Anderson Ranch Arts Center Workshop Catalogs 2010-2014 | Page 22

Merryll Saylan, Untitled (detail)

Michael Mocho, Enso flask

David Nittmann, 3 Old Ladies (detail)

June 21 - 25

June 28 - July 2

July 5 - 9

Merryll Saylan   

Michael Mocho   

David Nittmann   

Skill Level: II - IV

Skill Level: I - III

Skill Level: II - III

Concept:  Learn the aesthetics of form: why,
how and when? We laminate wood to make
larger turning blocks, adding bases or pedestals.
Then we enhance these new shapes with carving, texture and color. We discuss techniques
and tools, materials and grain orientation.

Concept:  Break away from typical turned
forms with container, vessel and box sculptural forms. Integrate efficiency, intuition and
spontaneity of the lathe with abrasive shaping,
multi-axis cutting methods, textural techniques
and wood bending. We demonstrate static and
moveable connections and explore new relationships between forms with more than one
element. Short exercises stimulate the imagination and expand awareness for proportion,
material selection and details in composition.
End the week with a fresh perspective on
turning, a big bag of technical tricks and new
strategies for adding vitality and personality to
your work.

Concept:  Create “basket illusion” on woodturned objects. We learn the cutting techniques, indexing and surface decoration to
execute your personal illusion design.

Form Building On the Lathe 

Media & Techniques:  Media includes wood,
glue and paint. Techniques include laminating,
turning, texturing and carving.
Activities: We develop techniques and ideas
by drawing, making models, providing demonstrations, presenting slide shows and distributing handouts.
Faculty:  Merryll Saylan is a full-time studio
artist who has taught design at the University
of California in Berkeley and numerous woodturning workshops. She recently received a
Merit Award from the American Association of
Woodturners and her work is in many public
and private collections such as the Museum of
Arts and Design in New York City and the Renwick Gallery in the Smithsonian.

Connections: design and detail

Media & Techniques:  We work with both
green and dry wood using spindle and faceplate turning techniques and related tools. We
incorporate simple carving, abrasive shaping,
multi-axis cutting, wood bending and joinery
techniques with opportunities to explore other
materials and surface treatments.
Activities: Demonstrations, slideshows, short
exercises, open turning time and plenty of
one-on-one instruction enable students to
strengthen and refine techniques and explore
altered turned