Steve Howlett, artist in wood. Sculpture made on lathe-2

how it's done - 2

the making of a trumpet form in holly

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With the right hand face of the sculpture finished, the process begins of carving away the waste to achieve the final uniform wall thickness.

With the right hand face 'finished', the process begins of cutting away
the waste to achieve the final uniform wall thickness.

Another view of the half finished sculpture at the same stage as the previous image, showing a 40 watt light shining through the wood

Another view at the same stage as the previous image,
showing how the 40 watt light shines through 3mm thick holly.

The finished sculpture, showing the uniformity of light showing through the wood which indicates the uniform thickness.

The finished shape, showing the uniformity of light showing through
the wood which indicates the uniform thickness.

I just couldn't resist putting this one in as the light shining through the wood is so impressive! All that's left to do is carve away the spigot on the foot and the piece is finished. Apart from sanding that is!!

The description for this is as above.
I just couldn't resist putting this one in as the light shining through is so impressive!
All that's left to do is cut away the spigot on the foot and the piece is finished.
Apart from sanding that is!!

The finished piece is left to dry.

After 24 hours slight distortion of the sculpture is noticeable

After 24 hours slight distortion is noticeable

36 hours after carving the distortion in the sculpture is becoming interesting

36 hours after turning the distortion is becoming interesting

After 72 hours the distortion is happening so rapidly that I am concerned that the sculpture will split

After 72 hours the distortion is happening so rapidly that I am concerned that the piece will split

Another day and it still keeps moving.

One week after turning, the sculpture has reached its final form. This is very fast, sometimes it takes up to 4 weeks to reach its final form.

One week after turning, the piece has reached its final form.
This is very fast, sometimes it takes up to 4 weeks to reach its final form.

trumpet form with incised line, cut in two to show uniform wall thickness

A sycamore trumpet form with incised 'crease', cut in half to show the uniform wall thickness
which it is necessary to achieve in all my pieces. This piece is dry but has not been sanded.

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I recommend that you check out the link below, it may well save you much heartbreak and money!

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Read his views on contemporary tool manufacturers and their products here "buying new tools"