Dick Bemis - GUEST ARTIST - STUDIO #9

Woodturning pulls you in so hard, so fast, and so deep that turners jokingly refer to their art as entering the vortex. Once drawn in there is no way out, and no turning back. More tools, more wood, and more lathe time are in constant demand. I found this out firsthand, and like most that begin by casually investigating the craft, I became hooked. Now I turn any chance I get and have discovered woodturning to be a most addictive and rewarding pastime. Nearing the end of a 35-year career as a middle school teacher inWisconsin, I began searching for a possible hobby to take me into retirement. I have always enjoyed working with wood, but really didn’t havemuch knowledge or equipment. I was fortunate to live near a master turner who took me under his wing, and like most in the woodturning fraternity he was more than willing to share his love and vast knowledge of turning with me. Once bitten by the turning bug, I jumped in with both feet, built a shop,outfitted it, joined the Wisconsin Woodturners and the American Association of Woodturners, and the rest is history.

Since then, I have logged thousands of hours over my lathe, developingand refining my craft. There is something deeply satisfying about turning araw block of wood into a beautiful finished work, and I relish the peacefulbalance that woodturning has brought into my life. I strive to make eachpiece that comes off my lathe, my best work yet, and take great pains to insure that my turnings have a form and function that is not diminished by poor craftsmanship. The true beauty is hidden in the wood, and it is my quest to discover it, and share it with you.

Artist Statement

There is something uniquely satisfying about uncovering nature’s beautyhidden within a raw piece of wood. Through my turnings, I hope to sharethis experience with you. I strive to make each piece coming off my lathemy best work yet, and take great pains to insure that my turnings do justiceto the unique burl that nature has created. The true beauty is hidden in thewood and it is my quest to discover it and share it with you. For me, turning a burl is like unwrapping a gift. Revealing the charm hidden within is alwaysa special surprise.

Email: Facebook@bowldogwoodturningLLC