Gene Adcock is a craftsman whose passion is turning reclaimed wood into especially enjoyable art. Gene is an active member of the American Association of Woodturners, the Chesapeake Woodturners of Annapolis, Maryland, and the San Diego Woodturners in California. His wood work can “turn” out to be earthy statements, eye-catching serviceables, or Pop Art fun.
In this article, Gene shares "behind the scenes" photos and describes the technique for creating his 3D piece, "Coral".
Q. What was the inspiration of the piece or process?
Gene: Not surprisingly, “Wood Coral” was inspired by many pieces of beautifully textured coral I saw during a family (grandkids included) vacation in Hawaii.
Q: How much planning or sketching did you do before you began?
Gene: Quite a lot of planning went into this piece including the profile, sketching the pattern layout, selecting the sculpting and texture tool, airbrushing color, and lacquer finish.
Step 1
I start with a wood blank that has been air dried for over 10 years in my wood stock. A chainsaw and bandsaw were used to transition the tree portion to this wood blank.
Step 2
Next, I profile the piece on the lathe. I wanted a tall profile to maximize surface area for visual texturing. Turning the profile is my “favorite” step. A lathe, roughing gouge, bowl gouge and hollowing equipment was used at this step in the process.
Step 3
Here I have sketched the “border pattern” for sculpting coral ridges. Chalk allows many attempts to modify the sketching until a pleasing rhythmic pattern is established.
Step 4
I sculpt the ridges by “scooping” surface to form border ridges in the design.
Step 5
I apply stipple texturing to develop “coral dimples” surface. This phase employs heavy duty texturing tools, is very taxing and requires delicate handwork. A force air protective helmet to protect my eyes and lungs is worn throughout this phase.
Step 6
After the sculpture and texture are added, I airbrush the color on, blending colors to accent the profile and texture. Then I sand the ridge tops to highlight the pattern.
Step 7
To finish the work, I spray lacquer to the exterior and interior surfaces.
Q: When do you know the work is finished?
Gene: My goal with every piece is to respect the natural beauty inherent in wood. I consider a piece finished when the overall form and surface has reached the pleasing appearance sought.
Q: How long did the work take to complete?
Gene: Several steps in wood art creation require rest or drying to happen before moving on.
Profiling – five hours,
Sketching (and re-sketching) -- one day,
Sculpting pattern – two days
Texturing stipples – two days
Airbrushing -- two hours
Oil interior and lacquer exterior – three hour
View and purchase Gene's 3D artwork in our online shop here. To see more of Gene's process and craft, you can follow Gene on Facebook and Instagram, "Turner of Truro".