The Turning Point produces functional and artistic wood turnings and other products from native and exotic woods. I am also a photographer and offer a range of my photographic prints.
Material
The material for my wood products originates from sustainable sources with the majority of wood coming from woods native to Ontario. When used, exotic woods are purchased from reputable sources. I obtain local wood from loggers, firewood dealers, homeowners and my own small woodlot. I look for wood with unusual grain patterns and colour including spalted woods that have been inhabited by wood decay fungi.
Procedure
Wood is obtained from locally sourced logs or purchased from specialty suppliers. Wood turnings are often partially turned while still green and then waxed and set aside for several years to air dry before the piece is turned to final stage then it is sanded and treated with a food safe or natural finish. Depending on the item, some pieces can be turned while still green from start to finish. In these cases, the item undergoes some warping which adds to its rustic value. Aniline wood dyes, epoxy resin, woodburning, rotary carving or other enhancements are used depending on the final desired effect. All items are made by hand in my shop and I am the sole creator. The final outcome is inspired by the wood itself including grain orientation and colour. Each piece is a statement of nature’s design.Products that are not turned on the lathe, such as cutting boards, candleholders, oil lamps, breadknives etc., are made with the same philosophy for bringing out the best in the wood and ensuring safe, natural finishes. All pieces have warranties against defect.
Product Range
I have a strong belief in fullest possible use of the material used in my business. I make products from as much of the material as possible. Any wood that I cannot use helps to heat my shop. Shavings and wood chips are used as mulch in my gardens or are returned to the woodlot.. Bowls, plates, platters, hollow forms, candleholders, oil lamps, bottlestoppers and other products are created using several wood lathes that I own. Unique pieces of wood that I do not wish to use as firewood are shaped and sanded with other shop equipment into oil lamps, candleholders, boxes, serving trays and cutting boards and slabs, or are cut to dimension on various saws and used with exotic woods for cutting boards. The cutting boards are laminated using waterproof glue and are then sanded and treated with linseed oil, a natural, food safe finish. The epoxy resin used in composite pieces is all approved for contact with food once cured.Product pricing is dependent on product, size, value of wood and other materials used, complexity of design and length of time for production. Thus, item costs vary from $15 for bottle stoppers and other small items to $600 or more for expensive foreign woods or complicated items. The majority of my products are valued under $100.
Photography
All the photographs are taken and processed by myself. There are numerous sizes, framing options and prices associated with my photographic products. Larger sizes and framing options that are beyond my capacity can be purchased by requesting customization. Since these will be processed elsewhere, they will take a bit more time to ship.
