burls

Burls are a tree's natural reaction to a problem, whether it be disease, insects, or injury. The response in some trees is to produce a growth of tight, knotted grain structures that are stunning to behold. I work mostly in Australian Burls, which are some of the world's most beautiful and expensive to acquire.

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red mallee burl with inlay $290
#2010-733 This red mallee burl bowl has lots of little fissures filled with gold mica, along with a natural shell inlay around the rim. Finished in tung oil varnish, then wax buffed. Approx. 10" dia x 1 3/4 high. $290
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red mallee burl reverse image
The reverse side of #2010-734
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red mallee burl shell inlay
a closeup of the natural shells inlaid into the rim
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white oak burl bowl $190
#2010-731 This white oak burl was really promising, and it turned out more beautiful than expected. The variety of grain, the rays, the bark inclusion accents, and the combination of a refined edge and natural textures makes a piece of art to treasure. Approx 11" dia. x 3 1/2 high. Finished in my special blend of tung oil and varnish, then buffed. $190
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#2010-731 white oak burl bowl
#2010-731 Edge view of oak burl bowl
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#2010-731 white oak burl bowl
White Oak Burl Bowl, view of the bottom, showing inclusions
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oliepod on stand $1500
This oliepod (elephant's foot") is a piece with a heritage. The raw piece was charred, suggesting the tree was killed by fire. The stand incorporates a charred arc to preserve the tree's story. $1500
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oliepod on stand
The bark of this tree suggests an elephant's foot, and so to preserve this aspect of its beauty, I left the bark intact on the stand.
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oliepod on stand
The wood is an unbelievable mix of oranges, reds, browns, and cream colors. It was bug-eaten and charred, but this only adds to the rugged beauty of the work
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oliepod on stand
A view of the stand, incorporating 5 pieces of cutout
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oliepod, reverse
Here is the underside, almost as nice as the interior!
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Natural Edged Burl, Rimmed Red Morrell $270
#2008-708 Rimmed Red Morrell Bowl. This stunning burl features some exceptional grain patterns in the bowl area, accented by a fine rim. The grain is already getting more contrasty and eye-popping, even after a few days with tung-oil varnish and Carnauba finishing. Approx. 8" x 10" x 3". $270 Currently on display at the Artist's Guild Gallery of Greenville.
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Burl Relief Wing-Bowl in Coolibah $325
#2008-705 Wing-relief Bowl in Coolibah Burl. This stunning piece, with the sudden change in direction, accentuates the grain patterns that really spark interest. The silky smoothness made it a favorite piece to touch at a recent show! Finished with a tung-oil wiping varnish and Carnauba Wax. approx. 12" x 9" x 2" $325 (Currently on Display at the Artist's Guild of Greenville Gallery)
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Wing-edge Burl Bowl, Red Mallee $155
#2007-715 Red Mallee Burl Bowl. This spectacular bowl has the (very) natural edge still intact. The spikes are pretty impressive, especially when spining on the lathe. The burl is a deep red, sharply contrasting the tans surrounding it. The figure is astounding. Finished in Carnauba Wax. approx. 9" x 5" x 3" tall. $155