Wood Turning Stories of the StrawBoss

A MOMENT OF HESITATION at the launch of the six pound Dutch Elm block.  From that instant the Corona Bowl took on a life of unintended consequence and unexpected significance.  Initially a statement of design to capture the threat of a spreading virus, I selected a half round section of a long standing deceased Dutch Elm that was being cut and sized for firewood.  The victim of a fast spreading invasion of virus like infection that wiped out the species in New England during the 1960-90's, this block had both the center pith and the bark markings of the attacking virus and microscopic organisms that spread it throughout the cadmium layer of growth cells under the bark.  The spaulted grey tones of decay were also evidence of the living presence in the long standing sentinel resisting removal from its original appointed location guarding the park pond shoreline and providing shade to wildflowers and home to birds.  Years ago an Oriole built a nest in the leafless branches and offere

The learning curve is steep for this tech challenged Boomer.  Turning wood with a skew and a face shield is mechanical hands on practical and tangible.  Creating a Blog has no logic or sensual component to the finger tapping, cursor pushing, eye squinting battle with the spell check choosing alternative words that change the meaning.  Well I guess that is like the spinning block off centre air space cutting chisel making chatter sounds as the wood chips fly, and the StrawBoss has no idea what the result will offer.  So this is the beginning of the musing stories of the ChaliceWorks StrawBoss.