January 29 - March 1

Wood is always moving. A result of the inherent tensions a tree was under as it grew and responded to its environment. The wood continues moving as it dries, and the tension is released as we work. We read the grain, plan and anticipate this, and drag and respond. Often, the most beautiful figure in wood arises from physical stress and disease, whether it is iridescent quilted rippling (chatoyance) that showcases pieces for a box top or electric guitar face or the black veins of spalt that reveal a tree infected by mold. 

Sometimes, we fight the movement and force the wood into perfect squareness. And sometimes, we don't allow a green-turned bowl to deform into a natural edge and an oblong shape.

One thing I love is how I move with and around the wood. It is physical and meditative: reading the wood from all angles, pushing it through tools that demand compliance, tai chi-like movements at the lathe with a bowl gouge, sanding until a satin finish, or hair-width adjustments to perfect fit and stability.

You can contact Elaine at elaine.cheung@gmail.com