Beautiful Aspen Burl Bowl (25WS6)

This bowl was turned from an aspen burl that came from the Hovland, Minnesota, area. The burl was purchased from local loggers. An image of the trimmed burl (secured to the lathe) is shown. Aspen burls are very rare, and I am lucky to get a few each year. The burl has jagged and knobby bark which accounts for the irregular bark edge of the bowl. Aspen burls are always difficult to turn due to decay and separation of grain lines. These grain lines need frequent stabilization during turning. The burl also had a few small areas of decay, especially near the bark. These areas were stabilized and sealed with cyanoacrylate resin and dark wood dust. The wood has stunning grain figuring that includes wavy banded grain lines with tight swirls, golden to brown-red colors, and contrasting light areas. This is called Lake Superior banded agate figuring and is among the best burl figuring in the world. There is also flame/curl figuring (chatoyance) in many areas of the bowl. The jagged bark edge completes this unusual bowl. The shape of the bowl evolved from the shape of the burl, and my desire to bring out the beauty of the wood and maintain a complete bark edge. The bowl was turned from fresh cut burl wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several months, and sanded to 400 grit. Bowls turned from green wood always warp a little during drying. This gives distortions that add natural charm to a bowl. I re-turn the bottom of green turned bowls to make sure they sit nicely. The bowl was sealed with two coats of pure tung oil (Real Milk Paint Co.) hand sanded after each. This finish is considered food safe, although the bowl is best suited for artistic display. Aspen burl is rare and very difficult to turn. Very few wood turners work with aspen burl. It is my favorite wood to turn because it is always unusually beautiful.

 

 

 

All my bowls are can be returned for a full refund if you are unsatisfied for any reason within 60 days. You must only pay the return shipping.

All of my bowls come with a laminated card with images of the bowl and burl, a complete description of the bowl and making process, and the artist's bio on the back side. There is no price on the card so it can be used if the bowl is given as a gift.