, carvings, pens, ..... Cannot be captured in words or pictures.

There will be some copies of teachers work but these are relatively few and most makers credit the inspiration.
The overwhelming display will be far beyond the classroom.

Al

 

[odie]

Odie, I am fairly certain that I get it. Just FYI, I was also self taught to a certain extent because I was somewhat too timid to ask for tutoring eleven years ago and back then our club was more informal in offering tutoring -- or at least that is my perception. I bought a few videos. There was no YouTube back then. I also read some books, but did not find them to be very useful. It was at some group event that somebody noticed my pitiful turning style and offered to show me how he used a bowl gouge. I'm glasd that he did or otherwise I might have wasted a few more years making ugly bowls with lots of tearout and frequent catches. Next, I concluded that bowls with flat bottoms and vertical sides might be fine for Fido or Scooter, but besides not being very attractive, they were not very stable.

For a long time, it seemed like your use of the word "herd" was meant to be disparaging, but I have changed my mind and now believe that you are simply referring to the fast track way that the majority of beginners get up to speed. I know that you are justifiably proud of the perseverance that got you to the place where you are today, but I have doubts that you are able to speak with credence to something that you haven't personally experienced. As you know, there is nothing like experience to make turning second nature. At the same time, there is nothing like a helping hand to get a beginner past a lot of the big stumbling blocks so that they can start working on the second nature part of turning. I don't know of anybody who has been ruined, or has become somebody's clone, or has had their creativity stifled as a result of sharing knowledge.

Apologies to Sergio for hijacking his thread.

Bill.....Self taught doesn't mean there will be any level of success, so that, in itself is no advantage. Where the advantage comes into play is the
how and why any individual finds his successes, if he does. Yes, you are correct.....my thoughts on "the herd" isn't disparaging of the "group think" that it manifests for other turners, but it is something I, personally, do not want to have as guide to my own path. Really, it's ok that it exists, just that it, IMHO, stifles individuality and creativity in MY turning.

Odie,

I value my personal achievement too. When I create a unique turning series that is something really special to me.
The journey is at least as important as the completed piece.

I hope you get an opportunity to go to an AAW symposium or the Colorado, or Utah regional symposiums.
Just walk through the instant gallery, it can take a couple of days to really see all the pieces in the AAW gallery.
It will blow you away to see the work people are doing. The numbers and diversity of bowls, platters, hollow vessels, pierced vessels,segmented pieces, ornamental, carvings, pens, ..... Cannot be captured in words or pictures.

There will be some copies of teachers work but these are relatively few and most makers credit the inspiration.
The overwhelming display will be far beyond the classroom.

Al

Al.......Those of us who have been turning for some time can only speculate on what an entirely different set of circumstances would have meant to our own progress and resulting refinements in our turning philosophy, style, and techniques......but, none of us can go back to the beginning and start all over again. We only have one chance to start with a "clean slate", so to speak. For me, and after discussing woodturning with other turners for a few years, I feel my own journey has had advantages for me that I feel are unique, and my results are far above the level of satisfaction I would have had, if things had been different. I'd likely be a much different turner if I had followed the standard methods of learning, as is available to us today.

One note on the value of the forums, as they have been to me. Exposing myself to different thoughts has certainly been a wonderful thing for me. Sometimes, it leads me to change, and sometimes it leads me to be more resolved in my beliefs.....and, this has been one subject that I seem to be very much in the minority on. I'm much stronger in my beliefs than I would have been without these forum discussions. The act of thinking about what my beliefs are, makes them more clear to me, in my own mind.

ooc

Jeez......one more time I'm up in the middle of the night discussing things, and thinking.......got to be at work 6am.......but, looking forward to retirement.......5 months.

.

 

[hockenbery]

Odis,

I am encouraging you to attend an AAW symposium. Bring some pieces to the instant gallery to share you work with others.
Look at the the thousand plus works displayed by other members. Watch some demonstrations, participate in panel discussions.
The Utah and Colorado symposium are smaller offer some of what you would see at the AAW.

Gain an appreciation for the diversity of work being done by the herd. See first hand what is going on in the woodturning community.
It won't corrupt your style. It will give you positive feedback on what you are doing and new challenges for the coming years.

Going back to the beginning is not an option. Moving forward and evolving is.

We will move in various directions, new forms, new techniques, new surfaces.
I learn something every time I watch a demonstration.

You might even get a chance to meet some of the forum contributors.

