Maxprop wrote:
Specifically what sort of market exists
for quality turnings, and is it possible to make a living selling one's
work, or is it simply a supplement to one's income or retirement?

Depends what you mean by quality! If you mean high-end gallery or museum
quality then I can't help, other than to say that the higher the price
tag the harder and costlier it is to find your customer.

I make a living as a turner. Most of my time is spent on production
turning, aiming for a quality level that is adequate for the type of
item. Many people say that my dibbers are too nice to use in the garden.

I survive by having a mix of markets: online, tourists who stop by the
studio, and a few craftshows. I teach a little too. Most of my income is
from inexpensive production items $25 CDN. The icing on the cake comes
from having some more expensive items available for when that rare
customer comes by. I was at a show this weekend, it was really bad, and
I only took about 50% of last years sales. And I only did that well
because of one customer who accounted for 34% of my sales by buying
three good items. But its a real crap shoot as to whether that right
person will come along who appreciates your nicer work and, more
importantly, has the disposable income to pay for it.

That is my experience of the market here in rural Nova Scotia. One
fellow this weekend picked up a bowl and asked 'is that 65 cents, or
dollars?'. Things may be different where you live

--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
Wedding Favors ~ Artisan Crafted Gifts ~ One-of-a-Kind Woodturning