Why I Do Segmented Turning

During a trip to San Antonio, Texas in 1991 I saw several beautiful segmented turned pieces and immediately decided that I wanted to learn how to make that type of turning. I don't even know who made them, but they were very good. I decided I didn't want to do the more conventional segmented turnings like the outstanding work of Ray Allen, but wanted to develop my own style.

I like the Indian baskets of the Southwest and have tried to incorporate some of that influence in my work. The result is what I call "Basket Bowls" that are turned bowls suggesting Indian baskets. The technique is really like mosaic tile work and involves a lot of design work before any construction and turning can take place.

My background is in design engineering and I worked at McDonnell Douglas for 34 years before retiring in 1992. I love the challenge of solving design problems and developing the method to make the basket bowls was a fun challenge. I have expanded the early work from bowls to include vessels and pieces I call "Reversible Hollow Forms." Reversible Hollow Forms are designed to be open on both ends and look good when displayed with either end up.