It is not about changing your style or mindset. It is about opening doors and new challenges,

Al

 

[robo hippy]

I guess I can be considered 'self taught'. There was no club here for the first 2 or so years I was turning. I read books and saw a video or two. I can't say as I ever had many hands on sessions. However, I would see some one do some thing, and go home and try to replicate what I saw. Then I adapt it to fit my style..... That is learning to me. Now as a demonstrator and teacher, I pass on what works for me, with the encouragement to experiment.

robo hippy

 

[Sergio Villa]

Those who can, do; those who can't, teach. Famous saying from G. B. Show.
On the other side somebody else said Those who know, do. Those who understand teach.
Unicuique suum.

 

[odie]

Odis,

I am encouraging you to attend an AAW symposium. Bring some pieces to the instant gallery to share you work with others.
Look at the the thousand plus works displayed by other members. Watch some demonstrations, participate in panel discussions.
The Utah and Colorado symposium are smaller offer some of what you would see at the AAW.

Gain an appreciation for the diversity of work being done by the herd. See first hand what is going on in the woodturning community.
It won't corrupt your style. It will give you positive feedback on what you are doing and new challenges for the coming years.

Going back to the beginning is not an option. Moving forward and evolving is.

We will move in various directions, new forms, new techniques, new surfaces.
I learn something every time I watch a demonstration.

You might even get a chance to meet some of the forum contributors.

It is not about changing your style or mindset. It is about opening doors and new challenges,

Al

Al.......

The name is odie.

I am not interested in alternatives to my core beliefs. I've tried to explain what they are, so that at the very least, others might allow me to have them without continually disregarding them.....or change them.

When I spend time experimenting and practicing my techniques, as well as discovering new things in my shop.....who says I'm not "opening doors" or having new challenges, or there isn't a learning process taking place......you? Who says I don't evolve, or move forward without the "herd, or herd think", or classes, or attending demonstrations.....you?

These days, now that I'm online, I'm very connected and aware of what other turners are doing. Sometimes I see things I'd like to try myself. I don't desire, or plan to attend a symposium anytime soon. (That's not the way I've always thought about attending turning events, but it's exactly what I feel now!) Maybe that's because I'm very happy with my progress and results I'm getting, and the ways I choose to continually make improvements to my turnings, and techniques.....I am still evolving.

ooc

 

[hockenbery]

Al....... The name is odie. I am not interested in alternatives to my core beliefs. I've tried to explain what they are, so that at the very least, others might allow me to have them without continually disregarding them.....or change them. When I spend time experimenting and practicing my techniques, as well as discovering new things in my shop.....who says I'm not "opening doors" or having new challenges, or there isn't a learning process taking place......you? Who says I don't evolve, or move forward without the "herd, or herd think", or classes, or attending demonstrations.....you? These days, now that I'm online, I'm very connected and aware of what other turners are doing. Sometimes I see things I'd like to try myself. I don't desire, or plan to attend a symposium anytime soon. (That's not the way I've always thought about attending turning events, but it's exactly what I feel now!) Maybe that's because I'm very happy with my progress and results I'm getting, and the ways I choose to continually make improvements to my turnings, and techniques.....I am still evolving. ooc

Odie,
Sorry about the typo.

Being online makes you aware of what is online. It doesn't come close to making you aware of what other turners are doing.
One AAW symposium only scratches the surface of what woodturners are doing and a relatively small part of what goes on at symposium is available online.
Only a small fraction of woodturners are online. Being online is bit like holding an elephant's tail in the dark and thinking you understand the whole animal.

I get around a fair amount but I don't have a good understanding of what the other turners are doing. I have a good knowledge of 20-30 and partial knowledge of another 200 or so. There are thousands of excellent turners I know little or nothing about them or their techniques.

I realize symposiums are not for everyone.
You seem convinced you won't get anything from a symposium, you would be the best judge.

