The ERUUF Gallery is proud to present “Hidden Wonders” an exhibit of artistic woodturning created by Steve Criscenzo.
Steve explains, “One of the joys of the woodturning process is the gradual reveal of previously hidden textures and patterns as the wood blank is shaped and finished. Adapting the turned piece to highlight the evolving figure while maintaining a pleasing form allows the turner a unique opportunity for artistic expression.” The pieces in this exhibit have been selected to highlight the unique features of the finished work.
Steve Criscenzo is a Durham artist focusing on woodturning. Steve has been working with wood since childhood where he was often found “assisting” his dad with the many renovation projects at his home. As an adult, his woodworking progressed to cabinet work and making furniture for the family home.
Although always intrigued by lathe work, Steve did not start turning wood until 2004. With the purchase of a used lathe and some basic tools, his interest and skills advanced quickly. He is
largely self taught, learning from books, videos and trial and error.
This year, Steve celebrates 20 years of turning by presenting work that highlights the hidden wonders that are revealed in wood during the turning process. Often, he adapts the original concept of a piece to highlight the dramatic textures, patterns or interesting features in the wood that are only revealed as the turning progresses from rough blank to finished piece.
Many of the pieces in this exhibit are turned from burl. Once the bark is removed, the outside surface of most burls has a rough texture, often with spikey features, while the inner wood finishes very smooth with fascinating patterns. In several of the pieces Steve highlights the juxtaposition of the rough outer and smooth inner surfaces by incorporating both into the finished piece.
The show also includes hybrid pieces featuring burl that is cast into resin and then turned to the finished shape. Several of the hybrid pieces are displayed on driftwood bases while one piece is mounted on a base of lava rock collected from a lava flow on a recent trip to Iceland.
If you are interested in purchasing a piece from this show, please email Steve. Please be sure to include the number of the piece you are interested in and your contact information. Sales will be processed in the order received via email. Arrangements will be made for pickup or delivery after the show ends on March 24.
Steve will be in the Gallery before and after services on February 18 and February 25 to discuss the pieces on display.
