Stunning Shallow Aspen Burl Bowl (23SF33)

This low-profile bowl was turned from an aspen burl that came from Hovland, Minnesota, near the shore of Lake Superior. The burl was purchased from local loggers. An image of the trimmed burl (attached to my lathe) is shown. Aspen burls are very rare. I have seldom seen one in a living tree! The loggers tell me they see one burl in 1000 trees. Most years I only get several aspen burls. This burl had the typical jagged and knobby bark which accounts for the irregular and beautiful bark edge of the bowl. The outer shape of the bowl shows the actual outer shape of the burl. Aspen burls are always difficult to turn due to decay and separation of many of the grain lines. These grain lines need frequent stabilization during turning. This burl also had soft decayed areas, bark inclusions, and a character adding hole. These were stabilized with CA resin and dark wood powder. The wood has stunning grain figuring that includes wavy grain lines, tight banded swirls, golden to brown-red colors, and many feathers of flame/curl figuring (chatoyance). I call this Lake Superior banded agate figuring since it looks a lot like our local banded agates. This figuring is special and very unusual in wood. A jagged bark edge frames this unusual shallow bowl. The burl was not very deep, so the shape was chosen to best show the grain figuring. The bowl was turned from green 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 remove warping to make sure they sit nicely. The bowl was sealed with two coats of tung oil, hand sanded after each coat, and finished with a buffed thin coat of beeswax and walnut oil. 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 (and I like a challenge). This bowl is a gem, and its low profile nicely shows the beautiful grain figuring.

 

 

 

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.