Warren Carpenter Demonstrates February 2005

Woodworking has always been a part of my life, but what else would you expect from a Carpenter? I have been a homebuilder since the mid 70's and built furniture and sculpted in wood in my spare time. Since 1999, my passion has been turning wood. With a creative eye and an ever-expanding knowledge of wood, I am always watching for those special trees or parts of trees that may someday become a unique turning. There are few things better than finding a burl and figuring out the best way to turn it into one or more pieces of artwork.

Beyond creating "normal or natural" bowls, I enjoy experimenting with new shapes and forms to help me release the natural or not so natural beauty of a piece of wood. The final step in the creation process is the finish that will protect and enhance the wood without making a statement of it's own. To completely experience a finely finished turning, it needs to be studied visually from all directions and the curves, lines, and finish need to be felt with the hand.

Description of Work:

My wood creations are primarily turned objects. I prefer to turn medium to large bowls, some fairly normal in shape and others that are irregular in shape. I love trying to find the beauty or uniqueness in a piece of wood, especially a burl or crotch of a tree. I often experiment with cutting and laminations. I have developed a technique of inserting walnut shell slices into imperfections in bowls. My wine stoppers sell best, because of their unique appearance and price point.

Awards, Shows, and Exhibits:

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Juried Entry February 2003
Carolina Foothills Artisan Center, Chesnee, Juried Entry September 2000
South Carolina Artisan Center, Walterboro, Juried Entry October 2000
North Charleston Arts Festival (Juried Entry) May 2001
Highland Hardware Juried Exhibit of Turned Objects, August 2001
South Carolina Palmetto Hands Traveling Craft Exhibition, 2001 - 2002
Blue Ridge Arts Council, Juried Show 2002, 2003, 2004
Blue Ridge Arts Council, Juried Show 2004, Merit Award
Anderson County Arts Center, Annual Juried Show, 2002, 2003, 2004
Anderson County Arts Center, Annual Juried Show 2004, Merit Award
Spring Jubilee, Pendleton, 2002, 2003, 2004
One-man show - Fran Hansen Discovery Center, Clemson, May - June 2002
Art in the Park, Greenville, SC, 2002, 2003

Galleries:

The Arts Company, Seneca, SC
South Carolina Artisan Center, Walterboro
Carolina Foothills Artisan Center, Chesnee
Mountain Made, Pendleton, SC
Southern Highland Guild Crafts Shops
Fran Hanson Discovery Center, Clemson
McDunn Gallery of Fine Art, Greenville, SC
Region II Discovery Center, Edgefield, SC
A Thousand Faces, Nashville, TN
Treasures, Alexander, AL

Memberships:

Carolina Mountain Woodturners, President 2004-2005
American Association of Woodturners
Blue Ridge Arts Council, Board 2004-2005
Downtown Seneca Merchants Association, President 2004-2005

Formal Training:

Arrowmont School of Arts & Craft:
2002 - Christian Burchard
2003 - Michael Lee
2004 - David Ellsworth