Spalted Cypress Vase

Nice vase David. Yes it is surprising how fast some woods will rot. Hackberry seems to spalt within a month here in Texas. In fact I don't think I've ever turned any of it fast enough to avoid at least some spalt.

Thanks Jeff. I appreciate any harder thoughts and critiques you have on these pieces by the way. Shape, choice of wood, composition, etc. I am totally new to this and have been really stretching on these first turnings both in terms of my turning skills and also my eye for shape and form. Afraid I am working in a kind of isolation. I have artists all around me here in Volcano working in all kinds of media, and turners all over the Big Island, but I am gone so much I never get to see these folks, let alone know them. You folks are my best source of criticism at this point. Fire away!!! I need the feedback.

For example, on this vase, It seems like the base may be a bit wide in relationship to the top (started out with a wider top and a taller form, but a long delay in the turning process allowed some cracks to form in the rim and the base and I had to shorten it and pare the rim width some to recover.) Seems like the location of the pith and the spalting pattern saved me though. The spalting was a lucky accident. Reminds me of sunset here in Hawaii. My wife grabbed it right away and said "Mine!" which was quite gratifying!!

Thanks again!!!