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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:
[This page is currently under construction. Much more information is coming soon!]
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.
- le Poire Fine Art Studio and Gallery: le Poire is a fine art studio and gallery, newly established in May, 2003 and located in the heart of Crafton, Pennsylvania - 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. le Poire is a warm, inviting space that offers a wide variety of art pieces produced by many of the areas top artists. Work includes paintings, mixed media, photography, ceramics, sculpture, wood turnings, woven art, etchings and jewelry. Stop by on a Friday evening to enjoy a glass of wine and conversation with artists and art enthusiasts.
Joyce Werwie Perry - gallery owner, director and artist - is committed to providing her customers with the highest level of quality and service and will personally assist you with the selection and acquisition of works of art for your home or office, framing choices and delivery. Portraits, commissioned work and painting classes are also offered.
- 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.
- South Arts Pittsburgh: South Arts was founded in 1984 to meet the growing need for a dynamic regional arts center to serve the South Hills Community. South Arts was designed to focus on the educational, cultural outreach and networking needs of the community through the collaborative efforts of individuals and organizations.
- 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.
- Chacara, Decorative Accents: Galina Norkin runs this wonderful gallery in Morris County, New Jersey that features Vintage Glassware, Ceramics, Textiles and Art Objects. They also specialize in all types of furniture restoration, refinishing and repair.
- 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.
- Woodcraft Supply Corporation: Woodcraft Supply Corp. is one of the nation's oldest and largest suppliers of quality woodworking tools and accessories. Founded in Boston in 1928, the company's operations were moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1989.
Woodcraft offers one of the most extensive selections (nearly 8,000 items) of quality woodworking tools in the world. Look through a Woodcraft catalog, check the internet or visit a store and you'll find carving tools from Switzerland, workbenches from Germany, turning tools from England and sharpening stones from Japan. Everything a woodworking craftsman needs, all at great prices and under one roof. Woodcraft's 61 retail stores also offer an extensive schedule of classes and demonstrations.
- 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 Book & 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.
- Woodturning Techniques, by Mike Darlow: This book's extremely detailed text as well as its numerous full-color, close-up illustrations of woodturning techniques do not disappoint. Gluing, tool grinding, spindle turning, cupchuck turning, faceplate turning, bowl turning, and threading are all discussed in highly precise language ideal for the professional or dedicated amateur determined to master this artistic and practical woodworking craft. Woodturning Techniques is a superb instructional manual, a first-rate reference, and highly recommended for any personal or professional woodworking reference collection.
- 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:
- Steve Worcester, Plano, Texas. Specialties: square turning, bowl, oil lamps.
- 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.
Upcoming Exhibit & Demonstrations:
- 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.
- Other exhibits and schedules to be announced soon!
- Edric is also now displaying his wood-turnings at the following galleries:
- Le Poire Fine Art Studio and Gallery
11 East Crafton Avenue
Crafton, Pennsylvania
412-921-0912
- Chacara, Decorative Accents
415 Main Street
Boonton, New Jersey
973-335-3770
- Studio 240 - Edric Florence's Private Home Studio
(by appointment only)
240 Graeser Avenue
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
412-833-5127
- Bird in the Hand Gallery
427 Broad Street
Sewickley, Pennsylvania
412-741-8286(With much regret we make the following announcement that The Bird in Hand Gallery in Sewickley is closing this spring. After 35 years, Katherine has announced her retirement. She deserves a break and we wish her and her husband Al a long, fun filled and healthy retirement.)
Woodturning Classes:
- I offer turning classes in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area for the beginner, novice or those who are slightly more advanced in their skills. I try to structure each class, or turning session, according to the student's abilities and what he/she is trying to achieve. So, depending on an individual's experience, comfort level and interest, I will develop specific class and task projects and tool techniques. Overall, each student should come away - at a minimum - with at least a basic understanding of the following: lathe safety, shear, end and side grain cutting, making and using jam chucks, when and how to re-chuck a piece, and tool sharpening (for skews, gouges, hollow-turning bits and other turning tools).
Depending on your appetite, you may learn to turn large and small bowls, do spindle and hollow-vessel turning, gain insights and skills on the sanding, finishing, and other embellishments of a piece. If need be, you will learn about wood selection, stock preparations and supportive assurance that will help inform, expand and execute your natural creative talents.
You will have access to my turning videos, magazines and reference information. You will be able to work on two different lathes - a Nichols (my larger lathe) and a Woodfast. Both lathes operate with Variable Speed Controllers. On top of that, I bring twenty years of experience and an expertise on many things you do not want to do! Most of all, your turning experiences - whether it's with skews, gouges or boring bars - will be safe and fun and conducted in a relaxed and supportive environment.
For further information on private individual classes, please feel free to contact me.
Mahalo,
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 & Other Accomplishments:
- June 1994: Westmoreland Art Nationals "Honorable Mention"
- June 1995: Westmoreland Art Nationals "Best of Show"
- June 1995: Westmoreland Art Heritage Festival "Honorable Mention"
- June 1995: Three Rivers Art Festival "Invited Back Artist"
- July 1995: Pittsburgh Craftsmen's Guild "Best of Show"
- October 1995: Crafts Report magazine "Featured Artist" and "Cover Page"
- February 1996: Three Rivers Art Festival "Invited Juror"
- October 2000: Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art "Juried Exhibition"
- November 2001: Hoyt 20th Annual National Exhibition "Juried Exhibition"
- September 2003: Appalachian Corridors "Juried Exhibition"
- December 2003: 8th Annual Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art "Juried Exhibition"
- June 2004: Westmoreland Art Nationals "Juried Exhibition"
- June 2004: Westmoreland Art Heritage Festival "Juried Exhibition"
- July 2004: 16th Annual Monroeville Juried Arts Exhibit "First Place for Three-Dimensional Works"
- 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.
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