 

[John Tisdale]

Odie,
In the Dallas club we are blessed with some "self taughts" - guys who still prefer a reground file to a new scraper. We had a demo a few years back - the "master" used a reverse-twist 5/8" twist drill in a piece of pipe to do finish cuts inside his bowl.
Perhaps we need to replace the word "better" with an expanded vernacular - is an Easy Rougher better? Is a new Robust or Oneway better than shop-made.
Years ago, but not that many, the National Skeet Championship was won by a farmer with his Model-12 - the stock was held together with electrician tape. Would he have done better with the normal $$$$ over-under?
I agree - better to refine and improve the path you're on rather than derailing on every mosquito wing. And better to define ourselves by the results rather than the process.
However, in past posts I remember your putting value on "utility" and striving to make items that "will be used". Here we must disagree - my quest is to achieve the totally non-functional / just-for-looks. I'm a deeply superficial person.
John

 

[odie]

Odie,
In the Dallas club we are blessed with some "self taughts" - guys who still prefer a reground file to a new scraper. We had a demo a few years back - the "master" used a reverse-twist 5/8" twist drill in a piece of pipe to do finish cuts inside his bowl.
Perhaps we need to replace the word "better" with an expanded vernacular - is an Easy Rougher better? Is a new Robust or Oneway better than shop-made.
Years ago, but not that many, the National Skeet Championship was won by a farmer with his Model-12 - the stock was held together with electrician tape. Would he have done better with the normal $$$$ over-under?
I agree - better to refine and improve the path you're on rather than derailing on every mosquito wing. And better to define ourselves by the results rather than the process.
However, in past posts I remember your putting value on "utility" and striving to make items that "will be used". Here we must disagree - my quest is to achieve the totally non-functional / just-for-looks. I'm a deeply superficial person.
John

Thanks for posting, John.....

Heh,heh,heh.......When it comes to lathe tools, I'm a very traditional guy......but, I believe I did try to adapt a file into a scraper way back in my beginnings! Didn't take much experimenting with it to nix the idea!

Exactly!........the ONLY thing that matters, is results! I think you probably know what I mean.....because, as I see it, way too many turners define themselves by the lathes, tools, and process they use.....rather than what they are capable of producing. Sort of like the guy who owns an exotic sports car, who becomes an automotive expert in his own eyes....!

I'd say very few of my customers use my bowls for "utility", but they could, if they wanted to.....seeing as how they are mostly more traditional, and theoretically utilitarian shapes. The exception would be salad bowls, which I do make, but not my main effort......those are strictly intended to be "utilitarian".

ooc

 

[Bill Boehme]

.... I'm a deeply superficial person...

OK, you've given me a headache trying to figure that one out, but so far I've only managed to scratch surface.

 

[Shawn Pachlhofer]

Odie,
In the Dallas club we are blessed with some "self taughts" - guys who still prefer a reground file to a new scraper. We had a demo a few years back - the "master" used a reverse-twist 5/8" twist drill in a piece of pipe to do finish cuts inside his bowl.
Perhaps we need to replace the word "better" with an expanded vernacular - is an Easy Rougher better? Is a new Robust or Oneway better than shop-made.
Years ago, but not that many, the National Skeet Championship was won by a farmer with his Model-12 - the stock was held together with electrician tape. Would he have done better with the normal $$$$ over-under?
I agree - better to refine and improve the path you're on rather than derailing on every mosquito wing. And better to define ourselves by the results rather than the process.
However, in past posts I remember your putting value on "utility" and striving to make items that "will be used". Here we must disagree - my quest is to achieve the totally non-functional / just-for-looks. I'm a deeply superficial person.
John

False comparison - at least the farmer "came to town" and put his skills up against someone else to know that he was the best.

Odie is still out in the pasture.

 

[odie]

False comparison - at least the farmer "came to town" and put his skills up against someone else to know that he was the best.

Odie is still out in the pasture.

Another false notion......I'm in the marketplace!

My bowls are being compared to those other turners make......every day!

The voting in the marketplace is done a little differently, though.....

ooc



.

 

[John Altberg]

False comparison - at least the farmer "came to town" and put his skills up against someone else to know that he was the best.

Odie is still out in the pasture.

Another false notion......I'm in the marketplace!

My bowls are being compared to those other turners make......every day!

The voting in the marketplace is done a little differently, though.....

ooc



.

"Odie", your coy approach is wearing thin. Look up "EccentricOldGuy" on etsy, folks, and draw your own conclusions.

 

[odie]

"Odie", your coy approach is wearing thin. Look up "EccentricOldGuy" on etsy, folks, and draw your own conclusions.

Just to make it easy, here's a link:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EccentricOldGuy?ref=hdr_shop_menu

While you're there, you might as well look up the reviews I get from those who have purchased my bowls, and have drawn their own conclusions, as well......

For many on this forum.....this isn't news.

ooc

 

[John Altberg]

Just to make it easy, here's a link:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EccentricOldGuy?ref=hdr_shop_menu

While you're there, you might as well look up the reviews I get from those who have purchased my bowls, and have drawn their own conclusions, as well......

