Unfriendly Woodturner Story

[Harvey Mushman]

I attended the Boston Mills ArtFest in Ohio about a month ago. When entering the grounds, all of the award winners have their work on display as you pass through the lodge. One of the Awards of Distinction went to a turned vessel that was absolutely stunning. I won't say who the artist was.....I don't want to diss him in public!

It was a very hot afternoon, but felt comfortable while inside the large tents where most of the artists were displayed. A few rows of booths were outside in the direct sun. The folks that I was with went into this particular turner's booth and I stayed outside.....I don't want to talk shop with another artist possibly distracting him from a sale. (I'm always glad to answer question from other turners visiting my booth.....provided that they know when to leave me tend to business).

One of the people in my group called me in to look at a piece and I noticed a "sister" vessel to the award winner that I saw on the way in. I also immediately noticed that the booth was hotter than the hinges of you know what inside.

The artist was perched on a low director's chair looking into the booth, with a "who a hell are you?" look on his face.* I said "You have got to be roasting in here!" As if he couldn't care less, he curtly replied, "Yes".

I then saw the "sister" vessel, turned to him and said, "Your the guy that won the award". Again, just "Yes".

Now at this point, this guy hasn't gotten up off his bottom for a casual meet and great. He only sat there with his hawaiian shirt, looking through his mirrored sunglasses, abruptly uttering his one word answers.

When I first started doing art fairs, an old timer told me "everyone who enters your booth is a potential customer. This guy must have missed the memo.

The award winning vessel had a gorgeous finish on it. So, I asked him what kind of of finish he used. Again a very unfriendly 1 word answer..."Cyanoacrylate".

Finally, I've had enough of his rudeness and said...."Ya know, most people would just say superglue", then left.

Bottom line....This clown didn't know me from the man in the moon. I could have had a wad of $100 bills in my pocket big enough to choke a horse and in the market for some high end artwork. Would a little friendly banter have been too much to ask. I've done 15 years of festivals and would never blow off a potential customer without uttering as much as a complete sentence. We were the only people in his booth at the time and I just don't care for arrogant SOB's. I'm a pretty friendly guy and enjoy meeting other artists and art lovers. It was clear that this dufus wanted nothing to do with me or anyone with me for that matter.

....END OF RANT.....

BTW....Aside from the 2 gorgeous vessels, the rest of this guy's work was pretty average.

 

[n7bsn]

...and he probably wonders why he makes so few sales!!

 

[Harvey Mushman]

...and he probably wonders why he makes so few sales!!

You are probably right. When I attend a festival, I try to buy something to support my fellow artists. It maight be a belt buckle or a small painting....Anything to help the art fair economy out.

Some artists go to shows just to win the prize money. At some shows, the money can be huge. Although Boston Mills is a prime festival, the prize money is no where near say a Gasparilla or Coconut Grove.

 

[Ron Sardo]

Some people get cranky when they are stuck out in the heat like that.

It's just possible he was having a bad day.

 

[Ed Reiss]

Some people get cranky when they are stuck out in the heat like that.

It's just possible he was having a bad day.

We all certainly have our bad days, but from Harvey's description of the way this guy was acting it sounds like something more than a bad day.

Personally, back when I was doing shows, sales were of course important, but more than that was having fun meeting and talking with the people that came in the booth and showed an interest in my work...met some real nice folk that way over the years. You simply can't do that by sitting on your butt!

ps. I think the wife and I ran into this guy at Ann Arbor in May a year ago. Nice turnings, but he was really surly and just sat in the chair.

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Ed...I'll bet it is the same guy....50-ish?....salt and pepper 'stach?.....sat on his dumpy little a$$ with his back to the walkway?

I gotta tell you, this guy has bugged me since we crossed paths. If someone comes into my booth commenting about how hot it is, I quickly reply...""You are so right....Wouldn't have a beer on Ya?...Would Ya?" I'm not kidding! We have fun in my booth. And, I have to say, if you get the customers comfortable, you make a few more sales....besides it makes the day so much more enjoyable.....I guess cranky SOB's will always be cranky SOB's.

 

[Bill Grumbine]

Harvey, maybe he saw you picking your nose and was afraid he would have to shake hands with you if he was friendly! Like Ron says, everyone has bad days, but even on my worst days, when it comes to a show where attitude sells stuff, I put on a smile and grit my teeth all at the same time. People who are that surly need to get a job where they don't come in contact with the general public.

