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Super Woodturner Story!

Ruth Niles

Ruth Niles

Joined
Mar 13, 2005
Messages
231
Likes
1
Location
Newville, PA (south of Harrisburg)
Website
www.torne-lignum.com
Last weekend was the Turn On Chicago symposium, I would like to relate a wonderful story.

As everyone filed in to the banquet room, Richard, who is a new turner, just got his first lathe, was at the show alone so he sat at an empty table in the back figuring he'd be there by himself. David Ellsworth and Jack Vessery walked in and sat wtih Richard, introduced themselves (needlessly but politely). Then John Jordan and Vicki came and sat with them, followed by Pete and Shirley Kekel (Big Monk Lumber) and myself (not so famous). Then Bihn Pho comes and we get an extra chair for him.

David Ellsworth said, "I'd like you all to meet my new best friend, Richard."

Now Richard is a really a cool guy, polite and soft spoken. Every now and then he would take a sideward glance at David or Jack, John or Bihn and you just know inside his head he's thinking, "Good Lord, I'm really sitting with these great names!" I got a thrill just watching him and knowing how he felt.

THEN John Jordan wants a picture with all his "friends" so the guys all gather round Richard for a group shot. Vicki takes several shots with everyone's cameras including Richard's.

And here Richard figured he was going to sit alone for the banquet. How cool is that!

Just had to share this with you.

Ruth
 
Great story, and we also know it's true.

My story, the first symposium I go to, I'm sitting eating lunch, after sitting through a rotation by Alan Lacer on Skew work (big surprise). I'm joined by several people that have just finished (putting on) their rotations. One was a Production turner & one was a Specialty turner. They got to talking shop and about their rotations, they included me, even though they didn't know me from Adam.

I remarked I had decided, as a result of Alan's rotation to spend time had get better with a Skew, since frankly I was doing was getting scary catches. The Production Turner remarked he didn't use the Skew, as he had never really figured it out, the Specialty turner agreed. The Production Turner asked why I was going to spend the time to try to really learn the Skew, I pointed out that, as a hobbyest I had the time to burn to just master skills.

The real kicker was, they valued my opinion and why I wanted to learn new skills.

One of the great values of Turning is that we have a "culture" that values sharing and showing new ideas, techniques and skills. This allows us to build on each others knowledge base.

TTFN
Ralph
 
Story

Ruth,
Thanks for that great story! I can picture it easily. And also, thanks for the nice chat we had at Chicago. I really enjoyed the symposium, and was very impressed by all the top turners, including yourself!😀
 
Thanks, Ruth,

for a great story. I have found that the family instinct seems to run in all the woodturners and friends that I have met! No famous people, but a few very talented friends.
 
Ruth,
It just goes to show turning is a small & friendly world. I know he had to have had himself a fantastic time with those world famous turners & he was probably thinking wow what a great bunch or real people.

Chuck
 
Thank you Ruth. This is proof that, in turning at least, Big Hats don't necessarily have big heads, and the thought is comforting.
 
Cloud Nine

I know exactly how Richard felt. I was on cloud nine as I volunteered as a demo assistant. These "stars", these unbelievably talented and super turners actually are real down to earth folk and didn't seem to mind that I was drooling at their feet.

It is the true nature of an artist to be giving and open. That spirit is reflected both in their good nature and in their work.

Turners are just really schnazzy people! 😀
 
Another, minor encomium to add to that ...

Couple of years ago I acquired a Crown-made Ellsworth signature gouge. The instructions supplied weren't all that helpful and I emailed Crown in the UK with some caustic words about that.

Prob no more than two days later I got an email from the man himself with an excellent set of instructions and diagrams attached.

Yes, turners are generous and friendly in my experience.
 
Truffuls said:
I know exactly how Richard felt. I was on cloud nine as I volunteered as a demo assistant. These "stars", these unbelievably talented and super turners actually are real down to earth folk and didn't seem to mind that I was drooling at their feet.

It is the true nature of an artist to be giving and open. That spirit is reflected both in their good nature and in their work.

Turners are just really schnazzy people! 😀
Click to expand...

Right on, Truffuls....and one of the best was Rude Osolnik!
 
TOO COOL!
That sounds like a scene from a feel good movie (well told, I might add).
It's nice to know it happens, even if it's not to me.
As I said on another string, turners seem to be the most thoughtful and giving people when it comes to their art/craft, in my experience... Money is nice, but for turners it seems, it;s not ALL about the money.
We need to keep an eye on Richard, with best friends like he has garnered, he too could be destined for greatness.
 
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