Artist Statement by Scott A. Foster 

I use both traditional woodturning techniques to make solid wood bowls and segmented woodturning techniques.  

When I started learning to turn on the lathe, I found that while I enjoyed the process, the outcome was limited by the pieces of available wood for shape, size and colors.  When I discovered segmented woodturning, the doors of possibility opened wide.  I combine various woods, especially figured and often locally sourced woods, into shapes and combinations that offer endless possibility.  I choose shapes and sizes for the end form that may be influenced by a particular piece of wood, but are open to combinations of color, figure, and size not achievable by any single piece of wood.

I use a few primary techniques to join the wood for my segmented vessels: 

The first uses the wood with the grain running around the vessel’s circumference.  I cut boards into trapezoidal segments, assemble the segments into rings, and then stack the rings to form the shape I desire.  Then take the project to the lathe for turning

I also use a wedge technique, which involves cutting a piece of wood into a circular disk. I cut that disk into wedge shapes and reassemble it into a ring with contrasting woods interspersed with the wedges before adding top and/or bottom elements.  This sometimes involves several turning steps between adding layers, or eve n turning it before cutting it apart again to add layers.

The stave technique involves orienting the grain of the original board in a vertical direction. Similar to the first technique, the board is cut into trapezoids, but rather than square edges, these are cut as tapered trapezoids.

When I start a project, I usually plan and sketch out the finished shape, including creating the lines and curves that will be on the outside. Next comes the math as I calculate how to cut the wood to create the finished design using one of the techniques described above.

Solid wood bowls are less complicated. I choose a beautiful piece of wood and put it on the lathe with an idea of the shape I want to end up with based upon the flaws and features of that particular piece of wood. Then it's a matter of skill and experience as I shape the wood with tools.

The natural colors of wood are beautiful on their own, so I never dye or stain wood. I use a variety of different finishes depending on the intended use for the piece, all of which are food safe. I most often use a clear lacquer finish.