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Tree, Capenoch, Dumfriesshire
Photograph © 1996 by Andy Goldsworthy, from his book: Wood
This page serves as an often-updated catch-all for information about many of the peoples, places and resources that I've found useful on my journey as a wood-turner and artist. Included here are links to fellow artisans, wood-turning associations, fine art galleries and craftsmen's guilds, suppliers of turning equipment, supplies and tools as well as references to books and articles pertaining to all things related.
I'll also be listing here galleries that showcase my work - upcoming exhibits, shows and demonstrations - and classes that I offer. Please check back often to see what's new and don't hesitate to contact me if you have a resource or wood-turning event that you feel should be included!
Mahalo,
Quick Index for this Page:
- Wood-Turning Resources & Links:
- Additional News & Information:
For upcoming events check out our new website at http://turningsbyedric.com
Woodturning Organizations and Associations:
- The American Association of Woodturners: The AAW is an international, nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of woodturning. Their mission is to provide education, information, and organization to those interested in turning wood. They publish American Woodturner- the most informative, and widely read woodturning publication in the world (every issue is packed with a wide array of articles focusing on everything from basic woodturning techniques and special projects, to innovative design ideas). Local AAW Chapters - an extensive network of 196 chapters across North America - offer monthly meetings, woodturning demonstrations, and a community of woodturning friends with lots of experience and free advice.
The AAW also provides its members with Educational Opportunity Grants - up to $1,000 - to expand your woodturning knowledge and improve your skills. Dozens of grants have been awarded for special courses with professional woodturning instructors and established craft schools.
- The Association of Woodturners of Great Britain: AWGB is an international non-profit making organisation dedicated to the advancement and promotion of woodturning. It consists of individual members and affiliated local Branches throughout the country. It exists to provide education, information and organisation to those interested in woodturning. Members include hobbyists, professionals, gallery owners, collectors of wood and tool suppliers.
The Association of Woodturners of Great Britain was formed in August 1987. It has an elected committee of both amateur and professional turners. It is organised at national level by an elected executive committee and at Branch level by local members.Fine Art Galleries & Artists' Guilds:
- Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh: The mission of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh is to promote fine crafts in the western Pennsylvania region. The Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization, sponsors exhibitions, workshops, social events and scholarships. The Guild also sponsors "A Fair in the Park", held annually the weekend after Labor Day.
The Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh, which has about 150 members, along with other local guilds, is a member guild of the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside. Many of our members are on the faculty of the Center for the Arts school.
Craftsmen's Guild members work in a wide variety of media, including clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, stone, wood and mixed media. They produce both functional and nonfunctional work with an emphasis on artistic expression.
The Guild provides networking opportunities for artists and members often reach out to one another in a consultation or mentoring service.
- Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts: The Council's purpose is to enhance and encourage the cultural education of the public through the exhibition and promotion of the work of area artists. In addition, the Council will continue to strive to develop interactive educational programs and workshops for students of all ages and the community at large in order to further promote the visual arts.
One of Edric's newer creations was displayed at The Council's 8th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, hosted by the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. This exhibit ran from December 6th, 2003 through February 8th, 2004.
- South Hills Art League: A strong and vibrant juried art league of more than one hundred artists working in an amazing variety of media and with diverse backgrounds. Originated in 1955 to promote, educate and provide membership artists opportunities to exhibit their work while broadening their artistic foundation.
- Grey-Bruce Woodturners Guild: This excellent site from Canada focuses on sharing the art & craft of woodturning. In addition to local events, membership and newsletter pages, this site also features a members gallery, a very informative "tips & jigs" section, educational links, links to other turners, galleries, suppliers, and a "classified" section where you can find some very good deals on unusual items. The Guild is based in Kincardine, Ontario (Grey-Bruce County), but is worthy of International recognition.
- Planet Art Gallery: Planet Art Gallery features Southwestern Pennsylvania artists in a variety of media: paintings, glass, wood, paper, jewelry, fiber and the written word. Located at 632 Washington Road in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 412-343-3808.
