AWGB Woodturning Forum

General Category => Gallery => Topic started by: Les Symonds on December 21, 2019, 06:47:44 PM

Title: Oak and abalone
Post by: Les Symonds on December 21, 2019, 06:47:44 PM

Something new for me to play with....abalone shell! It's remarkably similar to mother-of-pearl, in that it's an iridescent lining of a shell, in this case a mollusc. I just think that its colour goes so well with scorched oak and the verdigris wax.
It's about 10" tall and 5" diameter (25x12 cm) and it breaks a few of the stereotypes of form. It's diameter is exactly one half of its height, the abalone is placed not one third of the way down, but one-quarter, and the sides of the vessel form a straight line, but despite these variations from the norm, I like it.

C&C always welcome....Les

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: Mike313 on December 21, 2019, 07:57:09 PM

I often don't like straight-sided vessels however this is an exception. It is a very pleasing piece from a number of perspectives. The straight sides are perfect, given the amount of surface detail, a nice balance of simplicity and detail. The proportions are right, in terms of the overall dimensions and the positioning of the shell detail. The colouring works very well too. I like it.

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: Doug Barratt on December 22, 2019, 09:55:11 AM

I can see why you like it Les, it’s a very nice piece.

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: Dave Wraight on December 22, 2019, 11:05:12 AM

Beautiful piece of work and you are right - the abalone shell fits in well with the effects you have on the wood.

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: Derek on December 22, 2019, 12:48:39 PM

That is a lovely piece Les. The abalone goes well with the finish of the wood.

As it is something new to you keep playing is all I can say

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: Duncan A on December 22, 2019, 07:36:31 PM

Nice, it all comes together beautifully.
But.........
I'm struggling to work out what the shape reminds me of. Some ancient pottery perhaps? From Africa? A gourd vessel?
Don't know anything about any of those subjects, but it definitely resonates in some way - and I like it!
Duncan

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: georg on December 23, 2019, 06:41:13 PM

           Season's Greetings Les

    All elements gel together very well...with the abalone making it a stand out piece. Like it a lot.

   Kind Regards Tony Di

Title: Re: Oak and abalone
Post by: Les Symonds on December 23, 2019, 07:24:16 PM

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks....season's greetings to you all.
Les