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Harvey, maybe he saw you picking your nose and was afraid he would have to shake hands with you if he was friendly! Like Ron says, everyone has bad days, but even on my worst days, when it comes to a show where attitude sells stuff, I put on a smile and grit my teeth all at the same time. People who are that surly need to get a job where they don't come in contact with the general public.

Bill....Impossible!...No way he saw me! I made sure to wipe the boog on his table cover as I walked in!!!!! His back was to me!

Seriously, I've made a few inquiries to some other artist friends of mine who have done shows with the turner in question. It seems that perception is reality.

 

[Truffuls]

There is always one

That guy would have peeved me too. It doesn't matter that I'm a turner, if I like your work I just may buy it. Ask William Holland! I'm the proud owner of one of his pieces and I never squawked at his price.

My guess is he's not a true artist. he's in it for the money only and doesn't put his heart and soul into his work. Those two really nice pieces were probably the only flukes he's ever made. The rest is boring, souless production stuff to make a buck.

I saw a gal at an art show once selling her turnings, she looked cold and business like and her pieces were all boring kits with no flair. I had no interest in her pepper mills, and apparently not too many other did either. Meanwhile my friend the bowl turner had his booth packed to the gills with people. He is a true artist and he puts his soul in his work and allows the spirit of the wood to have a roll in its final form.

 

[Mjonesrdg]

Your Expectations?

Whenever something or someone gets "under my skin", I've learned to look first at my own (un-met) expectations for the real source of my consternation.

I believe that we all have within us, an ample ration of love, and the "where and how" that love is expressed by individuals is as disparate as any thing in nature.

I think that many "arty types" are somewhat anti-social, lack good people skills, and express themselves best through the work of their hands. We get a "skewed" perception of the wood artist's personality type here on these forums, because of our willingness to share...and our understanding and appreciation...of our shared interests. We are socially inclined woodturners as evidenced by our posts here. Obviously though, not all wooturners are.

Now, hold all my calls. I'm going to the shop and don't want to be interrupted until the ball game starts...and... I don't want to be interrupted then either!

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Whenever something or someone gets "under my skin", I've learned to look first at my own (un-met) expectations for the real source of my consternation.

I believe that we all have within us, an ample ration of love, and the "where and how" that love is expressed by individuals is as disparate as any thing in nature.

I think that many "arty types" are somewhat anti-social, lack good people skills, and express themselves best through the work of their hands. We get a "skewed" perception of the wood artist's personality type here on these forums, because of our willingness to share...and our understanding and appreciation...of our shared interests. We are socially inclined woodturners as evidenced by our posts here. Obviously though, not all wooturners are.

Mjonesrdg......GEEZ! I'm not looking for a group hug with this guy! A simply "Hello" or "How ya doin'" would have sufficed. Besides, an art fair is no place for an anti-social, disassociated artist to be. Especially if he is looking to sell his art work.

At shows, I personally like to joke around with people. If someone is looking at high-end table or sculpture, I'll say something like..."Gimme a second and I'll get the dolly. I can have it to your car in a minute." ...or..."That table is you!"...... Damn! Ya gotta engage a potential customer and let them know you have a personality. Of course, you need to be able to read the public and set the burner on low when it is called for. Some folks don't care for the schtick!

On the other side, If a customer can make me feel like there is a 3 drink minimum in my own booth, I will extend them a nice discount for the entertainment!

 

[Steve Worcester]

...an art fair is no place for an anti-social, disassociated artist to be. Especially if he is looking to sell his art work.

Personally, I approach shows same as you, I payed my money, might as well have some fun. I went to a seminar on selling your work at shows and the basic assesment is there are some people that should not be selling thier own work, they are just not customer facing. Sure, he may have been having a bad day, but who doesn't. Be happy for those who are and understand that it is hot, or whatever. If people are carrying bags, they are buying. It is a good day for some and not for others. Like fishing, you will have your day.

 

[waltben]

Hot shows

July 18th through the 20th I demonstrated turning at Artscape in Baltimore. All three days had air temps of 96 degrees and my booth faced westward with show hours from noon to ten PM. I can guarantee you there were several hours each day that I couldn't handle doing anything with a lathe, and just sat with a fan blowing in my face until the sun dropped low enough to stop baking me. I probably wasn't the most friendly person around, but I tried my best to be as positive as I could (without passing out). I may have run into the person you talked about before, as I vaguely remember someone with 'tropical' attire who didn't like to talk to people at an indoor show somewhere. Heat can make a body pretty unfriendly, but if it's the same person I met, he was unfriendly in an air conditioned building as well.

