Frank (Francis) H. Peters – Wood turner
I
grew up on Vancouver & Pender Islands, spent some time in the
Chilcoten area of BC, and then in
the mid 70's,moved
to Central Alberta. When I was young, I spent a lot of time
associating with painters and other artists. I'm sure I absorbed
some of their insight as to what looks and feels good and I try to
bring this into my work.
I
have been working with wood as a hobby for the past thirty plus
years, mostly working very hard to make things square.
I
have appreciated wood-turnings for a long time, however I never tried
turning it myself until I took an evening course in 2001. I was
instantly hooked. I'm still amazed at the colours and designs that
magically appear when the wood stops spinning. I have also discovered
that there is a great deal of beauty in sensuous curves! ;)
Since
that first Lee-Valley course with Jim Osenton, I have taken several
others to improve my craft. A couple of note are, one from Richard
Raffan, a well known Australian wood turner, author and artist.
Another from Terry Golbeck of Black Forest Wood Company in Calgary,
who taught me the safe and very handy use of the skew chisel. I am a
past member of the Calgary Woodturners Guild and a current member of
the Central Alberta Wood Workers guild.
I
turn mostly domestic Canadian hard woods, such as Eastern Hard Maple,
Big Leaf maple form BC, Walnut, Manitoba Maple, Alder, Ash, Elm,
Willow, Mtn. Ash, Poplar and fruit woods such as Cherry, Apple, Pear
and Crab Apple. I will on ocassion use some exotic woods to enhance
the appearance of an item. Being organic, wood has flaws, worm holes
etc. and this can add to the character of the piece.
I
also like to do segmented turning as this allows me more creativity
and design in an item and uses less wood overall however it does tend
to double the work.
I
especially like making small whimsical ornaments because when chldren
see them, their imagination is fueled and they see fairies and and
other creatures where we see a little bird house or other object.
I
am honored and thrilled when anyone purchases my work as this tells
me that what I love to do is appreciated.
Thank
You
Frank
