David Watt with hardwood logs to be turned into bowls, like the ones stacked. Each is marked “Felled August 2, 2015”
We have a mild and gray Monday today. At Mr. Burnham’s request, we are featuring photos of bowls turned from trees downed during the August 2 storm. Members of the Northwestern Michigan Woodturners Club are turning these bowls from sections of hardwood trees that fell that day, as a way for neighbors and those in the community to commemorate their beloved old trees. The Leelanau Enterprise covered this story on October 22. The woodturners are volunteering their time and skills; those receiving bowls are asked to make a contribution to the “Re-Arbor Glen Arbor” fund.
A special note: some woodturners wait until the wood is dry before turning; this allows for production of a perfectly symmetrical bowl. The ones in the photos here were turned “green” – soon enough after the trees fell, that the wood dried after being turned. This results in organic, artistic shapes. “These are your trees,” says David Watt (pictured), and the bowls take on the shape of the tree as they dry.Â
Full disclosure: most people call him David Watt; I call him Dad. We took the bowls outside to celebrate the summery weather over the weekend!
Wood bowls from August 2 hardwoods. Sleeping Bear Bay.
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A wonderful way to remember the trees. Great story.
WHATa wonderful thing to do. Your Dad, and the other artisans are to be congratulated for such a terrific idea. My late aunt, Jeanne Fredrickson, had such a bowl by one of the local artists. It may have been produced by your dad – don’t know. It was the most gorgeous thing I’ve had the joy to touch – smoother than silk. Love your photos, Megan – so glad the Burnham site features your work too.
The bowls are beautiful Meggen, is there a way for me to purchase one?
Hi Judy – please see the note below… I’d recommend emailing davidmwatt4 at gmail dot com.
I was in Elk Rapids on August 2nd in a rental cottage watching while 75 mph winds blew all of the lawn furniture into the woods. I would also like to purchase one of the bowls if possible.
So….where can these cool bowls be procured?
Dad’s first bowl was for a friend who lost a favorite tree. She liked the bowl so much, that it inspired him to do the same for other people. Since then, this has taken on its own life, and has also become a way for those who are able, to make a nice donation to the fund (link below). Dad is sharing the logs with Northwest Michigan Woodturners whose members are also turning bowls from the downed trees. The bowls are being turned for people who have brought their storm wood and the story that goes with the wood, to… Read more »
Link for donations: to the Bowls From Downed Trees – a sub-fund of Bring the Arbor Back to Glen Arbor fund (https://utopiafound.kindful.com/?campaign=234053).
AThe bowls are beautiful !!