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Floral Forms
"Pua" Series

Pua Series Floral forms are created from an English Yew root ball approximate size 9" D x 9" Long and it sits on a 10 inch square black lacquer base.  The English Yew root ball is fast becoming my favorite turning material. The difficulties in working this material is what one finds in amongst the roots, such as dirt, stones and other hard nasty material. And, not to mention, the problems of obtaining suitable raw material is very time consuming and could end-up exasperating.  
 
As a native of Hawaii and one who has spent a number of years traveling and living in Southeast Asia those influences often stir my creative imagination in attempting forms unusual in woodturning. In the Hawaiian language the word "Pua" - amongst other things - also means flower blossom. In trying to bring this piece to completion one must be aware of the pitfalls in working with very thinly turned flower petal forms. In addition, one must be concerned with wood movement, how will the piece be displayed and how does one finish the turning without wrecking it. This turning was finished with 8 to 10 coats of Tung Oil hand rubbed and finals steps include a carnauba and beeswax finish.