Woodturning Tools & Supplies:
- Packard Woodworks: This North Carolina company specializes in selling woodturning tools and supplies nationwide through their 72-page catalog. They carry an extensive inventory of products that meet the special needs of woodturners. These include: adhesives, books & videos, finishing supplies, health & safety equipment, lathes & lathe accessories, measuring and marking devices, project supplies, sanding supplies, sharpening supplies & tools and vacuum chucks
- www.turningwood.com: Supplier of "The Light Stand" by Wood Lathe Accessories, Moffatt Lights, and the best sanding disks - made from Mirka Royal paper - and power sanding (Tim Skilton) pads.
- The Woodturners Catalog - Specialists in Woodturning Tools and Supplies: Also known as "Craft Supplies, USA", this Provo, Utah company is one of the best-known and well-respected suppliers in the United States. Through their website they provide online shopping, a bulletin board discussion forum, and some of the best customer service and technical support available.
In April 1983, Craft Supplies began a woodturning workshop program which has evolved into the finest teaching program in the world. We employ the best instructors available and bring in experts from around the world. These artist-craftsmen have proved themselves to be excellent instructors with knowledge and skill capable of producing turnings acceptable for galleries and discriminating collectors.
- U C Coatings Corp.: This company supplies ANCHORSEAL® Wax End Sealer - like a "wax paint" - that seals and protects the ends of freshly sawn logs and lumber from end checking and degradation. Similar in viscosity to latex paint, ANCHORSEAL is easily brushed on or sprayed on. One gallon covers about 100 sq. ft. A great product for woodturners who find that perfect "green" log or burl but don't have time to put it on the lathe right away.
Recommended Books & Articles:
- Woodturning: A Source Book of Shapes, by John Hunnex: A full-color guide that features 188 superb lathe-turned shapes that will inspire all turners. Each piece is beautifully lit and photographed to reveal the combination of well chosen wood, immaculate finish and individual shape, making this a visual inspiration for all woodturners and lovers of fine craftsmanship and design. There are bowls, containers, bottles, vases, hollow forms, closed forms, natural tops and edges, platters and variations. Each category is prefaced by comments about the forms and designs included, and each shape is accompanied by a short caption describing the woods used, the dimensions, and information on the turning or finishing techniques used.
- The Hawaiian Calabash, by Irving Jenkins, Hugo De Vries (Photographer): This beautiful 360-page book is the first to trace the complete story of the Hawaiian calabash. The term Calabash is a catch-all phrase for describing bowls and containers utilized by the ancient Hawaiians.
- 500 Wood Bowls, from Lark Books: The bowl is one of the most traditional forms, but contemporary artists who work in wood understand that it has tremendous potential. These 500 exquisite examples, many by pioneering artisans, show just how much the bowl has been "reinvented" by craftpeople all over the world as both an iconic object and as a departure for self-expression. On display are a wide range of woodworking approaches, from chisel to chainsaw to router to bandsaw. Some have carvings on the surface; others feature paint and mixed media; while many more stay close to what nature provided, with the wood simply sanded and sealed. The talented creators include James Prestini, Bob Stocksdale, Rude Osolnik, Mel Lindquist, Ed Moulthrop, Mark Lindquist, David Ellsworth, and William Hunter. Edric Florence's "Natural-Edge Spalted Maple Bowl" is also featured in this beautiful 420-page book.
Other Artists' & Woodturners' Websites:
- Mapleseed Gallery, featuring the works of Irwin Seidman, Ontario, Canada. Specialties: vases, miniatures, candle holders and oil lamps, birdhouse ornaments, bottle stoppers, and exquisitely aesthetic woodturnings inspired by ancient Greek pottery designs (Lekythos vessels).
- I. W. Designs, featuring the works of rug hooking artist Sandra Brown, her rug hooking workshops and the Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame. Another excellently designed site inspired by our own webmaster, Peter Shefler of Clearstory Studios.
- Woodwork by Matthew Sanfilippo, features a wonderful and informative woodworker's blog, "An Adventure in the Workshop". Matthew was one of Edric's woodturning students and has crafted some inspiring works in his own right.
- Paul Sirofchuck, designs and crafts contemporary hardwood furniture. A registered, practicing architect, he understands the design process and unites this with his knowledge of wood's properties to create intriguing, graceful, durable and functional "works of art" in wood.
