Nicely Figured Aspen Burl Bowl (24WS16)

This bowl was turned from an aspen burl that came from the Hovland, Minnesota, area. The burl was purchased from local loggers. An image of the trimmed burl (on the lathe) is shown. Images of the trimmed burl (attached to my lathe) is shown below. Aspen burls  are very rare. I have seldom seen one in living trees! The loggers tell me they see several burls in 1000 trees. This burl had the typical jagged and knobby bark which accounts for the irregular and beautiful bark edge of the bowl. The outer shape of the bowl shows the actual outer shape of the burl. Aspen burls are always difficult to turn due to decay and separation of many of the grain lines. These grain lines need frequent stabilization during turning. This burl also had several decayed areas just under the bark. These were stabilized with CA resin and dark wood powder. The wood has stunning grain figuring that includes wavy grain lines, tight swirls and birds eye, golden to brown-red colors, and a lot of flame/curl figuring (chatoyance). I call this Lake Superior banded agate figuring since it looks a lot like our local banded agates. This figuring is special and very unusual in wood. A jagged bark edge frames this unusual shallow bowl. The bowl was turned from green wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several months, and sanded to 400 grit. Bowls turned from green wood always warp a little during drying. This gives distortions that add natural charm to a bowl. I re-turn the bottom of green turned bowls to remove warping to make sure they sit nicely. The bowl was sealed with two coats of tung oil, hand sanded after each coat. This finish is considered food safe, although the bowl is best suited for artistic display. Aspen burl is rare and difficult to turn. Very few wood turners work with aspen burl. It is my favorite wood to turn because it is always unusually beautiful (and I like a challenge). This bowl is a gem.

 

 

 

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.