I have been interested in working with wood for more than 30 years, but have taken woodturning more seriously in the last 8 to 10 years.
I am presently working on "one off" arty pieces from rescued Swamp Kauri Stump wood, which I have obtained from a farm in the Te Kauwhata area, south of Auckland. The colours and grain swirls in these pieces are just amazing. I select a small block, clean off the dirt and any loose bark areas, form a base and then let the piece dictate the final shape.
I enjoy working with "stressed" wood, which can be twisted, knotty, cracked, not always completely round, and maybe full of holes or have bark inclusions. When working on these pieces I can sometimes visualize what they will look like well before they are completed.
My "Natural Edge Series" of work involved natural edge bowls with the bark still on. The challenge is to try and get the bowl as thin as possible without mishap and to retain the natural bark edge. I had a lot of success using Plum, which has amazing colours, including pink, cream and purple.
The thrill of applying the first coat of oil to a piece still amazes me as the grain and colours leap out for the first time.
I belong to the Waipa and the Hamilton Woodworkers Guilds, and I am also a member of the National Woodturners Association. Belonging to groups like this is important, as the knowledge and information gained and shared between members is invaluable.
I have recently opened a small Gallery beside my workshop to display my work. I enjoy the satisfaction of completing a work of art and having it on display for others to admire.
Dennis Morgan
Hobby woodturner and woodcraft artist.
Te Rahu Woodcraft
2165 Te Rahu Rd
Te Awamutu.