TURNED BOXES FOR BEGINNERS
Lidded Box by Matthew Hill, boxwood, hard maple, and ebony (9" dia.x 4"), 2004
Mainetainer by Matthew Hill, spalted maple (5"x3.5"), 2007
Matthew Hill
October 6 – 10
Boxes introduce the neophyte turner to nearly every aspect of lathe work. Participants in this workshop learn spindle and faceplate turning by creating end-grain and face-grain boxes. Matthew’s instruction starts with the basics of tool selection and sharpening and carries students through to the details of end grain hollowing, bowl turning, and beginning hollow turning. Participants leave with the confidence and skill to continue their exploration of turned boxes at home.
Matthew introduces students to all the basic spindle tools, with special emphasis on creating detail with the spindle gouge, skew chisel and shear scraper. Faceplate techniques include using a bowl gouge to rough out a bowl quickly and efficiently and to refine the form without torn grain. The class also addresses the aesthetics of box making, including form, relationships among parts, handles, color, and texture. Students are encouraged to sketch out their own ideas and designs.
Matthew Hill turns professionally in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, selling primarily through galleries and invitational shows. A woodworker for more than 20 years, Matthew has pieces in the permanent collections of the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Contemporary Museum in Honolulu, as well as in most major private collections in the United States. His work may be seen at: www.matthewhillstudio.com