Hand-crafted live edge bowl turned from a fallen maple tree. Food safe.

Artist's statement: This piece is special to me due to the source of the wood I chose. It came from a large Maple tree on our small wood lot next to our home. The tree was not healthy and was leaning too close to the house, thus forcing us to take it down. I'm sure many of you face a similar situation. But what to do with the wood from valued but fallen tree? My solution sits in front of you as you read this. After examining the logs from the Maple, I selected a section that represented my memory of a valued tree waiting to be reabsorbed by the forest, or turned into an art form on my wood lathe. The real artist here is Mother Nature and I seek to reveal the beauty of this versatile material. This process gives me great peace and satisfaction as I create a hollow form which can serve as a utility for holding food or flowers or just an art form to be observed as well as handled. By using a live edge technique I intended to include as much of nature as possible. I hope this speaks to you as well and gives you a feeling of the pleasure it gave me to craft it. It is truly hand crafted and one of a kind. 100% of the money spent on this is contributed to our Albany Symphony and I hope you see fit to dig deep when you consider your bid. I do this work for personal fulfillment as well my love and appreciation for our fabulous orchestra. Thank you for caring.

Steve Lobel
Wood Turner