Arch,

I believe there are timeless forms and lines. While I never strive to
make a golden mean piece, I simply go for what looks good to me. I
find that some the shapes I made several years ago still hold up.
Other are no good to me. When I analyze why, it comes down to the
classic curves.

I've been turning some vessels the last few days. I have a very nice
set of three, except the third one is a slightly different shape. They
are really not a set. More striking, however, is that I distinctly
like the third one less than the other two and I've already figured out
why.

I guess there are two ways to attempt to achieve the great shapes. One
is to measure and meticulously copy them using French curves, rulers,
graph paper, etc. The other is to keep turning over and over while
studying shapes that you like and don't like. I do the latter. My
shapes evolve to better shapes as I study, observe and practice more.

Joe Fleming - All the best in 2006