Please join us on Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 AM
for a demonstration by master turner
Mike Sorge
in person in the auditorium of the
Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC
Open to the public. Free admission.
About the demo
"Winged" turning has become the primary element within the prolific body of Mike Sorge's creative efforts.
With his "Trillium Floral Box" as the demonstration and workshop project for CMW, and with safety-first focus, Mike will share what he's learned about wood selection, blank preparation, lighting & ghost imaging, preferred tools and grinds, revolving tail centers, lathe speeds, preventing trialing edge tear-out, tool applications and turning thin wings, all of which can be applied to endless winged forms, limited only by one's imagination.
Turning the undulating flow of the Trillium Floral petals (wings) will be a nice focus along with shaping and hollowing the box. Mike will also very briefly share sanding, finishing & buffing tips.
Artist background
Late 2009, following a career in Sales & Marketing, Mike took a weekend class in woodturning, found his creative passion, set up a lathe studio, joined Central Ohio Woodturners, and studied DVDs from professional turners including Richard Raffan, David Ellsworth, John Jordan, Mike Mahoney, Jimmy Clewes, Glenn Lucas... (“If I have seen further, it’s because of having stood on the shoulders of giants.” ~ Isaac Newton.)
During 2010, in between roughing out over 1000 bowls, Mike explored and evolved "winged" forms which ultimately became his primary focus. The positive themes and aesthetics Mike strives to achieve throughout his body of work - Lotus Blossom Vessels, Manta Ray Boxes, Spirit Birds, Trillium Floral Boxes, Triple Diamond Pagodas - are inspired by his multi-cultural studies, ancient and contemporary, and his love of nature, a body of work that seeks to both calm and engage the human spirit.
Mike's distinctions include many art show awards as well as participation in events such as the Smithsonian American Fine Craft Show and exhibitions in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. "Art show and exhibition awards are nice, but they mean little compared to seeing the joy individuals experience through my work." ~ Mike Sorge
Mike has provided demonstrations and classes for AAW Clubs in many states and enjoys encouraging others to explore, experience and evolve their woodturning endeavors.
"Learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist." ~ Pablo Picasso
"An ounce of practice is worth tons of preaching." ~ Ghandi
"Effort advances understanding, develops skill, and leads to new discovering." ~ mjs
"Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome." ~ Arthur Ashe
https://www.mikesorge.com/
Zoom access
CMW members unable to attend in person are invited to participate on Zoom
Advance registration for the event is required in order to be provided online access
To register:
- Click on the Register for Zoom button at the bottom of this page
- Choose 'Sign up yourself' and click the 'Next' button
- Click the 'Complete Registration' button
- You will shortly receive an auto-generated email from CMW. Click the 'Link to event' URL at the bottom of this email.
- Fill in your name and email address and click the "Register' button. A page saying "You have successfully registered" should pop up
BUT WAIT! YOU'RE NOT DONE!
- You will receive an email from Zoom providing a "Join Meeting' button. Click this button and you will be entered into the Waiting Room for the demo and will be admitted by the A/V volunteers prior to the meeting start.
Nonmembers wishing to participate by Zoom are welcome to receive this and other benefits of club membership by joining CMW at an annual membership rate of $35.
To join CMW click here
Workshop
Mike will offer a day-long workshop at the CMW's Turning Learning Center in Arden on Sunday, February 16. Advance registration through the separate Event on CMW's event calendar and a fee will apply.
Active CMW membership is required to register.
Note: out of a concern for safety with these specialized techniques the class will be limited to 8 participants.