For many on this forum.....this isn't news.

ooc

I do not question your skill as a turner, Kelly; you make beautiful bowls. This is an integrity issue. You have long used the internet resources of the AAW (almost 3000 posts!) as your bully pulpit to promote your journey and process, and to rail against group think, the herd, etc. It is one thing to use a pseudonym on the forum, which was allowed at the time you joined. It is quite another to register as an AAW member under a pseudonym. In my opinion it demonstrates disrespect for the organization and greatly diminishes the gravitas of any and all that you have written here.

 

[odie]

I do not question your skill as a turner, Kelly; you make beautiful bowls. This is an integrity issue. You have long used the internet resources of the AAW (almost 3000 posts!) as your bully pulpit to promote your journey and process, and to rail against group think, the herd, etc. It is one thing to use a pseudonym on the forum, which was allowed at the time you joined. It is quite another to register as an AAW member under a pseudonym. In my opinion it demonstrates disrespect for the organization and greatly diminishes the gravitas of any and all that you have written here.

Thanks John.....you aren't aware that I've felt I should identify myself for at least the past few years, but just let things go as they did out of habit. Actually, you've done a service to me by making it happen officially.

Originally, I had doubts about internet security, and this was why I hesitated to identify myself by my real name.....here, and in the membership roles. In the beginning, it had nothing to do with trying to be secretive, or disrespect, or any other perceived unethical reason. It strictly was my belief that it protected my integrity online. I'd be happy to replace "odie" with Kelly Odell, but I don't think it's possible to do that. If it is, I will do it. (Can it be done, Bill?)


Didn't mean to wear myself thin to you, or a few others, but it's true that some of the members of this forum have known my real identity for some time, now.

ko


edit update: AAW membership name has been changed.

 

[Bill Boehme]

.... I'd be happy to replace "odie" with Kelly Odell, but I don't think it's possible to do that. If it is, I will do it. (Can it be done, Bill?).....

I know it can be done, but I believe that it requires administrator privileges ... which means Steve Worcester. I think that it requires some database changes so that all of your prior posts will be updated. If I am not mistaken, I believe that several members have changed their names in the past for various reasons and when the "real name" rule became effective there were some members who made the change at that time. Officially, I am only supposed to be watching over the gallery postings.
I knew that your forum name was a handle, but figured that you might be in the witness protection program or some other good reason to go incognito.

 

[Steve Worcester]

you guys are really fast with the asterisks - are we anti-biblical?

It is an automatic forum thing. There is a table of "bad" words and it will asterize them.

 

[Steve Worcester]

Obviously everybody chooses his/her own purpose in life but in my opinion more resources from the official organizations should be devoted to the simple turnings that are on the everyday tables.

(I am presuming this is a "dig" at the AAW, if not, disregard)

I think that you are overlooking some of things that the AAW does. The POP organization caters to all facets of woodturning, from utilitarian to the out there with the "how did you get there" crowd. My current work elicited those views and no buyers, but I get to express my output on wood and glass. And I am ok with them getting bequeathed to my kids who will throw them in the fireplace for warmth.

If you want to make simple turnings, that's fine, the resources and support are there. If you want to paint your turnings with polka dots, the resources are there too.

In the American Woodturner magazine, I think all sides are represented as well, and always have been. But I also think, in my humble opinion, that a Dale Larson bowl is equally artistic as a Bihn Pho piece. I use those as extremes of the economic realm as Dale is affordable at $200-$300 where Bihn starts at $2K nowadays.Or a Bob Stockade bowl at 401K prices.

And if you would like more representation than you have today, write an article for the journal, volunteer to make your cause known.

 

[Steve Worcester]

Apologies to Sergio for hijacking his thread.

Me too, this thread did not accomplish what you wanted.
On that note, I year ago I did everything from crafts shows at local churches to juried fine art shows. Got best in show at some fine art shows, but didn't lead to sales. Kind of gave up on that. Do my own ting for what I like and if it leads to sales, so be it.

 

[Bill Boehme]

My wife is already telling me that I need to print up business cards just because I will have five pieces on display at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center in December. None of my pieces will be for sale as she has already said that she won't part with any of them. The exhibition is primarily to help expose the local community to a broader range of woodturning than the craft show offerings. Fort Worth certainly isn't Taos when it comes to art galleries. I'm still trying to figure out why I need business cards. I thought that I was retired.

