Spalted Aspen Burl Bowl (23SF10)

This bowl was turned from an aspen burl that came from the Hovland, Minnesota, area. The burl was obtained from local loggers. An image of the trimmed burl is shown. Aspen burls are very rare. I have never seen one in a growing tree! Aspen burl has jagged and knobby bark which accounts for the irregular bark edge of the bowl. 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 some soft areas from decay. The soft areas were stabilized with CA resin and dark wood powder, a complicated and tedious process. The bowl therefore has dark areas in between the beautifully figured solid burl wood. I probably should not have turned this burl, but the prospect of unusual spalting and the rarity of aspen burl gave me incentive to go ahead. The wood has stunning grain figuring that includes wavy grain lines, tight swirls, golden to brown-red colors, and contrasting light areas that contain flame/curl figuring (chatoyance). I call this Lake Superior banded agate figuring. A jagged bark edge completes this unusual bowl. The shape of the bowl evolved from the shape of the burl, and my desire to bring out the beauty of the wood and maintain a complete bark edge. The bowl was turned from fresh cut wood using handheld tools on a lathe, dried for several months, 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. I re-turn the bottom of green turned bowls to make sure they sit well and have a nice lower shape. 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 to turn and sand. It is a gem that would be perfect in a rustic country home as well as in a modern home in a city. 

 

 

 

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.