Large Bay Laurel Bowl Carved with Fingers | by David Wittenbrock

I have a love for wood and the natural beauty in it. Each piece has its own character and natural patterns that when emphasised lead to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art.

Woodworking has been my primary activity since I retired from Corporate life in 2000. I was fortunate to have opportunities to learn my craft from a variety of woodworking schools including the College of the Redwoods, Diablo Adult School, and a local community of woodworkers. Initially I made furniture and craft items such as decorative boxes and cutting boards. However, after inheriting an antique lathe that both my father and grandfather used, I have focused on turnings and carved turnings. It was challenging to get an 1886 lathe designed for use on metal and with foot pedals to turn fast enough to work with wood. Metal can be turned at much lower speeds than wood and I found I could not pedal fast enough. It now has a variable speed motor.

All the wood used for my turnings has been harvested locally and would otherwise be burned or composted.

Dave Wittenbrock