Turn, Turn, Turn

When I was young, one of my favorite songs was, "Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)". This song was written and composed by Pete Seeger in the 50's but he waited until 1962 to record it. The lyrics come directly from the King James Version of the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. While Seeger wrote the music, the only words he wrote was the closing line, "a time for peace, I swear it's not too late."

There are many times. There is a time to be happy, a time to be sad, a time for beginnings, and a time for ends. All times turn, and the cycle begins anew.

Merriam Webster's On-line Dictionary list 21 meanings of the verb turn, and it is derived from many sources leading back to the Greek "tornos" which means lathe. This is the exact meaning I was looking for, "to turn on a lathe."

This is the subject of this post, turning on a lathe. I met Bill Crone at a local car dealership years ago, but did not know he was a 'turner' until fairly recently. He brought some of his turnings, really works of art, to Little Shop. They are absolutly incredible. But more than the actual objects is the view of the artist. Here is what Bill wrote in his bio:

“I am fortunate to live in the beautiful village of Freedom, NH. It’s a small, close knit community nestled in between the Mount Washington Valley and the Lakes Region.

“My skills as a woodworker are all self-taught, except for a basic wood turning course I took when I purchased my first lathe and an occasional clinic. All of the furniture I make is made from rough lumber. I perform all of the mill work, which allows me to create custom pieces in any desired size. Every one of my creations has its own unique features, which are designed by me or the client. My pieces are made from domestic and exotic woods, and reclaimed lumber.

“My wood turnings are made from both domestic and exotic woods. Some are created using local found wood. Wood turnings are always unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Sometimes I am able to design and create the wood turnings from start to finish. Oftentimes, however, the wood itself dictates what the final design will be.

“I started woodworking as a hobby, a way to pass a few pleasant hours on my own. I gave many of my first attempts away as gifts. As I grew more skilled with my tools, I started getting more and more requests for special orders and custom pieces. I now create unique gifts and fine furniture, and do restorative repairs on older pieces.

“I have been called a craftsman and an artisan by people who viewed and purchased my work. I’m very proud of my accomplishments as a wood crafter. I appreciate the essence of the wood, and I find that I genuinely enjoy sharing that appreciation with others through my work. I create unique pieces that become heirlooms to be passed on to future generations.”

The pictures are all of Bill's works. They all have a feel of solemnity and are examples of the turner's art. Stop by our shop to hold these pieces to get the true measure of the craftsmanship involved.

May all your turnings be true.

Peace, Ken