Featuring —

Steve Smith

Steve Smith is passionate about trees and wood. He has been a member of the Artists' Co-op since the very beginning of the store and customers have long admired the grace and fine craftsmanship of his woodturings. Here is a recent interview with Steve about his work:

How did you get started in woodturning?

Growing trees, harvesting them and making many kinds of things with the wood has long been an interest of mine. However, when I saw and handled some of Bob Hasting's gorgeous turned vases about fifteen years ago, I was hooked.

What is it about woodturning that you find so appealing?

Woodturning challenges both the technical and artistic side of a person. Taking a lumpy, hard chunk of a fallen sugar maple and manipulating it into an object with beautiful balance and flow is very satisfying.

What about the future directions for your work?

I'm really going in two directions right now. Firstly, I'm working to develop simple and beautiful woodenware to be used in the kitchen; things like kitchen boards, rolling pins, spurtles, bowls and the like. Secondly, I'm exploring the world of thin-walled, hollow vessels made from unseasoned wood.

First photo:
Steve at home with some freshly turned bowls and vases.

2nd photo:
Steve working in his studio. The turning of vase interiors must be done very carefully.

3rd photo:
A large oval bowl that has been roughly turned prior to a more refined second turning.

4th photo:
Like the aging of fine wines, Steve has a large stockpile of drying wood that will be used in the years to come.

5th photo:
Steve and his family also operate Smith's River Road Farm, a 4000 tree apple orchard that surrounds their home. The Smith's pick-your-own apples are well known in the region for their excellent quality.

For more photos of Steve's work and contact information, please see his Artist Profile page.

Previously Featured Artists:
Timothy Smith
Virginia Smith
Kevin Wain