Washington
County
Turned
Wood
Jerry Davidson has tinkered with wood his entire life. While
he was in the Marine Corps, he purchased an inexpensive lathe that he used to
create odd pieces, and then put the lathe away for many years. Always
interested in wood, Jerry joined the International Wood Collectors Society. The
members of this society gather from all over the world to display multitudes of
wood they have collected from many countries. Members use their wood carving
skills to create one-of-kind items out of unique types of wood.
Jerry was inspired by these
creations to rediscover the lathe. He purchased a newer, higher quality lathe
and began training himself to make bowls. He begins with a solid piece of wood
(black walnut and rose wood are two of his favorites). Then he allows the wood
to show him the bowl. He tries to utilize the variations of the patterns in the
wood, and is always mindful of letting the wood be his guide. After sanding, he
prefers to use lacquer to finish his pieces.