Artisans of Dartmoor - Book - Page 35
“Knowing that
our ancestors were
woodturning
on my doorstep
years
ago
4000
makes me feel a strong
affinity with them.”
precise. When I’m teaching, I can tell from the other
side of the barn if someone is using it correctly – I
don’t even have to look. At first, there should be a
knocking sound as the tool shaves off the block’s rough
edges. Then, as the piece starts to become round,
it creates a rhythmical whispering sound. It’s very
sensuous – like a heartbeat.”
Once the bowl is perfectly symmetrical, the final
step is to nip off the stub from the base and apply a
fine layer of walnut oil to protect it.
“My designs are simple and rustic, with a focus on
patina, texture and grain. When I sell my bowls at
markets, people often ask if they can buy the one I’ve
just eaten my lunch out of – the one I’ve had for years.
I tell them the new bowls will develop that look over
time, becoming more beautiful with each use. You
don’t see that with china tableware.”
The Woodturner • Sharif Adams
35
