Gallery
Studio
School of Wood Turning
Tools, Jigs, Books Videos/DVDs
About David Ellsworth
Contact David Ellsworth
Interviews
Links
Homepage

"Vessels": 1980-1989

The decade of the '80's was a period of great exploration and discovery within all craft media-woodturning in particular. In developing my own voice as a designer-craftsman, I was determined that each piece would become singular in character, true to the medium of wood, and reflective of the influences that have inspired me.

The process of vessel making is one of balancing ideas with execution where the heart, not the head, is in charge. Throughout this process, the material must speak, command - even scream - for its own identity. Without this interaction one simply makes a good object, a good design, but one which lacks the presence of the power of "self". Thus the vessel is the language of self; expressed, but not overwhelmed by one's material or technique.

Ultimately, I find myself drawn to the privacy of the interior to discover the origins of its force. It is within this volume that one encounters an object's spirit and 'pulse', elements that engender the same qualities of mystery that we find within ourselves.