Andi Wolfe's Blog: AAW Symposium 2007

Saturday, August 11, 2007

AAW Symposium 2007 - Part 1

June 28, 2007. The AAW Symposium was in Portland Oregon from June 29 - Jul 1. We arrived on Thursday and, after checking into our hotel out by the airport, went to the Portland convention center to register and put our things in the instant gallery. It was kind of weird being off site for housing, but it worked out well - we stayed at the Embassy Suite Hotel, which had plenty of room for a reasonable price. Parking at the convention center was easy, but the rush hour traffic was a bit of a pain to navigate.

I had the same three pieces I put on display at the Utah symposium. The little blue one was selected for the instant gallery critique.

Here's a fun design by Art Liestman . . .

and another. I like these teapots - whimsical and cute, but a nice statement of a signature surface motif as well.

Jacques Vesery was setting up his instant gallery display while we were finishing.

"What's in the box, Jacques?"

"Who wants to know?"

"Oh, it's you. Ok, well, since Steve is with you, I'll show you. . ."

Wowsers! This is the collaboration Jacques did with Bonnie Klein for the auction. I didn't think anything could beat last year's donation, but this one sure topped it nicely.

It's a threaded box that sits on a carved stand. Everything is carved and detailed to the nth degree.

Inside the box is another threaded box.

The glass marble inside is etched as a globe.

"You are here. . ."

The detail inside and out is amazing.

The carving and coloring is intricate in the details.

Wait - there's more. What a pleasure to have this preview. Thanks, Jacques!

There were three simultaneous exhibits going on at the convention center. The first was the Rice Bowl Project. Rough bowls turned by Japanese artisans were sent to studio artists for us to put our signature style onto to finish them. I didn't photograph the whole collection, but I think I have more pics from later days. In this picture (L to R): Graeme Priddle, Andi Wolfe, Sharon Doughtie, and Christian Burchard.

L to R: Butch Smuts and Ray Key.

This was intended as a fund raiser for the professional outreach program. The bowls were donated for a silent auction.

Jacques Vesery.

L to R: hmm can't remember the one on the left, next two are from Michael Werner and John Jordan.

L to R: Tania Radda, Ron Fleming, Pam Reilly

In addition to the Rice Bowl Project, there was an exhibit of work from this year's POP Fellowship awardees: Mark Lindquist, Stephen Hogbin and Giles Gilson. These three artists were among the first to raise woodturning into the realm of fine art. Mark Lindquist was a pioneer of techniques that took woodturning from craft into sculpture. His chainsaw texturing technique is particularly interesting. Stephen Hogbin is also a sculptural woodturner and his use of disassembly/reassembly techniques were innovative. Giles is a category unto himself - he was an innovator in the application of color to wood and in the use of alternative materials. It was a real treat to see this collection of important work.

Mark Lindquist

Stephen Hogbin

Giles Gilson

Giles Gilson

The third exhibit in this gallery space was of traditional Japanese woodturning techniques, primarily featuring urishi-ware.

This collection of red lacquer bowls was made by Satake.

This is a Satake bowl that I added to my personal collection.

Steve came to the exhibit opening and we visited with some Central Ohio Woodturners members - Phil and Marilyn Johnson.

The last bit of the day was to find Bonnie Klein and to have a reunion of friends. Bonnie was in South Africa during April for their national symposium, and it was great to see the happy reunion.

Hugs all around were in order.

Steve didn't want to be left out, either.

Bonnie was finishing her organizing for the first session of the youth turning program. She sure does a great job of working with the kids, as does Nick Cook. What a fantastic program! Thanks, AAW!