 

[odie]

I know it can be done, but I believe that it requires administrator privileges ... which means Steve Worcester. I think that it requires some database changes so that all of your prior posts will be updated. If I am not mistaken, I believe that several members have changed their names in the past for various reasons and when the "real name" rule became effective there were some members who made the change at that time. Officially, I am only supposed to be watching over the gallery postings.
I knew that your forum name was a handle, but figured that you might be in the witness protection program or some other good reason to go incognito.

Back in from the shop now......Thanks, Bill.

After mulling this over a little, I think I'll just keep my "odie" handle for now. My signature has my AAW member number, and it's connected to my real name.....Kelly Odell. Also, I've added my "web domain"......so my real name will be no secret to anyone who thinks it's important to know it, as well. None of this makes any difference to anything I've said on these forums, because not giving my name means nothing about the honest input I've always given here. I may be controversial, at times......but, I've been true to my beliefs and thoughts.

KO

 

[Bill Boehme]

Well, in that case, may I dedicate this song to you.

It's your choice.

Not that it matters, but I sort of like calling folks by their name -- removes some of the impersonal "Internet" feeling from discussions.

 

[odie]

Well, in that case, may I dedicate this song to you.

It's your choice.

Not that it matters, but I sort of like calling folks by their name -- removes some of the impersonal "Internet" feeling from discussions.

Well, you know what it is, Bill......nothing stopping you from using my name.......and you are quite welcome to call me Kelly. Others should be aware that odie is my real nickname, and has been for a long time.....not something made up for this forum. Some of my friends call me odie.

 

[Sergio Villa]

(I am presuming this is a "dig" at the AAW, if not, disregard)

I think that you are overlooking some of things that the AAW does. The POP organization caters to all facets of woodturning, from utilitarian to the out there with the "how did you get there" crowd. My current work elicited those views and no buyers, but I get to express my output on wood and glass. And I am ok with them getting bequeathed to my kids who will throw them in the fireplace for warmth.

If you want to make simple turnings, that's fine, the resources and support are there. If you want to paint your turnings with polka dots, the resources are there too.

In the American Woodturner magazine, I think all sides are represented as well, and always have been. But I also think, in my humble opinion, that a Dale Larson bowl is equally artistic as a Bihn Pho piece. I use those as extremes of the economic realm as Dale is affordable at $200-$300 where Bihn starts at $2K nowadays.Or a Bob Stockade bowl at 401K prices.

And if you would like more representation than you have today, write an article for the journal, volunteer to make your cause known.

Dig? Disregard? I was just espressing my opinions and asking for feedbacks from others that do shows.
I thought this was clear. I know what aaw does, I read the magazine and my feeling is the the "artistic" turnings have more exposure than the utilitarian among which I include the spindle turning for forniture etc.

I understand that probably talking about balusters would mean going in a different field sush as cabinet making and this might not be the purpose of AAW. No problem with this at all.

Writhing articles? Well part of my professional life was dedicated to writing scientific articles (under a psedonym?) and now I'm retired.

 

[Bill Boehme]

Dig? Disregard?....

Sergio, this seems like a good example of more than one way to interpret written words. When I read the post, my interpretation was to disregard the post if Steve's understanding of your post being a dig was incorrect.

About the balance of articles in the magazine -- I think that Betty worked very hard to have a fair representation of articles so that there is something for everybody. Many of the articles had general appeal.

 

[hockenbery]

The covering a variety of topics in the journal is always a challenge for the editor.
Betty was excellent and Joshua is continuing to provide a breadth of coverage.

We also have the woodturning fundamentals.

And there is the AAW symposium.
We had a couple of demonstrations on balusters in Phoenix by James Santhon
It is the kind of thing you get at the AAW symposium and are unlikely to find at regionals.
These demonstrations are not as popular as bowls and hollow forms but are very important to the audience.

I attended one of james excellent demonstrations.
Something that appeals to 1% of the membership will have a reasonable audience.

 

[Gretch Flo]

I thought this was clear. I know what aaw does, I read the magazine and my feeling is the the "artistic" turnings have more exposure than the utilitarian among which I include the spindle turning for forniture etc.

Someone had a point a couple of years ago. How many times do we need to see a basic bowl over and over again???? Newer members may not think so unless they go to the archives. That said, I do like to see newer twists on basic bowls-Odie's (think I will stick to odie, as I consider you a friend) bowls are an example. Gretch

 

[Sergio Villa]

I thought this was clear. I know what aaw does, I read the magazine and my feeling is the the "artistic" turnings have more exposure than the utilitarian among which I include the spindle turning for forniture etc.

