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Sierra Art Trails finds their 117 artists in full gear as they prepare for the coming 2006 Studio Tour
Art Show on October 14th and 15th this year. Mariposa has 33 of these artists showing their work at 11 Mariposa sites. Many of
these very talented artists have never shown their work in our community and are anxiously preparing it to present their
talent to our local visitors.
One of our new artists this year is Duane Boyle, an extraordinary wood turner. Duane moved to Mariposa in 1989 and for
the first 8-9 years focused his time making furniture pieces for his home and for others. Then his wife wanted a tea
card with legs turned on a lathe and this launched Duane into a new direction of wood turning. Within a short time Duane had
purchased a 600-pound powermatic lathe and his talent of wood turning turned into a full time artistic endeavor. He makes
platters, candlestick holders, bowls (both open and closed), pens, salt and pepper mills (both solid hardwood and laminated
cut on the diagonal), cutting boards and many other items.
Most of the larger bowls are made from green timber. The log is cut into smaller pieces with a chain saw and then a turning
blank is cut out for the band saw. Prior to putting in on the lathe, a faceplate is attached to the blank and he rough shapes
the bowl to oversize. At this time it is set aside for up to four months to dry. It is then ready to put on the lathe for its
final shaping, sanding and finishing coats (usually three coats).
Duane says," Working with kiln dried wood is a different procedure. It is stable and usually won't twist or warp. You have
more control over the final project. I often laminate several different kinds of wood together in different ways prior to
turning. This process is used for salt and peppermills, candlestick holders, etc. All of the sanding and finishing is done on
the lathe. Sharp tools are essential."
Duane's work is shown at the Ansel Adams gallery in Yosemite as is a must see on the Trail this October 14th and 15th.
For any further information about the upcoming show call your local representatives Sallie Dettra or
Louise Taylor at 209-966-8363.We also invite you to visit the Art Trails website at:
Sierra Art Trails
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