Open Studio Demonstration with Beth Ireland

July 31st, 2009 at 10:38am Erin

Last Thursday evening, woodworker Beth Ireland demonstrated some of her woodturning techniques in MAD’s Open Studios. Her visit was part of a series of demonstrations given by craftspeople who teach at Peters Valley Craft Center, an educational facility in New Jersey that offers classes in various arts and crafts. Beth Ireland teaches a woodturning class there regularly.

She began by turning a small blank wooden dowel, creating a simple design with a classic profile. She then placed it on top of the lathe and pronounced it her good-luck totem. This was particularly appropriate for this session, since it was the first time we had a chance to try out our lathe!

Beth demonstrated basic turning techniques, and spoke about some of the unique benefits of woodturning: it is one of the few woodworking processes which doesn’t require a vast knowledge of wood science, and requires attention to detail and finesse – not force. With a small table lathe, Beth explained, we could do this ourselves at the kitchen table.

Beth turned spatulas and small boxes on the lathe, and discussed how to create a lid that will always fit, how to apply a perfectly smooth finish, and the pros and cons of different types of wood. It was an intriguing process; many Museum visitors who stopped in found themselves staying for the entire session, and even walking away with their very own spatula or box (but only if they promised to work on it themselves). Beth’s combination of “philosophy” and tricks-of-the-trade gave her audience a great sense of woodturning, and I think she may have gained some converts to the craft!

A bowl by Beth Ireland

If you’re interested in learning more about Beth’s work, check out her website. Of course, if you really want to learn more about woodturning and get behind the lathe yourself, take a class at Peters Valley!

Entry Filed under: in the studio