Title: Amphitrite, Goddess Queen of the Sea

Price: $2,900

Dimensions: 21.5" x 8" x 8"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl, African Blackwood, 5mm Chrome Diopside Gemstone in a 14K Gold Setting

Other info: This Lidded Vessel is turned from Boxelder Burl, dyed with penetrating transparent dyes, and adorned with my signature Finial and Pedestal turned from African Blackwood. My unique coloring process, and the high-gloss finish, give the vessel's surface a 3-dimensional look, like glass or marble.

Under the lid is a Green Chrome Diopside Gem in a 14K Gold setting. This hidden treasure represents the wonderful jewels in life that we discover only by making the extra effort to look for them.

The burl figure on this piece looks like water in motion, so I have named it after the Goddess Queen of the Sea. Amphitrite, Goddess Queen of the Sea, is the wife of Poseidon.

Title: Jennie

Price: $1,950.00

Dimensions: 9.7" x 14.7" x 12.5"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl, African Blackwood, 5mm Akoya Pearl in a 14K Gold Setting

Other info: This Centerpiece Bowl is turned from Boxelder Burl, dyed with penetrating transparent dyes, and mounted on a Pedestal turned from African Blackwood. My unique coloring process gives the vessel's surface a 3-dimensional look, like glass or marble.

This piece is named for Jennie Jerome, the American woman who became Lady Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill's mother. Lady Churchill was a flamboyant woman who always got noticed. She was a woman ahead of her time, getting involved in politics, and playing an important part in her husband's and son's careers. Jennie was a woman who made history!

Under the pedestal is an Akoya Ocean Pearl in a 14K Gold setting. Lady Churchill wore a string of pearls at her first wedding, and was often photographed wearing them. This hidden treasure represents the wonderful jewels in life that we discover only by making the extra effort to look for them.

Title: Syncronici-Tea

Price: $1,400

Dimensions: 6" x 4.4" x 3.2"

Materials: Gilded Sea Urchin Shell, African Blackwood, 3mm Garnet, 14K Gold

Other info: This miniature Teapot is a real treasure, poking fun at the idea of a "Teapot". The "Pot" is a real Sea Urchin Shell, gilded inside and out with Variegated Metal Leaf. The attached "Hardware" is turned from African Blackwood with the fine details that I am known for. At the base are 5 "Feet", reflecting the 5 segments of the Sea Urchin Shell. Inside the lid is a Garnet in a 14K gold setting. The "Spout" is hollowed, allowing you to "pour" your cup of imaginary tea!

 

Title: Seeds of Change

Price: $15,000

Dimensions: 20.5" x 4.5" x 4.5"

Materials: Amboyna Burl, African Blackwood, Diamonds, 23K Gold Leaf

Other info: Our World is going through many changes right now. My work, and my life, are also changing, as I go through "The Change". This piece represents an exciting direction for me. A multi-axis vessel that is very technically challenging, and also is a complicated composition requiring a lot of planning and thought. The Vessel Form that is visible is not actually the vessel. Lifting off the lid reveals a small bowl. Two colored diamonds represent the treasures to be found in life's hidden spaces.

 

Title: Royal Amethyst

Price: $420

Dimensions: 7.5” x 7.5” x 4”

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl

Other info: Bright jewel-tone colors enhance the burl figure, and give the piece the appearance of Art Glass!

 

Title: Royal Resting Space

Price: $9,800

Dimensions: 23" x 7.5" x 7.5"

Materials: Masur Birch, African Blackwood, Diamonds

Other info: This piece was part of the AAW's 2009 Cremation Urn Exhibition "Restful Places". It has a threaded lid, and a threaded reliquary inside for memories, treasures, or prayers. Volume is 300 cubic inches.

Title: Fire Star

Price: $1,300

Dimensions: 7” tall x 6” diameter

Materials: Amboyna Burl, African Blackwood, 23K Gold Leaf, Faceted Mexican Fire Opal.

Other info: A luxurious and highly detailed version of my "Finial Star" style. This piece really shows off the incredible figure of the Amboyna burl. A gilded edge adds an extra touch of elegance! The scalloped bead in the finial makes the piece unique, and a Fire Opal inside reminds us of life's hidden treasures.

Title: Sea Urchin Birdhouse Ornament

Price: $95

Dimensions: 2" x 1 1/4" x 1 1/4"

Materials: Sea Urchin Shell, Rosewood Burl, African Blackwood

Other info: A new style of Bird House Ornament! What fun! The House is a Sea Urchin Shell.

The roof is Honduran Rosewood Burl, Finial and top are African Blackwood. The Sea Urchin Shell is sealed inside and out, and finished with a subtle iridescent pearl lacquer to give it a soft glow. Made with the impeccable finish and superb detail that I'm known for. A delightful gift, or Holiday decoration!

