Almost anyone who has carved bowls from split half-logs has experienced the disappointment of finding pre-existing checks that lead to throwing wood into the scrap pile. A Mercedes emblem at the end of a bowl log has always been unwelcome. But this needn't be the case. This will be an innovative workshop to explore what can be done with logs split into thirds, quarters, fifths and … what else? Potential forms can be pith up/bark down and up-side-down, shallow or high-sided, stemmed or scow-shaped. We will look in unexpected places for inspiration. For instance, what happens when you slice and deconstruct an onion?

In the early 90’s, Kulturhus in Stockholm organized a major traveling exhibit “Swedish Folk Art — All Tradition is Change.” What does this mean? The accompanying catalog, with fabulous photographs and about twenty provocative essays is food for thought for those who want to take their craft to a next level. This two-day course welcomes participants with prior bowl carving experience, professional carvers, and teachers. Class members will be expected to contribute ideas as the course unfolds. We will work with rounds supplied by North House, and what participants bring to class. Limited to 8 advanced students. Please bring examples of your work, lots of tools, materials in any stage, your questions and ideas.