“Let the chips fall where they may.”
David Payant is a wood turner from Marquette.
“I have been turning for 10 years and I love wood. All of my work is in local woods. Each piece of wood is unique and when you ‘open’ it up, amazing beauty is revealed. “
Tell us a little bit about yourself …
I work in wood turning items on a lathe. I have been at if for many years starting in the 80’s. I love wood and use little dye and paint as it’s “about the wood stupid”
What mediums do you primarily work in, and what’s your favorite?
I use almost exclusively local woods. Cherry, birdseye and curly maple, black ash, and sometimes butternut.
What are you working on right now (or most recently)?
Recently I have been making jewelry boxes. Everything I do is individual: I do no “production runs.”
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from pottery, and I use forms I have seen in Athens, Rome, and the southwest of the United States, such as the Anasazi forms.
When I need ideas I read books and daydream. I watch what other turners are using and use their ideas too.
What do you enjoy most about being a gallery docent?
I like being a docent at the gallery since I get to talk to people from all over the country.
Any advice for other aspiring artists?
If you are interested in turning wood go to the local turning club meetings.
Here in the Marquette area, we have a local club that meets at the Peter White Public Library. They are the Superiorland Woodturners, and have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/769991629834993/
The club is very active and has monthly workshops.
I will give you a free lesson.