- Norm Sartorius, a creator of wooden spoons for 30 years, Norm Sartorius has explored the common wooden spoon as a context for sculpture. Using rare and unusual woods of exceptional beauty, he shapes each spoon to stand as a unique artistic statement of color, form and texture. Testing the boundary between art and craft, his work is inspired by the material, nature, and rich ethnic spoon making traditions worldwide. In the end, it is always the dialogue between the maker and the wood that results in a form that happens to be a sculptural spoon. Often referred to as "Ceremonial Objects," Sartorius' spoons vary in size and shape, each being solely created by the artists.
Past Exhibits & Events:
- A select juried exhibition by Craftsmen's Guild members, November 2013-January 2014. A presentation of the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh in cooperation with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. 709 Penn Avenue Gallery Downtown, Pittsburgh.
- South Hills Artisian Tour, October 12, 2013, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Experience the diversity and creativity of the South Hills of Pittsburgh by visiting the real working studios of the accomplished artisans in the area. Genuine works of art will be available to view and purchase. Tour the studios, meet the artisans, enjoy refreshments and, after visiting each studio, enter to win a piece from one of the participating artisans. For more information, please visit http://www.southhillsartisantour.com.
- Friday, April 1st through Saturday, April 23rd, 2005: Exhibition: "Essence of Earth", at Bird in the Hand Gallery, 427 Broad Street, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Opening Reception: Friday, April 1st, 6 PM - 9 PM.
This exhibition will feature the works of three uniquely different artisans who draw energy, material and inspiration from mother earth. In addition to Edric Florence, the other two artists featured are:
Don Graeb: A well known regional watercolorist and designer who holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. His very impressive resume reflects over 30 years of exhibitions and an award winning career. About his work, he writes, "As a watercolorist, I welcome the uncertainty and challenge the medium presents. The... process affords the opportunity to venture with the edge of disaster... It means taking chances constantly and making decisions endlessly." His painting has been exhibited in dozens of national juried exhibitions and is included in the collections of many area companies.
Ceres Rangos: An emerging fiber artist who by fusing together natural material with woven fiber creates vessels that reflects her love of the Southwest. The works create themselves through her. "I may begin with and idea, but soon discover that the work has other intentions", says the artist. Working with gourds, she will employ a variety of materials such as reed, artificial sinew, palm inflorescence and Irish waxed linen thread. Ceres has won numerous awards for her woven vessels.
- Saturday, May 14th, 2005, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: "Open Studio". View Edric's private studio and see many of his new works as he prepares for upcoming shows and exhibits! Location: 240 Graeser Avenue, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. For further information please contact Edric by E-mail. Gift certificates are always available!
- Friday, October 21st through Sunday, October 23rd, 2005: Exhibition: "From Remnants to Art", at Chacara, Decorative Accents, 415 Main Street, Boonton, New Jersey.
This exhibition, celebrating Chacara's First Year Anniversary, will feature the works of Pittsburgh artists who work in three different media: wood, print and weaving. In addition to Edric Florence, printmaker Thomas Norulak and fiber artist Ceres Rangos will be represented.
Edric will be available all three days at Chacara to answer questions about woodturning and to demonstrate some of his turning techniques. The exhibit is open to the public from 12 pm to 6 pm each day. For more information, contact Galina or Royce Hemgren at 973-335-3770.
- Friday, April 21st, 2006: Fund Raiser for The Samburu Project, at the 3rd Street Gallery, 220 Third Street, Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The fund raiser will take place from 7:30-9:30 PM and will include food & drink, mixing & mingling, a silent auction and live entertainment.
The Samburu Project is a nonprofit organization raising money for water wells to be dug in Africa and collaborating with communities in developing countries to enhance men, women and children's daily lives by providing resources that address immediate needs while promoting long term sustainability and self-sufficiency along with cultural integrity.
Edric will provide a few pieces for the silent auction, and we hope to see you there for this worthy cause. Gallery owner and world-renowned artist Philip Salvato invites you to partake. For more information, call 412-276-5233.
