James Prestini

James Prestini had a varied career as a mathematician, engineer, sculptor, professor of design, and woodturner. Prior to becoming a professor of design at the University of California at Berkeley from 1956 to 1975, Prestini turned thinwalled bowls and plates in rich hardwoods from 1933 to 1953. This work would lead to his being referred to as the father of the contemporary woodturning movement in the United States. With emphasis on form and finish, Prestini created elegantly simple designs that embody restraint—the very essence of timeless design.