 

[Ed Reiss]

Ed...I'll bet it is the same guy....50-ish?....salt and pepper 'stach?.....sat on his dumpy little a$$ with his back to the walkway?


Yea...that pretty much describes the guy or at least what I saw of his face.

I kinda feel sorry for him, probably doesn't have a lot of fun with life in general.

BTW...he probably had to burn that tablecloth!!!!!!

 

[Jred]

I've run into a few guys who have booths at different places who were less than friendly.
When I mentioned that I turn as well some seemed reticent to share any details about their work.
That is the type of person who fails at a business and believe it is the markets fault.
On the other hand I've never meet a more generous group of people in general than woodturners.

 

[George Guadiane]

Harvey, maybe he saw you picking your nose and was afraid he would have to shake hands with you if he was friendly! Like Ron says, everyone has bad days, but even on my worst days, when it comes to a show where attitude sells stuff, I put on a smile and grit my teeth all at the same time. People who are that surly need to get a job where they don't come in contact with the general public.

Bill....Impossible!...No way he saw me! I made sure to wipe the boog on his table cover as I walked in!!!!! His back was to me!

Seriously, I've made a few inquiries to some other artist friends of mine who have done shows with the turner in question. It seems that perception is reality.

Well, when he reads this he's gonna know it was you and send you a cleaning bill.:cool2:

 

[George Guadiane]

I've run into a few guys who have booths at different places who were less than friendly.
When I mentioned that I turn as well some seemed reticent to share any details about their work.
That is the type of person who fails at a business and believe it is the markets fault.
On the other hand I've never meet a more generous group of people in general than woodturners.

I share your view, COMPLETELY, it was one of the two things that drew me into woodturning as an avocation/sport, and with a sense of community I didn't even know I wanted till then.
The other thing was actually turning my first (only) pen successfully, on the first try... I thought that turning would be more difficult (LOL)... It IS!

 

[Jred]

My first foray was a pen at Totally Turning in Albany. I went up with Matt Clarke and found it to be more enjoyable than I ever expected it to be. My previous impressions were of Norm Abrams turning table legs and such. Although Norm ignited a woodworking spark in me he doesn't make turning look like alot of fun.

 

[George Guadiane]

My first foray was a pen at Totally Turning in Albany. I went up with Matt Clarke and found it to be more enjoyable than I ever expected it to be. My previous impressions were of Norm Abrams turning table legs and such. Although Norm ignited a woodworking spark in me he doesn't make turning look like alot of fun.

I turned MY first pen at the first Totally Turning, then went and watched Binh Pho turn a thin vessel... I was in heaven, and have attended, sold wood at and/or demonstrated at every one since. Matt is EXPERT at demonstrating, I'm sure you learned a lot.
I'm sorry that we won't be having one this October, it should be rescheduled in concert with the NWA (Northeast Woodworkers Association) Showcase in March (I think).

 

[John Jordan]

This is way off topic, but do you ride motorcycles Harvey? I used to race with "Harvey Mushman" a long time ago.

John

 

[MichaelMouse]

Personally, I approach shows same as you, I payed my money, might as well have some fun. I went to a seminar on selling your work at shows and the basic assesment is there are some people that should not be selling thier own work, they are just not customer facing. Sure, he may have been having a bad day, but who doesn't. Be happy for those who are and understand that it is hot, or whatever. If people are carrying bags, they are buying. It is a good day for some and not for others. Like fishing, you will have your day.

I take SWMBO or SWMBette to shows. Allows me to swap lies with the woodturners and other 3-D types while somebody takes care of the bagging and change. SWMBO is real good with the public. She talked the pants off of me, after all. Depending on how we do on a given day, I do buy dinner. Sometimes it's Red Lobster, sometimes its Long John Silver's. SWMBette is cheaper than SWMBO, because she usually gets a couple pieces of jewelry (swaps, even!) as her treat, while SWMBO makes out the taxes and deposits the money where I never see it again.

 

[Harvey Mushman]

This is way off topic, but do you ride motorcycles Harvey? I used to race with "Harvey Mushman" a long time ago.

John

Yep! About a hundred years ago in SoCal. Motocross. Before mono-shocks. My butt is still sore.

