Just went to the AAW forum, saw a post about a new website for Pacific
Northwest Woodturning Guild, went just to see and was pleasantly
surprised. There's pictures of members' work along with the websites
of where they are selling their work. By the way, Owen, your work
looks great!

The links to the shops/galleries is nice because you can see the sort
of place selling woodturnings. Very interesting. I have no connection
since I'm on the opposite side of the country. I think this is the
right url; www.woodturningguild.com

Ruth
www.torne-lignum.com

A very interesting site.

On a purely personal note, I would be very interested to know if the
quality of the photography contributed (if at all) to sales / interest.

In article .com,
wrote:

Just went to the AAW forum, saw a post about a new website for Pacific
Northwest Woodturning Guild, went just to see and was pleasantly
surprised. There's pictures of members' work along with the websites
of where they are selling their work. By the way, Owen, your work
looks great!

The links to the shops/galleries is nice because you can see the sort
of place selling woodturnings. Very interesting. I have no connection
since I'm on the opposite side of the country. I think this is the
right url; www.woodturningguild.com


Thank you Ruth. We're just starting out after 1.5 years of planning,
structuring and trying to get all the bases covered. The website was
just launched a couple weeks ago - it's good to see there are folks
finding it.

As the intro page says, our focus is on the business of woodturning with
lesser discussion of techniques and how-to's with making the stuff. Our
first speaker is scheduled for July - a SCORE member who will address
artist's co-ops and a start-up art business overview. It's finally
looking as though all the time and effort we've put into this idea is
beginning to pay off. We're kinda at a make it or break it point but the
recent swell in interest, since launching the website and putting out
our marketing materials, by both woodturners and galleries is good to
see. We're still in a mad email scramble to settle previously
unconsidered questions that are cropping up by those who are interested,
but it looks like we haven't blown it yet.

I think, for an AAW chapter, it's uncharted territory - making brochures
and posters and focusing on the business aspects. Interestingly, the AAW
launched it's professional section at about the same time.

On a side note, my tall, thin candlesticks shown in the gallery sold at
this weekend's Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts - to the mayor of Lake
O! I was a little sad to see them go but now that I know they've likely
found a good home I'm feeling better about "losing" them.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

In article .com,
"Jonathon" wrote:

On a purely personal note, I would be very interested to know if the
quality of the photography contributed (if at all) to sales / interest.

If you're speaking about the PN Woodturning Guild's member gallery then
I want to make sure you know there are no sales through the Guild
itself. We're all individual sales people handling the specifics of our
own marketing and sales. Our purpose was to come together to pool
information and knowledge specific to marketing and sales - and to
present a source of information about turning to the people who sell our
work to the general public.

I think the quality of the images is *very* important to a viewer's
impression of the work presented. I say this as a former advertising
photographer but also as someone who puts his own turnings out there for
others to see. One can hide any number of unattractive qualities with a
work as well as practically turn a spotlight on them through the
photography.

If you revisit the Gallery section, just look at the presentation of the
work by David Williams. The work stands out, the background is plain,
neutral in color, the lighting is soft and wraps the work without
creating hotspots - nothing calls attention away from the subject. BTW,
David's photos were taken by Dan Kvitka, if that name rings a bell for
anyone. I took my own photos using painted muslin backgrounds left
over from my pro-photo days - I think the cool tones bring out the
warmth of the wood. Two very different looks presented in David's work
and mine just through background changes.

Whether or not any of this has affected sales I can't say - let me ask
you, as someone who hasn't seen the work in person, the feeling you get
from viewing the gallery?

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

Your question is both fair and interesting.

Accepting that you can hide a multitude of sins via the power of
Photoshop / Photopaint - we would generally use it as a starting point.
It helps exclusion moreso than inclusion although gives little clue as
to what the piece will actually look like irl. I would strongly lean
towards something photographed well - believing that I had more
information go go on.

The Tony Boase Tribute selection was an intersting case in point. Our
selection based on web imagery was only 50% accurate - that down more
to colours and how they appeared on a screen.

Does a well photographed piece imply a higher cost? I would say no -
as it will take little extra time to photograph something well once you
have mastered this particular area - although hot spots are always
going to be a problem and require particular care. It would be too
sweeping to draw the comparison between piece and photo quality - but
there is some correlation.

In article .com,
"Jonathon" wrote:

Accepting that you can hide a multitude of sins via the power of
Photoshop / Photopaint - we would generally use it as a starting point.
It helps exclusion moreso than inclusion although gives little clue as
to what the piece will actually look like irl. I would strongly lean
towards something photographed well - believing that I had more
information go go on.

The Tony Boase Tribute selection was an intersting case in point. Our
selection based on web imagery was only 50% accurate - that down more
to colours and how they appeared on a screen.

