Turning of the Week for December 9th, 2024

[Tom Gall]

My choice for TOTW for December 9, 2024 is “Basket Illusion” by Mark Fairchild.

With a lot of very fine work being posted lately I narrowed down my choices to six, including some seasonal items that would have been appropriate for December. But, I kept returning to Mark’s piece.

I don’t have the patience to do this kind of work but admire those that do. Mark’s piece has an interesting pattern, subtle and complementary colors, nice rim treatment, is quite large, and….. the underside is identical – wow!!!

I’m pleased to choose Mark’s piece for his first TOTW. Well done, sir!

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Congratulations Mark! That is a beautiful piece and color scheme!

 

[DON FRANK]

I missed that one. What a gorgeous pic! Congrats!

 

[Donna Banfield]

Great choice, Tom. I too admire those makers of this genre, and Mark's use of subtle, muted colors gives the impression that it could be a real woven basket, that saw years of regular use. Congratulations, Mark.

 

[Lou Currier]

Those baskets of illusion turners have the patience of a saint! Very nice piece.

 

[Betty Simnitt]

Well done! Love the colors….

 

[Mark Fairchild]

Thank you very much Tom! What a shock to wake up to this morning. To have this honor with so many other pieces that are just as or more deserving is very humbling for this child. Thanks to all for the kind comments. They are much appreciated!
This forum is a great place to learn and improve your skills in whatever turning discipline you choose.

 

[Gregg Miller]

Great job! You've become another inspiration to work towards.

 

[Mark Fairchild]

Great job! You've become another inspiration to work towards.

Thank you Gregg. That’s some high company you put me in! Much appreciated.

 

[Tom Gall]

Thank you very much Tom! What a shock to wake up to this morning. To have this honor with so many other pieces that are just as or more deserving is very humbling for this child. Thanks to all for the kind comments. They are much appreciated!
This forum is a great place to learn and improve your skills in whatever turning discipline you choose.

A well deserved TOTW, Mark. Keep up the good work, and I'm sure there will be more in the future.

 

[Alan Spears]

My choice for TOTW for December 9, 2024 is “Basket Illusion” by Mark Fairchild.

With a lot of very fine work being posted lately I narrowed down my choices to six, including some seasonal items that would have been appropriate for December. But, I kept returning to Mark’s piece.

I don’t have the patience to do this kind of work but admire those that do. Mark’s piece has an interesting pattern, subtle and complementary colors, nice rim treatment, is quite large, and….. the underside is identical – wow!!!

I’m pleased to choose Mark’s piece for his first TOTW. Well done, sir!

View attachment 69720

Absolutly stunning. I really like the additional radial line - really highlights them and the Rim is very unique. I just started doing BW this summer and I appricate the work you put into this . Congratulations!

 

[Mark Fairchild]

Absolutly stunning. I really like the additional radial line - really highlights them and the Rim is very unique. I just started doing BW this summer and I appricate the work you put into this . Congratulations!

Thank you Sir! It has become a passion. This one tried my dedication. A lot of area to cover and sooo much time with the bead burning tip!

 

[William Rogers]

Well deserved Mark. Great work on the shading and pattern. I somehow missed this also. A well done piece.

 

[Jim Grieco]

Congrats and well done! I love the rim - alternating colors and burning really gives an authentic look like parts were wrapped. Your size changes on the body and how you burned it really breaks it up in a nice way.
A lot of thought was put into this!

 

[David Wyke]

Congratulations Mark, that’s a great looking piece!