Turning of the Week for July 22, 2024

[Donna Banfield]

Mark Hancock may be unknown, or new to many on this forum. But he has been turning for a long time. Far longer than I. And the skill needed to create this piece, Memories of Philadelphia are only acquired after thousands of hours at the lathe. Mark posted to this forum, four works of art on July 10, 2024, and each one is an example of superior skill and technique. I could only choose one. Mark Hancock’s "Memories of Philadelphia" won Turning of the Week for July 22, 2024. Mark, we are all the better for your contributions to the woodturning community and this forum.

 

[Darryl Fective]

🤔

Impressive work, quite a piece!

 

[Isaac Litster]

In the modern world, it is hard to set yourself apart as nearly everything has already been done, but this is an exception, the delicacy of a thin-necked goblet, but also a carved goblet, and the final touch that puts your mind in a spin is the captive ring? I see a vase, I understand how it was done, I see a bowl, I understand how it was done (probably), but this combination of features is nothing short of a masterpiece.

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Wow! Stunning piece. I don't think I've seen one quite this unique. Congrats @Mark Hancock

 

[John Vaeth]

Mark, I agree with Donna. This was a great choice for TOTW but your three other pieces are equally brilliant (I particularly loved “Spiral”). You are a master at your craft!

 

[Tim Hunter]

Zoomin in, it looks like there is a joint at the base (the grain doesn’t run continuously from stem to base). This makes me thing it’s a four-piece turning. Maybe just the result of poor photo resolution.

 

[Scott Davidson]

In the modern world, it is hard to set yourself apart as nearly everything has already been done, but this is an exception, the delicacy of a thin-necked goblet, but also a carved goblet, and the final touch that puts your mind in a spin is the captive ring? I see a vase, I understand how it was done, I see a bowl, I understand how it was done (probably), but this combination of features is nothing short of a masterpiece.

You capture so well what makes this piece extraordinary (to say the least)! I find myself zooming in and out, trying to figure out how this is done (where are there seams, etc...) It is spectacular that, even for those of us who have been turning for a long time, it yields a tremendous sense of mystery and inspiration. Finally, when a piece requires such tremendous skill to bring about an end result in composition and execution that appears simple/elegant, it is the mark of a truly amazing artist!!

 

[Mark Hancock]

Thank you for all the kind words and in particular Donna for choosing the piece. I really appreciate y'all taking the time to comment.

 

[Mark Hancock]

Zoomin in, it looks like there is a joint at the base (the grain doesn’t run continuously from stem to base). This makes me thing it’s a four-piece turning. Maybe just the result of poor photo resolution.

Tim
It's turned as one piece from Mulberry. No joints anywhere.

 

[Darryl Fective]

I don't see any kind of joint. Awesome work!

 

[Yuri Grapov]

Excellent choice

 

[Michael Anderson]

Nice choice Donna. Mark’s work is brilliant, and it’s a treat to see him on the forum. Inspiration—congrats on the feature, sir!

 

[David Wyke]

Excellent choice!!