Seems like a good many of the most talented turners by definition have to supplement their income by selling tools or teaching.
^^^^^ For those whose purpose is to make a living, this statement appears to be based in fact. ^^^^^
The truth of the matter is there is a continuing supply of new turners who buy tools, and seek instruction. They come and go on a regular basis, so there is a constant supply of new turners, generally older, and have money to spend on personal projects. If this were not the case, these "talented woodturners" Doug speaks of would have no market for their "uniquely designed" proprietary tools, or teaching new turners.
I just ran a search for "wood bowl" on Etsy, and came back with over 72,000 hits! You can see that the market is very saturated, and this is with mostly traditionally turned bowls....simple, but saleable to limited market of buyers who don't want to spend much money. Many of these turners are from foreign countries, where living expenses are much lower than it is here in the USA.....which makes it possible to seek a living selling inexpensive bowls. Traditionally turned bowls without the intricate hand done embellishments, are about the only way to make any kind of living doing this. This is because it does lend itself to a "production" type operation.....which, by the way, is less satisfying, although a greater financial return potential.
For most non-traditional turned bowls that involve finely crafted embellishments, the focus is predominantly on art, rather than making money. Because they have a greater "artistic" aspect, there is even less of a market for it. Many of these kind of turners don't care about, or want to make a living.....because they find their personal satisfaction in pursuing their "art". They also spend quite a bit of money, where there is no, or extremely limited financial returns. Regardless of that, they can find great personal satisfaction and recognition within the woodturning "community".
-o-
