This has been a virtually intolerable July here in the desert. We've broken so many heat records here that it's downright scary. I even bought umbrellas for the plants in my garden, although it has barely made a difference. Everything is fried, and everyone I know is looking forward to autumn.
So I escaped to the cool confines of the library last week, to check out the Las Vegas WoodTurners show. This group really has their act together for exhibiting their work. I have no idea who is in charge of organizing this, but they have all my respect. Getting a show in the library is a daunting task, with a ridiculous amount paperwork and minutia required.
The galley is fairly small, but the work was spot on. Lupe's goblet with captive rings is a simple but difficult to achieve triumph over Maple.
And Kevin Manning's "Groot" bowl had a shape that really captured my attention.
But the segmented pieces in the show were truly the stars. Bryan Thompson's segmented bowl and vase were simply mind-boggling, with hundreds of pieces in each piece. I could have stared at this piece for hours!
This Southwest vase was simply masterful.
Not quite as complicated, but every bit as much well crafted was Lupe's bowl.
But some of the truly elevated work on display was Christian Brisepierre's work. It never fails to rise to the descriptor of perfection. This Monkeypox platter,
and the small oval box next to it was superb! (How do you turn an oval?!)
This "basket illusion" maple bowl were truly on a level that most turners will never achieve. His work is simply amazing, and he offers classes here in town.
We have some true masters here in LV, offering classes in a variety of mediums - so even though people think we're in the middle of an artistic desert, it's not true.
Interested in wood? Clay? Stone carving? It's all here.
Meanwhile, back in my studio, I've been turning on a completely different level - utility work. It's not pretty, but it pays the bills. These juggling spools are headed to a customer who juggles them for a living.
Only in Vegas!
1 comment:
"juggles them for a living. Only in Vegas!"
Or Cambridge. I got through grad school juggling for a living on the street, and I was not alone.
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