Title: Sea Urchin Birdhouse Ornament

Price: $149.00

Dimensions: 4.5" x 2.6" x 2.6"

Materials: Sea Urchin Shell, Dyed Boxelder Burl, Cocobolo, Bird

Other info: A new style of Bird House Ornament! The House is a Sea Urchin Shell. What fun! The roof is dyed Boxelder Burl, Finial and top are Cocobolo. The Sea Urchin Shell is sealed inside and out, and finished with a subtle irridescent pearl lacquer to give it a soft glow. Made with the impeccable finish and superb detail that I'm known for. A delightful gift, or Holiday decoration!

Title: Gilded Sea Urchin Ornament

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 7" x 3" x 3"

Materials: Gilded Sea Urchin Shell, Cherry

Other info: A bold and glamorous piece, exquisitely detailed! This beautiful hanging ornament is an example of the finest in woodturning! A real Sputnik Sea Urchin shell, with my signature Finial turned from American Cherry. Bright Variegated Metal Leaf adds a new dimension Ornament. The Sputnik Sea Urchin has a marvelous texture and character! Very luxurious!

Title: Velvet Star

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 5.2" x 4.8" x 4.8"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl, African Blackwood, Garnet in 14K Gold

Other info: My signature "Finial Star" box is a delightful treasure! Its lively shape and rich, vivid coloring make this piece a small jewel! A Garnet, in a 14K Gold setting, is hidden under the lid, reminding us to look for the hidden treasures in life.

To purchase this piece, please contact the Vale Craft Gallery, 230 W Superior St, Chicago IL 60654, 312-337-3525

Title: Sue's Blueberry Patch

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 19" x 7.8" x 7.8"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl, African Blackwood, Green Topaz in 14K Gold

Other info: After the 2010 AAW symposium in Hartford CT, David (Nittmann) and I visited my sister, Sue Drozda, in Canterbury CT. While we were exploring her 37 acres of woodland, we found a wild blueberry patch. There were just 3 very tiny ripe blueberries, one for each of us! This piece honors my memory of sharing with Sue and David that day. I love my sister very much, and consider myself very fortunate to have her in my life. Ditto for David, of course!

This Lidded Vessel is turned from Boxelder Burl, dyed with penetrating transparent dyes, and adorned with my signature Finial and Pedestal turned from African Blackwood. Under the lid is a hidden treasure, a Green Topaz Gem in a 14K Gold setting. The hidden treasure represents the wonderful jewels in life that we discover only by taking the extra effort to look for them (or get to know them). Like the jewel that is my sister, Sue.

Title: Banksia Mushroom Box

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 3.9" x 3.5" x 3.5"

Materials: Banksia Seed Pod

Other info: The natural texture and personality of a Banksia Pod is perfect for a Mushroom Box! Whimsical and delicate, it is very finely turned. The cap and stem are hollow, the cap lifts off, but the "Box" is pierced naturally by the Banksia Pod's seed holes, so it won't hold anything for very long!

Please visit my website for more information about Banksia Seed Pods.

To purchase this piece, please contact the Vale Craft Gallery, 230 W Superior St, Chicago IL 60654, 312-337-3525

Title: Goldfield Moon

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 5.5" tall x 10" diameter

Materials: Red Mallee Burl, African Blackwood, Faceted Moonstone

Other info: An elegant Centerpiece Bowl made from a beautiful, natural edged, Australian Burl. The African Blackwood pedestal presents the graceful "Ogee" shape, giving it a nice lift. Mallee Burls are sometimes referred to as "Goldfield Burls" because they are harvested from an area in Australia where Gold was mined in the past. Under the bottom is a hidden treasure - a Faceted Moonstone in a Gold setting.

Title: Fireheart

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 4.5" x 2" x 2"

Materials: Amboyna Burl, African Blackwood, Orange Sapphire, 14K Gold

Other info: Fireheart is a character from a series of books about a society of cats. They are (theoretically) "kids books". David's grandchildren turned me on to them. I love to read, and enjoy a good story with well developed characters. Fireheart the Cat is honest, loyal, and cares about his clan-mates. He later becomes their leader.

"Fireheart" the Finial Box is a new style of my signature Finial Box. The vessel is Amboyna Burl, adorned with a Finial, inlay ring, and foot of African Blackwood.

Hidden under the lid is a Fire-colored Sapphire to remind us to make the effort to look for the hidden treasures in our hearts.

To purchase this piece, please contact Vale Craft Gallery, 230 W. Superior St, Chicago IL 60654, 312-337-3525

Title: Wisdom

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 10.4" x 6.3" x6.3"

Materials: Amboyna Burl, African Blackwood, Faceted Mexican Fire Opal, 4pt Chocolate Diamond, 14K Gold

Other info: In 2008 I turned 50, and created a series of special pieces during that year. To help me remember to see life's best side as I age, these pieces were named for the gifts that Nature gives our elders. As I enter my second half-century of life, I look forward to nurturing these qualities in myself. "Wisdom" is a hollow vessel, turned from a fabulously figured piece of Amboyna Burl, and fitted with my signature Finial and Pedestal made from African Blackwood.