There were many Harvey Mushmans racing in the early 70's. Did you ever see the Bruce Brown film "On Any Sunday". Well, in the documentary, Steve McQueen would race under this name so his fans wouldn't make things nuts for him at the race and also in an attempt to throw off the movie studio execs, who were not thrilled with his weekend antics. So, after the movie was released, there were dozens and dozens of Harvey Mushmans racing dirt bikes.

 

[john lucas]

Harvey I was racing back around 71 in Maryland. I also tried trial riding and enduro's. I marvel at how the new bikes can handle all of this stuff so much better. We thought we were hot stuff to jump a ditch the width of a car and we were lucky to get the front wheel over a log 2 feet in the air. Now they jump the bike over that stuff.

 

[John Jordan]

Yep! About a hundred years ago in SoCal. Motocross. Before mono-shocks. My butt is still sore.

There were many Harvey Mushmans racing in the early 70's. Did you ever see the Bruce Brown film "On Any Sunday". Well, in the documentary, Steve McQueen would race under this name so his fans wouldn't make things nuts for him at the race and also in an attempt to throw off the movie studio execs, who were not thrilled with his weekend antics. So, after the movie was released, there were dozens and dozens of Harvey Mushmans racing dirt bikes.

I was talking about Steve McQueen. I raced at Indian Dunes (CZ's and Puchs) most Sundays, and he was always there with the kids racing minibikes-the kind with Briggs & Stratton motors. He was always one of the regular guys. The MX track was fairly open and sometimes he would just slip in at the back of the pack and race along for a few laps. He was often there during the week riding his Husky-I would play hooky from work and go out and practice sometimes.

John

 

[Harvey Mushman]

I was talking about Steve McQueen. I raced at Indian Dunes (CZ's and Puchs) most Sundays, and he was always there with the kids racing minibikes-the kind with Briggs & Stratton motors. He was always one of the regular guys. The MX track was fairly open and sometimes he would just slip in at the back of the pack and race along for a few laps. He was often there during the week riding his Husky-I would play hooky from work and go out and practice sometimes.

John

That sounds like it was great fun. Steve McQ was one guy that I would have loved to have met......WOW!!! CZ's and Puch's. I was a Husky guy myself. Man, I miss that stuff. There was nothing like taking a brand new machine and making it scrap metal by the end of the day. Then remembering the next day that the bike wasn't the only thing to get trashed.

Its been almost 20 years since I did any serious riding. The last racing that I was involved in was the Blackwater 100 cross country event in West Virginia in about 1984. I gotta tell you that was one tough 100 miles. Desert racing is one thing, but 100 miles in mud up to your ears is another. An old friend of mine was the national cross country champion 6 times. The last bike I had was one that he won his last overall with. The factory 1989 Yamaha wasn't overly tricked out, but he added a weighted flywheel, tweeked suspension and set the bike up to perfection.

AHHH!!! The good old days! John, it sounds like you have some great memories of one of the "coolest" guys ever!!!!!!!

BTW.....Did you ever get over to Loretta Lynn's in Hurricane Mills to watch the National Amateur MX? I don't even know if they still have it there or not. Its been that long!!!

 

[Jred]

I turned MY first pen at the first Totally Turning, then went and watched Binh Pho turn a thin vessel... I was in heaven, and have attended, sold wood at and/or demonstrated at every one since. Matt is EXPERT at demonstrating, I'm sure you learned a lot.
I'm sorry that we won't be having one this October, it should be rescheduled in concert with the NWA (Northeast Woodworkers Association) Showcase in March (I think).

I'm bummed they won't have it this year. I missed it last year and had hoped to never miss one. Are you a member of Kaatskill group? I've known Matt a long time now. We have been diving together for a bunch of years but when he got into the turning I think his interest in diving slid backwards a bit.

 

[Matthew Clarke]

I'm bummed they won't have it this year. I missed it last year and had hoped to never miss one. Are you a member of Kaatskill group? I've known Matt a long time now. We have been diving together for a bunch of years but when he got into the turning I think his interest in diving slid backwards a bit.

Hi John,
George is a member of the Adirondack Woodturners and does some fabulous work making hollow forms and vases from staves. Not only that, he is one of the friendliest and knowledgeable woodturners you could ever meet! He did a demo for us at a meeting of the Kaatskill Woodturners and was a really big hit. As for scuba diving, you are right that I have had do slow it down since the heart attack. As you know, I was also a scuba instructor. Since I know that the medical research is sparse regarding the interaction of the medications I take and the ambient pressures that I like to dive at, the most prudent course is to reduce the diving. I don't want to become a diving casualty. BUT, I have this great stuff called woodturning to fill the void. And, fill it, it does(both time and $$)!

