Aspen Burl Platter with Lake Superior Banded Agate Figuring (23WS26) SOLD

This unusually shaped bowl platter was turned from an aspen burl that came from Hovland, MN, not far from the shore of Lake Superior. The burl was purchased from local loggers. An image of the trimmed burl on the lathe is shown. The left side of the burl was punky and quickly turned away to give a thin platter shaped piece with a natural edge. Aspen burls are very rare. I have seldom seen one in a growing tree! This burl has jagged and knobby bark which accounts for the irregular bark edge of the platter. Aspen burls are always difficult to turn due to decay, punky (soft) wood, and separation of many of the grain lines. These grain lines need frequent stabilization during turning. This burl also had many soft areas near the bark. These were stabilized with CA resin and dark wood powder. I probably should not have turned this small burl, but the rarity and beauty of aspen burl gave me incentive to go ahead. The wood has stunning grain figuring that includes wavy grain lines or bands, tight swirls, golden to brown-red colors, and contrasting light areas that contain some flame/curl figuring (chatoyance) near the edge. I call this Lake Superior banded agate figuring! An aspen burl often gets smaller during turning due to the removal of decayed areas, but seldom winds up as a platter. Nevertheless, a flat piece like this nicely shows the unusual burl figuring. I showed a similar platter in a recent art show, and it got rave comments, so it was not a difficult decision to turn some more platters (and I have several very thin aspen burls). The bowl was turned from fresh wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several weeks, and sanded to 400 grit. Bowls turned from green wood always warp some during drying. This gives distortions that add natural charm to a bowl. There was very little warping in this platter. The platter was sealed with two coats of tung oil, hand sanded after each coat, and finished with a buffed thin coat of beeswax and walnut oil. This finish is considered food safe, although the bowl is best suited for artistic display. Aspen burl is rare and very difficult to turn. Very few wood turners work with aspen burl. It is my favorite wood to turn because it is always unusually beautiful. This platter is very special and unusual.

 

 

 

All my bowls are can be returned for a full refund if you are unsatisfied for any reason within 60 days. You must only pay the return shipping.

All of my bowls come with a laminated card with images of the bowl and burl, a complete description of the bowl and making process, and the artist's bio on the back side. There is no price on the card so it can be used if the bowl is given as a gift.