Recently, I was reduced to watching a TV program, "Antiques Roadshow". No Leif, I was _not the main character! Anyway, a higher value was placed on objects that were handmade by recognizable craftsmen who used crude tools and local materials. Granted that some of the most valuable items were ornate and made of expensive and exotic materials. Also true, these objects were considered as antiques and not judged against the art/craft/whatever of today. Nevertheless, I wonder if there is any message for today's turners, whether hobbyists, tradesmen or artists.
If an original, exquisite near perfect bowl could be made and finished on a machine and signed by the programmer, would it still be less worthy than a copy of it handturned and signed? I leave the answer and explanation to you. It seems the less an object is made by using controlled machines and the assistance of sophisticated tooling the higher the value placed on it by the cognoscenti. Turners have access to threading devices, specialized kit for hollowing, ornamental equipment, lasers and microwaves. Today's catalogs are full of turning aids and no telling what will be offered for sale tomorrow. There's no halting progress, but is there a dividing line drawn somewhere between holding a gouge on a handrest and programming a CNC? If so, who drew it and where is it drawn? Maybe it moves around according to the state of the art and our need to return to simple things. Maybe I'm a nut in COC clothing! I know that there a few professional turners remaining who use a pole lathe and a few others that turn treen and simple things for a living. In the years to come will their work be the leading actors on the TV Antiques Road Show? Will there even be TV (or hand turning for that matter) in 2050? I'll never know, but I hope you guys will post your opinions, positive or negative, now. An orphan musing is a sad thing. :(
Just musing on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Arch
Fortiter,