I turned MY first pen at the first Totally Turning, then went and watched Binh Pho turn a thin vessel... I was in heaven, and have attended, sold wood at and/or demonstrated at every one since. Matt is EXPERT at demonstrating, I'm sure you learned a lot.
I'm sorry that we won't be having one this October, it should be rescheduled in concert with the NWA (Northeast Woodworkers Association) Showcase in March (I think).

George,

Thanks for the kind words. As for Totally Turning, it WILL be held in conjunction with the NWA Showcase on March 28 and 29. So far, we have received commitments to participate from Rolly Munro, Jimmy Clewes and Michael Mocho. Since the attendees to Totally Turning will also be admitted to the Showcase, you will also be able to attend demonstrations by Molly Winton. As for local talent, we also have commitments from David Belser (New Hampshire) and Carl Ford (Poughkeepsie, NY). Check out the website at www.totallyturning.com for more details.

Matt

 

[George Guadiane]

Hi John,
George is a member of the Adirondack Woodturners and does some fabulous work making hollow forms and vases from staves. Not only that, he is one of the friendliest and knowledgeable woodturners you could ever meet! He did a demo for us at a meeting of the Kaatskill Woodturners and was a really big hit. As for scuba diving, you are right that I have had do slow it down since the heart attack. As you know, I was also a scuba instructor. Since I know that the medical research is sparse regarding the interaction of the medications I take and the ambient pressures that I like to dive at, the most prudent course is to reduce the diving. I don't want to become a diving casualty. BUT, I have this great stuff called woodturning to fill the void. And, fill it, it does(both time and $$)!



George,

Thanks for the kind words. As for Totally Turning, it WILL be held in conjunction with the NWA Showcase on March 28 and 29. So far, we have received commitments to participate from Rolly Munro, Jimmy Clewes and Michael Mocho. Since the attendees to Totally Turning will also be admitted to the Showcase, you will also be able to attend demonstrations by Molly Winton. As for local talent, we also have commitments from David Belser (New Hampshire) and Carl Ford (Poughkeepsie, NY). Check out the website at www.totallyturning.com for more details.

Matt

Matt,
Thanks for YOUR kind words (and generous representation of my "talents/skills"). I AM pretty friendly though
And thanks for the link!
I'm glad to hear that the new format is locked in, and I hope it is a smashing success. I'll almost certainly sell tuning wood at the symposium.
In looking at the new website, I was a little miffed!!! There is a group picture on the stage - I'm NOT IN IT, but my stepson IS. He's sitting there, head down, doing homework. OK, not miffed really, just amused that he (who can hardly turn around) get's to be on the site but I don't sound like sour grapes??? (it is).
I'll be at the AWA meeting tonight, and hope to get information about the show there.

 

[Jred]

Anyone know this guy? This is a better avatar I think.

 

[Matthew Clarke]

I think that is Joe Kennedy!

 

[pjalau]

Back to the original discussion - the guy being rude.

I was taught a piece of wisdom a while ago that stories like this remind me of its accuracy. It's a simple thought - be professional, unless you don't want to be, then don't expect to get treated like one, or get paid like one.

A professional is simply defined as someone who can do their job, under any conditions, with a degree of skill, and can work with whatever uncontrollable elements are around. In short - any numbskull can get lucky and sink a 3 point shot. A professional does it on cue, under pressure, slightly under the weather, possibly bruised knee, after getting in an argument with his wife that morning.

It may have been hot, he may have been in an accident on the way there, he may have been sick - a professional would excuse himself if he's knowingly being rude, and try to be as personable as possible.

So the math is simple - this guy was an amateur and has much to learn - about people. Option 2 - he could hire a professional to represent his work for him, as many artists do.

my 2 cents.

-P

 

[KurtB]

Unfriendly

Well said, P.

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Back to the original discussion - the guy being rude.

I was taught a piece of wisdom a while ago that stories like this remind me of its accuracy. It's a simple thought - be professional, unless you don't want to be, then don't expect to get treated like one, or get paid like one.

A professional is simply defined as someone who can do their job, under any conditions, with a degree of skill, and can work with whatever uncontrollable elements are around. In short - any numbskull can get lucky and sink a 3 point shot. A professional does it on cue, under pressure, slightly under the weather, possibly bruised knee, after getting in an argument with his wife that morning.

It may have been hot, he may have been in an accident on the way there, he may have been sick - a professional would excuse himself if he's knowingly being rude, and try to be as personable as possible.

