Nicely Figured Aspen Burl Bowl (24WS4)

This shallow bowl was turned from an aspen burl that came from Hovland, Minnesota. The burl was purchased from local loggers. Images of the trimmed burl are shown. The burl was cut from the side of a large quaking aspen tree. Aspen burls are very rare. I have seldom seen one on a living tree! This burl has jagged and knobby bark which accounts for the irregular bark edge of the bowl. The shape of the bowl follows the actual outer shape of the burl including the two bark-free rounded sides (see images of the burl below). 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 soft decayed areas and bark inclusions. These were treated with CA resin and dark wood powder and are solid and stable. The wood has stunning grain figuring that includes wavy grain lines, tight swirls, golden to brown-red colors, and contrasting light areas that contain some flame/curl figuring (chatoyance). I call this Lake Superior banded agate figuring. This figuring is special. A jagged bark edge completes this unusual bowl. The shape of the bowl was chosen to best show the grain figuring and to display the interesting unsymmetrical bark edge that surrounds the round central part of the bowl. The sides along the tree trunk were extended and rounded to maximize the size of the burl wood in the bowl (see images). The bowl was turned from green wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several months, sanded to 400 grit. Bowls turned from green wood always warp some during drying. This gives distortions that add natural charm to a bowl. I re-turn the bottom of green turned bowls to remove any warping to make sure they sit nicely. The bowl 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 bowl was difficult and time consuming to turn and sand. It is a gem that would be perfect in a rustic country home.

 

 

 

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.