- Saturday, May 20th, 2006: Grand Opening: Planet Art Gallery, 632 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Planet Art Gallery is a new gallery featuring local art in a variety of media: painting, pottery, wood & metal, fiber, music, and written word.
The Grand Opening day activities start with family fun from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, meet the artisans, enjoy some food, drink, and fun. This gallery will feature our favorite woodturner, Edric Florence, and over 20 local artisans from Western Pennsylvania. For more information, call 412-343-3808.
- Edric is also now displaying his wood-turnings at the following galleries:
- Main Exhibit Gallery
301 West Main Street
Ligonier, PA 15658
724-238-2310
- Studio 240 - Edric Florence's Private Home Studio
(by appointment only)
240 Graeser Avenue
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
412-833-5127
- Artbeat Gallery
52 East High Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-833-9058
Testimonials, Awards & Other Mentions:
- Testimonials: Read a letter from Harald Rackel, in Germany, who is a fellow engineer and a trout farmer · Praise from a fine art and crafts photographer, and now, also a novice wood-turner under Edric's tutelage · The statement of a former student of The Carnegie Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and now an avid collector of Edric's work · This appreciation from Carol and Jack Condron, regarding a special wood-turning commission · A testimonial excerpt from Jonathan Weir, an architect · High praises from John and Phyllis Baran, collectors of Edric's work for over twenty years.
- Awards & Exhibits:
- June 1994: Westmoreland Art National Twin Lakes, PA Juried Exhibition "Honorable Mention"
- June 1995: Westmoreland Art National Twin Lakes, PA Juried Exhibition "Best of Show"
- June 1995: Westmoreland Art Heritage Twin Lakes, PA Juried Exhibition "Honorable Mention"
- June 1995: Three Rivers Art Festival, Pittsburgh, PA "Invited Back Artist"
- July 1995: Pittsburgh Craftsmen's Guild Exhibition "Best of Show"
- October 1995: Crafts Report magazine "Featured Artist" and "Cover Page"
- February 1996: Three Rivers Art Festival "Invited Back Artist"
- October 2000: Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art "Juried Exhibition"
- November 2001: Hoyt 20th Annual National Exhibition "Juried Exhibition"
- September 2003: Appalachian Corridors Charleston WV "Juried Exhibition"
- October 2003: "One Man Show" Bethel Park, PA
- December 2003: 8th Annual Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art "Juried Exhibition"
- June 2004: Westmoreland Art National, Twin Lakes, PA "Juried Exhibition"
- June 2004: Westmoreland Art Heritage Twin Lakes, PA "Juried Exhibition"
- July 2004: 16th Annual Monroeville PA CCAC Boyce Campus "Juried Exhibition" "First Place" Three Dimensional Works
- October 2004: "From the Forest and the Trees," Ie Poire Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA Two-man Exhibit Thomas Norulak and Edric Florence.
- April 2005: Bird in the Hand Gallery Sewickley, PA Essence of Earth Exhibition Three person Exhibit. Don Graeb Regional Watercolorist, Ceres Rangos Emerging Fiber Artist and Edric Florence
- May 2005: "One Man Show" at Studio 240 Bethel Park, PA
- October 2005: "From Remnants to Art" at Chacara Decorative Accents 415 Main St. Boonton, New Jersey.
- October 2005: "One Man Show" at Studio 240 Bethel Park, PA "Just a Bowl Maker"
- April 2006: Fund Raiser for The Samburu Project at 3rd Street Gallery, 220 Third St. Carnegie, PA
- November 2009: 6 Artisan "Group Exhibit" Clearstory Gallery Gibsonia, PA
- October 2010: "One Man Show" Studio 240 Bethel Park, PA
- September 2012: Greensburg Art Center/Rowe Gallery Juried Exhibition "Jurors Award" Three Dimensional Works
- October 2012: Artisan Tour of South Hills. First Annual Artisan Tour.
- Other Mentions:
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Pittsburgh, PA , Wednesday, October 6, 2004; Newspaper Article:
"Woodturning Transforms Stumps into Art"
- Edric's works are also included in private collections worldwide.
- Website Maintenance:
- Website maintained by Your Neighborhood Nerd
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