Brenda Stein, Turned Wood
Artist’s Statement 2009
I strive to create works of turned wood that, as my first mentor, the late Charles Alvis, would say are, “an applause to the tree.” I live and work in middle Tennessee, an area rich with a wide variety of trees. By making one of a kind turned art pieces out of felled trees, I not only rescue the trees, but also preserve their essence. The downed tree is cut into manageable pieces using a chainsaw. Then it is shaped on the lathe by carving away ribbons of wood to reveal the sensuous curves that define my work.
My bowls embody strong, classic, and substantive form to do justice to the ancient walnut or the sweet cherry tree. My inspirations are deeply rooted
and grounded in the raw material that is the predominant medium of my craft. Our world is full of functional wood products that we rely on for our very existence. I wish to lift each turned piece out of the mundane into the realm of consciousness that inspires viewers to form a deeper connection with the natural wonders in their own lives.