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Lot 18 - view 2\nJerry Kermode - Silver maple natural edge modified calabash with walnut stitches and spalted rim, 9" x 9 1/4" x 8".\n\nI feel strongly that my responsibility in being given a beautiful piece of wood is to perform as a display artist, finding the shape that most celebrates the soul of the tree. Wood is meant to look like wood, and the form must maintain that belief of mine. Whether turning bowls or building furniture or even cabinets, this has always been true for me. The grain of the wood comes first, my design flows from that. My fascination with form grew out of a love of the sea; waves and wind are a constant source of inspiration, and my joy in turning is in my never-ending search for the "perfect" shape married to the grain and character of the wood. \n\nEach piece is hand-carved on a lathe, using the grain of the wood and its character traits as guides. The vessel is rough turned to 1/2" thick, allowed to air dry for many months and then finish-turned to a thickness appropriate to the design. A stitching technique I developed is used when appropriate to the function and the form, and the bark is reinforced with glue. After I sand to 1200 grit and apply a coat of Danish oil, Deborah burnishes with steel wool and carnauba wax.\n\nWe both have a love affair with trees; their continued growth is as important as the joy of turning. I search out recycled trees and logs from sustainable harvesting operations. This silver maple came from a city park in Santa Rosa, California.
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Lot 18 - view 2
Jerry Kermode - Silver maple natural edge modified calabash with walnut stitches and spalted rim, 9" x 9 1/4" x 8".

I feel strongly that my responsibility in being given a beautiful piece of wood is to perform as a display artist, finding the shape that most celebrates the soul of the tree. Wood is meant to look like wood, and the form must maintain that belief of mine. Whether turning bowls or building furniture or even cabinets, this has always been true for me. The grain of the wood comes first, my design flows from that. My fascination with form grew out of a love of the sea; waves and wind are a constant source of inspiration, and my joy in turning is in my never-ending search for the "perfect" shape married to the grain and character of the wood.

Each piece is hand-carved on a lathe, using the grain of the wood and its character traits as guides. The vessel is rough turned to 1/2" thick, allowed to air dry for many months and then finish-turned to a thickness appropriate to the design. A stitching technique I developed is used when appropriate to the function and the form, and the bark is reinforced with glue. After I sand to 1200 grit and apply a coat of Danish oil, Deborah burnishes with steel wool and carnauba wax.

We both have a love affair with trees; their continued growth is as important as the joy of turning. I search out recycled trees and logs from sustainable harvesting operations. This silver maple came from a city park in Santa Rosa, California.