We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
— T. S. Eliot, “Little Gidding”
As one might guess from the title of my blog, I like the idea of exploration. As children, we naturally see possibilities and opportunities in every tree and creek. Bill Watterson reminded us of this notion in his final Calvin and Hobbes strip. In it, is the feeling that all shall be well, a sentiment also found within “Little Gidding” by T. S. Eliot.
As I wondered over Eliot’s writing (the wheels in my head turn slowly), I kept returning to the four lines above, and I designed this walnut bowl as a fitting setting for his words. Through the layout of the words themselves, the path of the raised ridge along the underside of the bowl, and even the tree on the bottom, I hope the piece reflects return and renewal.
The bowl itself is large and round. It is from the walnut tree that fell this winter, deep in a ravine not far from my house. The photo to the left with the lemons may provide a sense of scale. The diameter of the bowl is 15 1/2 inches and it is 3 3/4 inches high. If life hands you a lot of lemons, you’ll have room for them.
Carving a round bowl is essentially the same process as carving a long trough-style bowl. Laying out circles is much easier, in fact. Then all that’s left to do is hew away with axe and adze. I just make sure to take extra care on the end grain areas near the rim. I sharpen my axe and emphasize a slicing motion.
The lettering itself was an interesting challenge. I drew many sketches of various potential letter forms, then, still on paper, worked out the spacing generally so that the verse would finish where it began along four feet of circumference. I then sketched the inscription onto the wood and began the painstaking process of carving the letters.
I experimented with different techniques for these letters and found that my finely sharpened pen knife blade worked best. Slicing with the knife proved to be the best strategy for dealing with the constantly changing grain around the bowl. It required cutting straight into end grain at times, as well as side grain and transitional areas.
I’ll put a few more photos below if you’d like to see some more shots. I’ve also just listed it for sale at my website which can be reached by clicking here. (update: sold 6/11)
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
I hit “like” ’cause there’s no “love” option. Greg suggested “carving canoe thwarts” as a blog topic.
LikeLike
Ha! Done, by the way. No lettering, though!
LikeLike
Simply gorgeous. I visit your blog and your work to inspire me to be better with my own.
LikeLike
Thanks, Ty.
LikeLike
I especially like the lettering. Such a lovely font and carved so precisely!
All your bowls are just awesome.
LikeLike
Thanks, Veronika. The lettering took as long as the rest of the bowl!
LikeLike
Dave,
His is really exquisite work. The idea, execution, and finish are all beautiful and resonate deeply!
LikeLike
Beautiful.
Dave, please add captions to your images, it will make you more beloved of the Internet.
LikeLike
Goes back to Heraclitus I believe – see epigraph to Four Quartets
Would be cool in Greek on the next one!
LikeLike
Thanks, Richard. Good idea.
LikeLike
David – you never cease to amaze me ! when drying do your round bowls deform – looking more oval than round ? if yes how do you correct for that once dry – in reestablishing a round / circle ?
best e
LikeLike
Rick,
Yes, the bowls, when laid out round, dry slightly oval. Normally this, if noticeable, is still not a problem aesthetically or in use. If, it is important to have a truly round bowl after drying, one can compensate during layout by widening the outline of the circle across the grain. As the piece shrinks across the grain more than along the grain, it will come back into round. Of course, adjustments can be maid after drying as well if enough excess wood has been left. Walnut tends to have less shrinkage than other woods.
LikeLike
Beautiful work! I can’t even imagine how long it must have taken you to do the lettering, amazing.
LikeLike
Hi David,
Your work reflects very well the beauty of nature, your own beauty and spirituality. I appreciate very much your generosity in sharing the knowledge you have about making these beautiful pieces.
Luis
LikeLike
Pingback: Round Walnut Bowl: Follow Up | David Fisher, Carving Explorations