Someone had a point a couple of years ago. How many times do we need to see a basic bowl over and over again???? Newer members may not think so unless they go to the archives. That said, I do like to see newer twists on basic bowls-Odie's (think I will stick to odie, as I consider you a friend) bowls are an example. Gretch

This is my last post since it looks I have problems making myself understood. English is not my first language and perhaps this is the reason.
To the last post, although that was not my intended subject, I can say how many times do we have to see an hollow form?
Regards.

 

[Steve Worcester]

I know it can be done, but I believe that it requires administrator privileges ... which means Steve Worcester. I think that it requires some database changes so that all of your prior posts will be updated. If I am not mistaken, I believe that several members have changed their names in the past for various reasons and when the "real name" rule became effective there were some members who made the change at that time. Officially, I am only supposed to be watching over the gallery postings.
I knew that your forum name was a handle, but figured that you might be in the witness protection program or some other good reason to go incognito.

Sure, send me a PM with the name you want it changed to and an email address to nifty you and I can do it easy.

 

[Gretch Flo]

This is my last post since it looks I have problems making myself understood. English is not my first language and perhaps this is the reason.
To the last post, although that was not my intended subject, I can say how many times do we have to see an hollow form?
Regards.

Sergio-I love your posts!!!!!!!!! Please do not stop!!!!!!!! The written word even to English scholars can be misinterpreted since they cannot see the "body Language "/facial expressions, vocal changes., etc. Do not get Pi..ed off. You have a lor to offer, and hopefully can get something from "us". Love yeh, Gretch

 

[Donna Banfield]

I agree with Gretch. I believe that to be truly informed we must expose ourselves to all thoughts and opinions. And yes, those with which we disagree. Please do not leave this forum. Your thoughts, opinions, knowledge, skills and experience are important to all of us.

 

[odie]

Sergio-I love your posts!!!!!!!!! Please do not stop!!!!!!!! The written word even to English scholars can be misinterpreted since they cannot see the "body Language "/facial expressions, vocal changes., etc. Do not get Pi..ed off. You have a lor to offer, and hopefully can get something from "us". Love yeh, Gretch

I agree with Gretch. I believe that to be truly informed we must expose ourselves to all thoughts and opinions. And yes, those with which we disagree. Please do not leave this forum. Your thoughts, opinions, knowledge, skills and experience are important to all of us.

Hold on there, ladies!

I think Sergio only meant he was through trying to explain himself in this thread.

 

[Breck Whitworth]

shows

I have learned by experience to only do high end art festivals/shows. I had very poor sales at craft shows but have been blessed wonderfully at the serious juried art shows. I try to do 2 a year. The art inspires me but my bowls sell. I just finished a large art show and sold out almost everything I had. My large salad bowls are my best sellers 14" to 16" diameter 4 to 5 " deep. The highest number of sales are my smaller bowls that usually go for between $45-80
my smaller cored bowls are great sellers at a low cost they run about 10" to 13" across about 2-1/2" to 3" deep. I don't do the pepper mills and other craft items I stay with bowls,platters, and a few lidded boxes. I have found that people who go to serious art shows go to buy something and when they see a beautiful useful bowl etc.. they many times see an art piece they can use. My bowls fall into two categories special occasion very decorative/Holiday bowls and the utility bowls meant to be used everyday. they both sell good although my everyday use bowls more so.

 

[odie]

I have learned by experience to only do high end art festivals/shows. I had very poor sales at craft shows but have been blessed wonderfully at the serious juried art shows. I try to do 2 a year. The art inspires me but my bowls sell. I just finished a large art show and sold out almost everything I had. My large salad bowls are my best sellers 14" to 16" diameter 4 to 5 " deep. The highest number of sales are my smaller bowls that usually go for between $45-80
my smaller cored bowls are great sellers at a low cost they run about 10" to 13" across about 2-1/2" to 3" deep. I don't do the pepper mills and other craft items I stay with bowls,platters, and a few lidded boxes. I have found that people who go to serious art shows go to buy something and when they see a beautiful useful bowl etc.. they many times see an art piece they can use. My bowls fall into two categories special occasion very decorative/Holiday bowls and the utility bowls meant to be used everyday. they both sell good although my everyday use bowls more so.

Breck.......

You've been calling yourself a "newbie" here, but this sounds like you are a bit more experienced than you credit yourself! I've always thought your work looked more advanced than what a newbie would produce! Some of your work definitely has the "wow" factor!

Kelly