Author Archives: Dave Fisher

Convergence

Posted on May 6, 2018 by Dave Fisher

Each life converges to some centre Expressed or still; Exists in every human nature A goal, Admitted scarcely to itself, it may be, Too fair For credibility’s temerity To dare. — Emily Dickinson, from Each Life Converges to some Centre … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, carving, patterns, quotes and excerpts, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , , , | 25 Comments

Learning at FWW Live

Posted on April 29, 2018 by Dave Fisher

It’s classic advice to surround yourself with interesting, inspiring, uplifting people.  Sometimes you can create that environment, and sometimes you just get lucky and find yourself in such a situation like I did last weekend.  I had been invited to … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, classes, events, sketch, spoons, teaching, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

Transferred Touch

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Dave Fisher

Things men have made with wakened hands are awake through years with transferred touch, and go on glowing for long years. And for this reason, some old things are lovely warm still with the life of forgotten men who made … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, finding wood, historical reference, patterns, proportions, quotes and excerpts, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 31 Comments

The Three Stages

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Dave Fisher

I’m preparing a couple blanks for my program at Fine Woodworking Live in two weeks.  I noticed I had walnut bowls sitting around in three stages, so I’ll call them Larry, Curly, and Mo.  Larry is a log section — … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, finding wood, green woodworking, holding, layout, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Memorial Bowl

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Dave Fisher

This tulip poplar log came to me with a history.  John’s son-in-law explained to me that John watched this tree grow and would often comment on its simple beauty and growth when they were together.  A couple years ago, John … Continue reading →

Posted in bowls, Lettering, nature, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Gate Horse?

Posted on March 31, 2018 by Dave Fisher

Last week I was splitting up a white oak log.  I used some of the pieces to throw together a low bench to be left outside.  I was ready to shave the ends of the legs down to two inch … Continue reading →

Posted in green woodworking, holding, tools, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Spring Snow and Wood Storage

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Dave Fisher

A book that I return to often is The Heart of Thoreau’s Journals edited by Odell Shepard.  One interesting aspect is comparing Thoreau’s notes for a particular time of year to my own observances; his March to my March. Thoreau … Continue reading →

Posted in drying, finding wood, green woodworking, nature, quotes and excerpts, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Bookplates: Ex Libris

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Dave Fisher

Digital media has it’s place, but there’s just something about a book.  Much of that something is a book’s appeal to our senses: the smell of a book, the heft of a book, the feel of the paper against the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Lettering, sketch, Uncategorized, woodblock prints | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Walnut Necklace

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Dave Fisher

I just finished the carving on this walnut bowl.  I snapped a few photos while carving the “necklace” around the rim.  But first, a point about gouges: One gouge can be pretty versatile, depending on how you use it.  You … Continue reading →

Posted in carving, patterns, Uncategorized, walnut | Tagged , | 25 Comments

“When I am Among the Trees”

Posted on March 11, 2018 by Dave Fisher

Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out, “Stay awhile.” The light flows from their branches. —Mary Oliver, from the poem “When I am Among the Trees”

Posted in nature, quotes and excerpts, trees, Uncategorized | Tagged | 8 Comments