Sunday, July 15, 2012

Gratitude

Recently, my yoga instructor suggested practicing with an intention of Gratitude. I sure do have a lot to be grateful for in my life! Good health, beautiful home, great partner, wonderful feline companions, a rewarding job....

Woodturning is my "job". It continually offers me opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Probably Woodturning is even more therapeutic than yoga. They go together well.

"Gratitude"
Lidded Bowl made from Moose Antler, with African Blackwood,
14K Gold, 4pt Chocolate Diamond, and 24K Gold Leaf

I have been inspired by Kip Christensen's work for decades. In the 80s, when I was a cabinet/furniture maker, he wrote some articles for Fine Woodworking magazine about Woodturning. I totally fell in love with his elegant forms! My attempts to copy his work were primitive, to say the least. With lots of practice, and inspiration from many others in the field of Woodturning, I have grown and developed my signature style of artwork.

This piece offers gratitude to Kip, for his delightful antler bowls and for being a teacher of so many of us. Gratitude goes out, also, to all of the Woodturners who have inspired me over the decades. And profound gratitude to Mother Nature for the materials that inspire me to creativity. Especially to the Moose who grew this antler. Oh, yes, and not to forget: gratitude to the Canadian Woodturner who gave me the piece of antler. If it weren't for the sharing community of Woodturners worldwide, we would all still be in the Dark Ages. Thank you all. Special thanks to Shareshten and Melissa for bringing spirituality and gratitude into my awareness through yoga practice.

What and who inspire you? Leave a comment and let me know!

7 comments:

  1. This is truly a beautiful piece, Cindy. Kip Christensen was an inspiration to many of us fellow turners who looked to demonstrations and books to learn our craft. Your appearances and DVDs continue to inspire us all, and help in creating a brand new generation of talent poised to make their mark on the craft. Bravo!

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  2. I love your works of art. I have been a fan of yours for a couple of years now. I have watched many woodturning videos and found your's to be the one I've learned the most from. I have been turning for about 6 years now and belong to the Peace River Woodturners Club in Port Charolett Fl.
    That is my Gratitude to you
    Thanks
    Paul Bartlett
    www.paul-bartlett.com

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  3. Ho visitato il tuo blog...congratulazioni per tutto.
    in italia non esistono donne "tornitrici".
    Sei accezionale!!

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  4. Oh boy you do,I'm gobsmacked at your mind blowing work,I'm coming into some funds at the end of the year and I'm going to buy a new Jet lathe,I want to really turn large platters and bowls, I want to buy some of your tools but can't find out how to,keep up your inspiration to us amateurs, MAC.

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  5. Oh boy you do,I'm gobsmacked at your mind blowing work,I'm coming into some funds at the end of the year and I'm going to buy a new Jet lathe,I want to really turn large platters and bowls, I want to buy some of your tools but can't find out how to,keep up your inspiration to us amateurs, MAC.

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  6. Hi Cindy,I love the pure curves in your work. I primary draw inspiration from curves in nature, like the powerful feel of a oaks form or an oggy shape from a rose. Then combining them with a rugged natural edge, not unlike the Rockies you live in. Secondly I draw inspiration from people and work like yours.
    P.S. saw you at the Waco Symposium,I think I was the only sixteen year old there!

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