Interesting point Arch, but I have not seen the same interest from
other turners. I make mainly pens and small turnings. I have only sold
two items to turners. The first turner used to turn pens years ago. I
think he was mainly interested in how the craft had changed since he
used to do it. The second was to a turner who mainly did furniture and
did not feel confident enough to turn a pen.
Most of my sales are to those who appreciate the beauty of wood,
sometimes wood workers (non-turners) or most often those who look and
are amazed.
I am finding that wood, especially exotic wood has gotten so
expensive and rare that many young people are seeing these exotic woods
for the first time when I show them my work. When I tell them a little
about exotic woods, the turned items gain value in their eyes.
I usually don't sell my work, I simply show people what I am doing
and many ask to buy an item that attracts them. That is one of the
things I love about wood turning, it is unusal enough that people look
at me in amazement when I explain that I made that pen.
I only do turnings part time, so turning is still fun, and I hope it
stays that way.
Brad
HardingPens.com

Arch wrote:
I don't sell and my experience re the buying and selling of turned wood
objects is limited to observing buyers at craft shows, art festivals,
club and symposium auctions and shows, gift shops and minor galleries.
My perception of what people will pay for and how much is obviously
narrow and may be flawed, but I suspect I see the major kinds (not
necessarily in dollars) of woodturning sales.

I know nothing of the business of high end art collectors, galleries or
museums. but from my perspective, it appears that fellow turners will
pay more than the public will for turnings that fit the craft/art's
accepted criterion for good work. Not for the few luminaries, but a sort
of reciprocal 'in-bred' support system for intermediate and advanced
turners whose work is at or above the craft's standard for design and
esthetic.

Is my perception false? Excepting the mundane 'rent payer' items, does
your best work, whatever that may be, sell better and for a higher price
to the public or to fellow turners? Granted that turner's can better
appreciate good work, but I wonder for whom the lathes turn.


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter


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