Maple mini-vessel

2 3/4" diam., 3 1/4" high of spalted maple burl. I was afraid of making a funnel when finish-turning the bottom, so I step-cut it out a bit to make the base wider. Just for kicks, I carved flutes into the base but I can't call it a work of art--looks a bit sloppy, in fact.

Photo Details

kengrunke

Registered: November 2004
Location: La Farge, SW Wisconsin USA
Posts: 199

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Date: Thu April 27, 2006
Views: 1,473
Keywords: maple minivessel

Comments

Philip Peak

Looks like a hot air balloon sorta. I agree with previous assessments, it looks a little bulbous. Beautiful piece of wood though.

#1 Thu April 27, 2006 4:16am

kengrunke

Well, I have more of this wood so I can improve on the shape for the next one. Mainly I need to refrain from hollowing too deep!
Thanks for the helpful critique, guys.

#2 Thu April 27, 2006 1:32pm

Chris Wright

I actually like the form, probably because mine are similar. I think the bulbous view is sort of an optical illusion based on 2 things. #1, due to the small size, the opening "looks" rather large for the form even though it really isn't. #2, due to the funnel avoidance the bottom leading to the foot appears to flatten out. If this were to have rounded out more in say an egg shape I think the effect would have been totally different.

As I said, I like it and the grain on the piece is awesome. Nice work Ken.

#3 Thu April 27, 2006 3:58pm

kengrunke

Thanks, Chris. I knew there had to be somebody that influenced me on this, LOL! You and probably Carol Valentine.
The opening is almost exactly 1" dia., and you're right--the lower side towards the foot is as good as straight, maybe just a hint of curve.
I was shooting for a pointy egg shape, the narrow end on the bottom with the widest part above center at maybe the 2/5ths point. But with the bottom tucked in and a little wider. Next one will be more like that, I'm sure.

#4 Fri April 28, 2006 1:15am

Ugly Duck

Lee Goehring

Those are carved flutes? I thought it was chatterwork when I looked at it Saturday. ;>))

#5 Fri April 28, 2006 3:41am