Inside the vessel, and under the lid, are gemstones to remind us to make the effort to look for the hidden treasures in life.

Title: Alexandrite

Price: SOLD

Dimensions: 8.3" x 3.6"

Materials: Dyed Box Elder Burl

Other info: Bright jewel-tone colors enhance the burl figure, and give this piece the sparkle and glamour of Art Glass!

Title: Rainbow Topaz

Price: $395 - SOLD

Dimensions: 2.8" x 11" x 11"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl

Other info: Bright, vivid color that is reminiscent of Art Glass. Quite out of character for me, this elegant, ogee shaped bowl with a scalloped rim is a functional piece, that is not fragile! (not for use with food).

Title: Bright Star

Price: $450 - SOLD

Dimensions: 4.5" x 4.5"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl, Ebonized Osage Orange, Black Opal in 14K Gold setting

Other info: My signature "Finial Star" box, with an 8-sided fluted edge. Bright Star's lively shape, and dramatic coloring make her a brilliant small jewel! A Black Opal in a 14K Gold setting is hidden under the lid, reminding us to look for the hidden treasures in life.

Title: Pour Me Out

Price: $800 - SOLD

Dimensions: 5.5" x 3.1" x 5"

Materials: Gilded Sea Urchin Shell, African Blackwood, 2mm Emerald in 14K Gold setting

Other info: This miniature Teapot is similar to my entry into the AAW's POP Teapot Exhibition at the Hartford symposium. A real treasure, poking fun at the idea of a "Teapot". The "Pot" is a real Sea Urchin Shell, gilded inside and out with Green Variegated Metal Leaf. The attached "Hardware" is turned from African Blackwood with the fine details that I am known for. Inside the lid is an Emerald in a 14K gold setting. The "Spout" is hollowed, allowing you to really "pour" your cup of imaginary tea!

Title: Libra

Price: $990 - SOLD

Dimensions: 6" x 3.5" x 12" tall

Materials: Banksia Pod, African Blackwood, Black Opal in 14K Gold

Other info: This very delicate goblet is turned from a Banksia Pod, with the natural exterior of the Pod as the rim of the goblet. A thin and shapely stem of African Blackwood completes the piece, and a black opal in 14K Gold under the base reminds us of life's hidden treasures. "Libra" was made under that sun sign, and the opal is Libra's stone.

Title: Mesquite Finial Box

Price: $300 - SOLD

Dimensions: 4" tall x 2" diameter

Materials: Texas Mesquite, Holly, and a CZ in Sterling Silver

Other info: My signature style of Finial Box, with a lively personality! And a CZ in Sterling Silver inside the lid.

Title: Aquamarine

Price: $450 - SOLD

Dimensions: 3" x 9" x 9"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl

Other info: Bright jewel-tone colors enhance the burl figure, and give the piece the appearance of Art Glass!

 

 

Title: Phoenix I

Price: $2,400 - SOLD

Dimensions: 10.4" x 7" x 7"

Materials: Amboyna Burl, African Blackwood, Almodine Garnet

Other info: A Phoenix is a mythical bird that burned itself to ashes, and then rose up youthful to live another life.

My "Phoenix Series" Vessels are pieces that I had completed, and then remade in a different style some time later.

This series symbolizes for me the ability that we all have to change and remake our lives at any time. My life is a "work in progress", with growth and change being my most cherished assets.

Title: Starlight

Price: $325 - SOLD

Dimensions: 5.5" x 5.3" x 5.3"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl

Other info: A lively shape, and subtle coloring make this pieces a small jewel! A Cubic Zirconia Gem, in a Sterling Silver setting, is hidden under the lid, reminding us to look for the hidden treasures in life.

Title: Tanzanite

Price: $375 - SOLD

Dimensions: 3" x 9.8" x 9.8"

Materials: Dyed Boxelder Burl

Other info: Bright jewel-tone colors enhance the burl figure, and give the piece the appearance of Art Glass!

Title: Journey to the Land of Oz

Price: $2,400 - SOLD

Dimensions: 8" x 10" x 10"

Materials: Coolibah Burl, African Blackwood

Other info: On my trip to Australia to teach at the 2009 Turnfest Symposium, I traded some American wood for this Australian Burl.

"Journey to the Land of Oz" is decorated under the lid with a gold spiral ornament, symbolizing a journey.

The Finial is crowned with a chatoyant green Faceted Black Opal.

Title: Maple Star

Price: $350 - SOLD

Dimensions: 5.5" x 4.5" x 4.5"

Materials: Maple Burl, Casurina, Chrome Diopside in 14K Gold

Other info: A jewel of a piece, with a lively shape, and a vibrant Green Chrome Diopside Gemstone under the lid.

Title: Pearwood Finial Box

Price: $300 - SOLD

Dimensions: 3.5" x 2" x 2"

Materials: European Pear, American Holly, CZ in Sterling Silver

Other info: My signature Finial Box, a small vessel with a lot of detail. This is not a "demo piece", it is finely finished inside and out.