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WEB EXHIBIT:
this special feature focuses on the artistic synergy between members of
our Guild.
INNER FORMS
Guild members Joe Comi, a woodturner, and Ray
Mullineaux, a cabinet maker, both work in
wood. This interview
explores how they both find inner forms in their shared medium.
How did you first become interested in
wood?
Joe Comi: I started
out working with wood doing flat work, and working as a
carpenter. I always enjoyed looking at a finished project and
knowing that I had built it with my own two hands.
What
is special about wood as a medium?
Joe Comi: For the
woodturning that I do now, I begin each project with a block of wood
that I have cut directly from a log out of my woodpile. Each
piece will slowly evolve into a completed work, and throughout the
process the wood grain and color will become more and more
visible. It is impossible to know what the wood will look like in
its finished state when you begin a project. This unknown quality
of wood appeals to me, as it makes each turning unique.
What are some types
of wood that you use? Where is it from?
Joe Comi: For my
larger turnings I use primarily domestic wood such as black cherry,
walnut, maple, birch, etc. I collect all of this wood locally
from various sources. For some of my smaller turnings I use
exotic woods such as zebrawood, cocobolo, and bubinga.
What
are some of the techniques that you use?
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Joe Comi: The woodturning that
I do involves the use of a piece of machinery called a lathe.
Basically a lathe holds the wood while it spins very quickly at speeds
up to 35mph. I then use various chisels and gouges to carve or
"turn"
the wood into a form. |
How do you come up
with the ideas for your work?
Joe Comi: There
are so many different directions that woodturning offers. I am
never at a shortage of ideas; it is more the case of where to find time
to try out all the different ideas I already have!
How
does being a member of the Guild inspire you?
Joe Comi: It is helpful to be in contact with
so many different types of artists and artwork. Seeing different
techniques in other mediums may affect my approach to a certain
woodturning project.
Please contact the
artists directly to share a comment:
Joe Comi
Ray Mullineaux
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GALLERY EXHIBIT
October 2009: orange
WEB EXHIBIT ARCHIVES
September 2009:
Surface Explorations: the
work of Ann Webster and Jessica Phillips
August 2009: Recycling and the work
of Joe Chirchirillo and Paula LaPorte
July 2009:
Mosaic Chest by Arline
Mayer and
Cyndi Saint
June 2009: behind the scenes with
our curatorial team
April 2009:
Yin Yang Water Chairs by
Cyndi Saint and Paula LaPorte
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