Form and Detail
Enso Flask #1 by Michael Mocho, curly maple, ebony, maple burl (8"x2"x11"), 2005
Bubinga Swirl by Michael Mocho, bubinga and selenite, French polish (3”x5”x2.75”h), 2004
Michael Mocho
July 23 – 27
This workshop is for turners who want to strengthen their technical skills while learning new ways to imagine open and closed vessel forms. The class begins with a series of short exercises, using both spindle and faceplate techniques, which highlight the critical influence that tool selection, sharpening, RPM, and stance have on final form and surface quality. Students then develop individualized projects such as boxes, vessels, and sculptural forms.
Through demonstration and one-on-one guidance, Michael encourages participants to experiment with techniques such as shear scraping, basic multi-axis turning, abrasive shaping, methods of texturing surfaces both on and off the lathe, and the creation of complex forms from turned components. Students can expect to leave with fresh perspectives and bigger bags of tricks that open doors to new possibilities in their work.
Michael Mocho has been a full-time craftsman since 1976. His studio is in Albuquerque, New Mexico and he has extensive experience in woodturning, furniture design, sculpture, and stringed musical instruments. He was an instructor in Santa Fe Community College’s Fine Woodworking Program for nine years, and he has taught woodturning at numerous schools and symposia around the country. In 2004, he participated in the International Turning Exchange residency at the Woodturning Center in Philadelphia. His work has received numerous awards and is in many private and public collections.