Turned & Sculptural

John Penrod

With the exception of accessories such as finials, rims and handles, all of my turnings are created from recovered or found wood. The majority are turned from trees that grow in Florida. Predominantly, I use Norfolk Island Pine, West Indies Rosewood and Grapefruit wood. Other species used are Royal Poinciana, Camphor, Chinaberry, Orchid Tree, Silk Oak, Sea Grape, Chinese Tallow and Jacaranda. My specialty is turning palm, which, although botanically not actually wood but a grass, is an interesting and unique material that presents a number of challenges. The majority of my palm turnings are from Queen, Sabal and several different Phoenix species.

To me, the outstanding feature of wood is that it is truly a multisensory art medium. One is able to enjoy its beauty visually via its form, incredible natural grain patterns and coloration. Wood also affords one the opportunity for tactual gratification as experienced by its weight and surface texture. It may also be enjoyed by smell, notably with highly aromatic woods such as camphor, cedar and citrus species. As an artist using primarily recovered wood as raw material, it is especially rewarding to provide new life to wood destined for the fireplace or mulch pile by converting it into an art object to be treasured and enjoyed for many years.

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