Turning To The Unfamiliar
Inspired by Barbara Dill?s article on multi-axis turning in the Fall
2007 issue of American Woodturner I?ve been playing with some of the ideas she presented. Right now it?s all between centers turning. Outcomes are still somewhat unpredictable but that?s improving with each piece -it?s always easier to turn a variation of a piece you?ve already turned - and can study.Have done some shapes and forms that are so different from the familiar circular cross section / symetric about a single axis turning that I have no aesthetic reference to evaluate them. And unlike other more traditional turnings - vases, bowls, boxes , plates, architectural elements, etc. - there isn?t even the illusion of function. The pieces are ?just? interesting objects - which don?t look like anything familiar. They may have some elements which are familiar - but somehow ?off? just a little - or a lot.
With the more familiar turned objects, which have single axis symetry, you can ?see? the whole shape / form from a single vantage point. Consciously or unconsciously you can identify what type of object it is
- along with the shapes and forms of that type of object - as well as some idea of what is and isn?t ideal. That often is NOT the case with multi-axis turnings. In fact a single persepective can cause confusion
- the viewer?s mind trying to impose a preconceived notion of what the visible outline of the object implies - assuming a single axis of symetry - and not being able to make sense of what it thinks it?s seeing. It?s the Blind Men Describing An Elephant thing - areas seem familiar, though not quite ?right? - with adjacent areas that may not be familiar at all - the whole being an apparent paradox - an assemblege of contradictions.
This ?something doesn?t look quite right? thing about some forms of multi axis turnings present interesting design options and opportunities. You can turn a piece that looks like something familiar, but mildly disturbing because ?something doesn?t look quite right but I can?t say why?. OR - you can turn something that is obviously not familiar and let the viewer try to make sense of it - or - just enjoy running their eyes and/or hands over its surfaces - and edges.
You really have to handle these things, turning them to see what isn?t obvious from the ?front? or the ?top? or even as it is turned. In fact, the sense of touch provides a much better idea of the shape /form - without the visual ambiguity - and assumptions - your eyes impose. (And if the adage ?If you can get the customer to pick up a piece you?re better than half way to a sale.? is true ...).
If you haven?t tried multi-axis turning, make up a dozen 3/4 x 3/4 x 5 or 6 inch blanks, mark two or three ?centers? on each end and start experimenting. In two or three hours you?ll begin to have a feel for things - what obviously doesn?t work - and - some interesting things to study and then refine with the next set of blanks. Doesn?t take a lot of time - or wood. AND if you get a dig in / catch or a spiral cut - that?s no big deal. I mean it?s not like you?re going to get hurt and worst case is you?re out a little time and very little wood.
Try turning to the unfamiliar.
Charlie b