The American Association of Woodturners
Presents
Woodturning Masters Series
Volume 1

Introduced At The Tacoma 1999 Symposium
Available Starting in June 1999

    Here's what David Ellsworth had to say about the video:

"The video truly captures the nostalgic foundations of a nostalgic figure. I met Rude in Philadelphia when we juried the 1980 "Gallery of Turned Objects" show (sponsored by Albert LeCoff's Amaranth Gallery and Workshop). We became instant friends, in part, because we both understood that good design was the foundation of all good creative work, and because we each had a mutual respect for the other's work and personal integrity. I'm sure one of the reasons we've kept that friendship is that we've always been interested in 'who' we were instead of 'what' we were.

Rude has always been a great storyteller, and the best one's often came after we'd had a few drinks. My favorite was when he told me that "...he always treated people with the same respect he gave a piece of wood; and that he especially like the ones that had cracks in them."

The video offers an up-close, in-depth personal view of the man many have called the godfather or Dean of woodturning. We get to see Rude working in the studio he built, along with his wife and children, on Poverty Ridge in Berea, Kentucky back in the 1950s.

The tape features dozens of observations on the evolution of turning from the man who was doing natural edge vessels back in the late 1930s. We also hear many of Rude's words of wisdom and the humorous stories which have helped to make him famous.

At Left: Pink Ivory Natural Edge Bowl

The video also includes excellent footage of dozens of Rude's turned masterpieces. From the Connell Gallery in Atlanta we see a rare collection of vessels that are forty to fifty years old. In addition, the video showcases nearly two dozens pieces Rude completed during the past year. (at the age of 84)

Manzanita Root Burl