Michael Thompson made the natural transition from managing forests to working with wood grown in them. “I have a degree in forestry. My career focused on teaching people how to recognize what is in their forest and how to better manage it. I spent 31 years in my forestry career here in NC. When I retired in 2003 I was planning on working primarily building furniture. A friend asked if I would be willing to make him some stools so he could weave bottoms in them. I took classes on woodturning and became hooked.”
What sets Michael’s work apart from others is his attention to detail. “I want to create pieces that are pleasing to the eye and touch. I like for my pieces to have flowing curves.” Much of the wood he uses comes from local sources, trees removed from around houses or un-useable logs from forestry operations. “I try to keep track of where each piece of wood comes from so I can pass that along to the customer. Many customers like to make that connection.“
Michael’s process takes time. “I work with a lot of green (wet) wood. It is turned to a general form that I want and left at least 1” thick. It is then placed in a paper bag or cardboard box, packed with the wet shavings and allowed to dry for at least 6 months. It is then placed back on the lathe and turned into its final shape, sanded and finish is applied.“
What distinguishes the finished pieces and adds value is numbering. “I have been numbering my pieces since I began turning. I sign them and put the species on the bottom of the piece with the number.“
Inspiration comes from the piece of wood and what he sees in the wood. The color, the wood grain and the natural imperfections in the wood spark ideas. Other inspiration comes from natural world and trying to capture that and incorporate that in the turning.
See Michael’s latest work on his Chatham Artists Guild gallery page.
