Vinnie

I’m still lovin that walnut, something about it that gives a warm feeling. Very nice Joe.

-- Dan Wiggins

Another nice piece. Is that from the same walnut log as the last? And subtle is the right word… have to look hard to see the airbrushing, well done.

-- I just got done cutting three boards and all four of them were too short. (true story)

It is from the same log as the last walnut piece. I wanted to just add enough color to warm it up. There is a little more red at the base, just to add a little weight.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Your sense of balance is quite excellent. You manage to get some very strong, yet subtle curves in your work. Very pleasing to the eye. I want to touch it.

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

Joe , I honestly like the Natural Walnut (Mendota) better….Nicer shape , nicer color…JMO. Not that there’s anything wrong with this one. Just voicing my preference if I could afford one of your masterpieces : )

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!

I really love your work. Everytime I see another piece you made I am excited to click on it and look at the beautiful curves. You mentioned critiques as well and I want to give you an opinion that may be difficult to hear. I hope I dont offend you Joe but in a way they are beginning to look the same. Same basic shape with different finishes. They are still stunning turnings, everyone of them, but I know you have other creations in your head that are begging to get out and I want to see what else you have to offer! Let me know what you think….

Joe, I enjoy the look of walnut. It is such a warm wood that just invites you to touch it. You did a nice job of bringing out the character in this turning.

-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine

Christopher, thank you for taking the time to comment and critique my work. I am fairly thick skinned and am not offended easily. I agree my most recent working is all starting to look very similar. I have been forcing myself to stick with the same basic form and work on the minor details of improving the form, balance and weight of the pieces. Perhaps it is time to move on and explore new avenues.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Joe I have offered suggestions of trying finials on your pieces. They can make a big difference in a piece. I have wondered myself why you have stayed with this same style myself, I figured you had your reasons. Even caps or texturing. Please don’t take offense I too think you are the most awesome thing to come along on LJs since I’ve been here. Nobody has progressed as you have especially with color and form. I feel “not worthy” to critique your work, honestly. mike

-- (You just have to please the man in the Mirror) Mike from Michigan -

Hey Joe
I find my self thinking how great it must be to create such beautiful work so frequently. Many of the masters have made a design over and over until they feel they have what they want. I enjoy every one of your post well done.

-- https://www.artisticwoodstudio.com/videos

Branching out is sometimes the hardest thing to do. I think you’ve gotten this shape down pretty well, although I’d like to see a lower, more hard transition into the neckline (look at Don Derry’s work as an example). The current rounded shoulder isn’t bad, but it makes the pots look a bit “dumpy” for lack of a better word. You’ve got the foot down pat.

From here, you can go larger or smaller, thinner or thicker, but you’ll have to pick something else as a new direction soon to avoid producing “production work”. More isn’t always more, sometimes it’s too much, so pick your direction with meaning.

If your goal is to “go professional”, you will need to make sure that your work scream your name from across the room. That is probably the single biggest challenge you will face as a turner… and there are no answers or shortcuts.

Good luck on the next pot…

-- Steven

Mike, I will make a trip next week to go pick up some ebony for some finials.

Steven, thank you for taking the time to offer feedback. Your critiques are always so insightful. The advice you have offered in the past has been helpful. This is no exception.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

Excellent finish Joe.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Joe, I understand the comments above, but don’t feel qualified to critique. One thing is sure it’s a beautiful turning.

Thanks for posting it.

-- Martin, Kansas