If a sound piece of "beautifully" grained timber is painted....I'd
agree it raises some questions, however, the addition of some colour
may turn a relatively "common" form into something far more attractve.
Of course, only some people are able to know what and where to put the
colour without it having the opposite effect!
Segmenting allows smaller pieces from perhaps leftovers or badly
checked pieces to be utilised rather than scrapped, so there is a
sound place for it. Also, it affords the use of less striking
timbers, in combination, to present a far more pleasing article than
if turned soley from a single species if minimal figure.
As for your daughter's actions...imagine the possible impact should a
future owner of that house sand back the paint!
Just a few thoughts,
Alan

On Sat, 1 Oct 2005 12:10:36 -0400, (Arch) wrote:

Wood being what we woodturners turn to produce our wood art, craft and
culch, I reckon it's not taking on airs to term it our medium. To some,
wood is a beautiful natural creation that only the almighty can make. We
are allowed to cut, scrape and clear finish it, but to paint, fenestrate
or segment it _is a misuse and we _ought not do it. Of course, there is
a difference between 'is' and 'ought' and many use the medium as they
please with no remorse.

Often they produce even more beautiful work than could be produced in a
more agreeable medium. I believe that If beauty is truth, they are being
true to the medium. Funny thing, though. I claim not to worship grain or
hug timber, so why am I apalled that my daughter just painted the
beautiful walnut panelling in her library?

Do you think she misused her medium? Can we misuse ours? Can any medium
be misused in the pursuit of excellence? Who's on first? Who cares?


Turn to Safety, Arch
Fortiter



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