Next  Meeting

Date/Time:  February 4, 2012, 9:00 a.m.
Location:  Demonstration Room, Mann Tool and Supply
Hands On: Friday, February 3, 2012 – 9 to 5, Mann Tool

When Mark was about six years old, his father gave him a set of hand tools, an old packing box with a vise mounted on it for a workbench and scrap wood. With his father's loving instruction and patience throughout his youthful years, he grew to appreciate tool skills, freedom of design and superior quality finish work.

Now he enjoys recycling native Georgia woods  He loves using the lathe to transform recycled woods into useful items and artistic objects. Being basically self taught on the lathe, over the years, he has advanced his woodturning skills. After turning many basic bowls, etc., he found a desire to create smaller and finer turned objects. He had the privilege of meeting Cindy Drozda (www.cindydrozda.com). She inspired him with her unmatched skills and he is thankful for her help in transforming his woodturning life into a joyful journey.

Mark finds satisfaction in both the creative process and in overcoming the challenges to complete fine quality finished work. He especially enjoys using a razor sharp spindle gouge and watching the shapes evolve while creating intricate turnings.  Donating  to charities, teaching and demonstrating fulfill his giving spirit. He continues to be awed by what nature has created in wood and is proud of his efforts to preserve and recycle.  At schools and art and craft shows, he takes a mini lathe on which he turns wood as an educational experience for children. He enjoys making simple toys and ornaments for them to paint and decorate. He sees the wonder in their eyes as he reveals the toy from the wood. Doing this continues to fascinate Mark and bring him joy.

One of his new artistic directions is combining woodturning with objects from the sea.  It  evolved from helping a student with her joinery skills. During the process of helping her, he discovered a new way to join irregular objects.  Exploring and refining this technique has brought him much joy and has helped to advance his artistic expression.

Mark is a member of the American Association of Woodturners and the Georgia Association of Woodturners. 

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