So the math is simple - this guy was an amateur and has much to learn - about people. Option 2 - he could hire a professional to represent his work for him, as many artists do.

my 2 cents.

-P

Thank you for the insight. And.....Thank you for rescuing this hijacked thread. It is one thing for a member to ask an off topic question to the OP, and quite another for a member to initiate a discussion so blatantly Off-Topic....That IS rude.

H.

 

[Ed_McDonnell]

Harvey - That's a pretty unfriendly post. Maybe we need an "unfriendly forum poster story" thread.

Anyway, now that we have been brought back to the original topic, the flood of insightful and educational posts that were held back by the dam of off topic posting can burst forth and bathe us all in a tidal wave of enlightenment.

Ed

 

[Harvey Mushman]

Harvey - That's a pretty unfriendly post. Maybe we need an "unfriendly forum poster story" thread.

Anyway, now that we have been brought back to the original topic, the flood of insightful and educational posts that were held back by the dam of off topic posting can burst forth and bathe us all in a tidal wave of enlightenment.

Ed

For the record, I'm not trying to sell anything here as if I were at an art fair and the post was hijacked. As the OP, I think I'm entitled to voice my opinion over what became of my topic. 'Nuff said.

 

[Ed_McDonnell]

For the record, I'm not trying to sell anything here as if I were at an art fair and the post was hijacked. As the OP, I think I'm entitled to voice my opinion over what became of my topic. 'Nuff said.

HMMMmmmmmm..... Now I'm wodering about your initial report of the unfriendly woodturner. We only have your side of the story and we don't actually know how things went down and what may have triggered the "unfriendly" response you supposedly observed.

It woudl be interesting to hear the other woodturner's side of the story.

Ed

 

[Harvey Mushman]

HMMMmmmmmm..... Now I'm wodering about your initial report of the unfriendly woodturner. We only have your side of the story and we don't actually know how things went down and what may have triggered the "unfriendly" response you supposedly observed.

It woudl be interesting to hear the other woodturner's side of the story.

Ed

I think that there is enough evidence presented from other members within the pages of this thread that support my story. If you are as cynical as you appear, I'll PM the name of this turner at Boston Mills to you and anyone else that that would like to confirm the validity of the story.

It is obvious that for whatever reason, you have a beef with me. Minus the flowery prose of your previous message, I think that you are trying to make this personal.

 

[Ed_McDonnell]

I think that there is enough evidence presented from other members within the pages of this thread that support my story. If you are as cynical as you appear, I'll PM the name of this turner at Boston Mills to you and anyone else that that would like to confirm the validity of the story.

It is obvious that for whatever reason, you have a beef with me. Minus the flowery prose of your previous message, I think that you are trying to make this personal.

I can only imagine what your response would be if you knew that I remained sitting down the whole time I typed my responses!!!! (In the interest of fair disclosure, I've even got my sunglasses on for this post!!!!!).

I'm a real friendly guy. Consider this a personal invitation to come visit me at my studio / shop / garage / home anytime. I'll bet we would end up being friends. But if I look at you the wrong way or belch at an inappropriate moment then you will be able to report back to the forum with all the shocking details about how unfriendly at least one South Florida woodturner is. You might even be able to get a few other forum members to join the lynch mob with supporting evidence of past, present or future unfriendly behavior.

Ed

 

[Gordon Seto]

Boston Mills is close to me, but I have never been to the show. I don't know the turner who you are referring to.
We are just assuming he actively wanted to sell his turnings, may be he was not.
May be he was making too much money in his other job that he didn't want to be kicked up to the higher tax bracket.
May be he just needed to participate in the shows to justify the tax write off for his toys as "qualified hobby".
May be he was struggling whether to sell or "NSF".
May be he believed his work would appreciate in value; he wanted to leave them to his heir.

Mark Sfirri told a real story. He helped Del Stubbs clean up his turning stuff. He saw a bowl with a number "25" on the bottom; he asked Del whether that was a serial number. Del told him that was a bowl that he didn't sell, "25" was the asking price. That $25 bowl may worth 100 times at an auction.

He is not providing a public necessity service or item. He was passively minding his business. We don't have to interact with him. Move on.

 

[John King]

The Closer

In my opinion, we are waaay past productive discussion on this topic and it's time to close this thread. Let's move on to more productive exchange if ideas and information. Perhaps the Forum Moderator can put an end to this thread. I hope so. - John