Does a well photographed piece imply a higher cost? I would say no -
as it will take little extra time to photograph something well once you
have mastered this particular area - although hot spots are always
going to be a problem and require particular care. It would be too
sweeping to draw the comparison between piece and photo quality - but
there is some correlation.

I think that if something is photographed well, it shows an inner desire
of the maker to present his work in the best possible light. If the
turner takes the extra steps (minimal though they are) to present his
work as best he can, then that drive for high quality would likely be
present in his turned work. In other words, a sloppy turner likely won't
expend the extra effort to have photographs of his work exceed the
quality of his turnings. By the same token a turner who puts all his
skills and attention to detail in his turnings would likely strive for
photographs that generate the same sense of pride when the same turnings
are illustrated through a 2-D medium.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

Owen,
I totally agree with you. I've been to sites, seen prices on
various works and wonder how they can sell anything because the picture
is either out of focus, there's background (tools, table, windows,
etc.) or the angle leaves too many questions about the rest of the
piece.

Some pictures say "this is an expensive piece" or "my work is worth
what I'm asking" and other pictures say "look what I did in my spare
time" or (in Eeyore's tone!) "I made this, it's not that good, but I
tried." Well, I guess pictures are worth a thousand words!
(maybe I shouldn't have my website as a sig, I just might get called on
my picture taking!)

Ruth
www.torne-lignum.com

I agree...nice site. My only suggestion would be to either make the
images larger....or clickable to a larger image.

mmi

wrote:

Just went to the AAW forum, saw a post about a new website for Pacific
Northwest Woodturning Guild, went just to see and was pleasantly
surprised. There's pictures of members' work along with the websites
of where they are selling their work. By the way, Owen, your work
looks great!

The links to the shops/galleries is nice because you can see the sort
of place selling woodturnings. Very interesting. I have no connection
since I'm on the opposite side of the country. I think this is the
right url; www.woodturningguild.com

Ruth
www.torne-lignum.com

In article .com,
wrote:

Well, I guess pictures are worth a thousand words!
(maybe I shouldn't have my website as a sig, I just might get called on
my picture taking!)

Hadn't checked on your site in a little while - some very nice surprises
there. I like the tree bowl - it looks like it warped a little bit. I
think it could be even cooler if the edge warped a lot. I also llike the
cattails - and that staghorn sumac is pretty striking.

How are the eyeglass stems configured to attach to the frames and ear
pieces? I was disappointed to see that wonderful coffee scoop relegated
to the "Not My Best Turnings" page - I have always liked that turning.
Do you have any for sale?

It's good to see the CLTL stuff - good times, good times. My CLTL hat is
my fancy, goin' out, hat of choice - I've got others for my down and
dirty, sweatin', dog-playing, yard-workin' activities. I may have to
order another as a candle dripped wax all down the back when the hat was
hung over a cabin's fireplace to dry out. Can't have a fancy, goin' out
hat with pink wax dripped all over it.

How is CLTL doing? Never sent that pic to you...

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

Owen,
Thanks for all the compliments! (aw shucks)

The "tree" bowl, piece of maple, got black spots, painted it white,
spots bled, I like to draw trees (ie CLTL logo),started painting,
couldn't stop, use it for my dog's water dish, we love it!

The eyeglasses are a 3-piece frame, I just turn the stems, optomitrist
(sp?) drills tiny hole with jeweler's drill, ear piece goes 1/3 way in,
front stem (stubby little piece) goes 1/3 way in, other piece is whole
front that holds the lenses. I turned him 10 sets, he made me a pair
of prescription glasses with my turned stems in exchange.

My webmaster son, Michael, typed that name for the 2nd page of turnings
and I forgot it was still on the site. Coffee scoops are still one of
my best sellers along with bottle stoppers and mushroom toothpick
holders (you should see the cool ones I'm turning now! or did you see
them on WoW?). I always have coffee scoops in stock for sale.

Yes, you do owe me a picture. I just got one from Richard Raffan and
Jimmy Clewes is supposed to be sending one, too. CLTL is holding its
own since Packard Woodworks picked up the full color and The Wood
Turning Center (Phila.) sells the shirts with the outline logo.

*my apologies to those here who are totally not interested in any of
this.

Ruth
www.torne-lignum.com

Owen,
Really cool.
'
Tom Nie
"Owen Lowe" wrote in message
news
In article .com,
"Jonathon" wrote:

On a purely personal note, I would be very interested to know if the
quality of the photography contributed (if at all) to sales / interest.

If you're speaking about the PN Woodturning Guild's member gallery then
I want to make sure you know there are no sales through the Guild
itself. We're all individual sales people handling the specifics of our
own marketing and sales. Our purpose was to come together to pool
information and knowledge specific to marketing and sales - and to
present a source of information about turning to the people who sell our
work to the general public.

I think the quality of the images is *very* important to a viewer's
impression of the work presented. I say this as a former advertising
photographer but also as someone who puts his own turnings out there for
others to see. One can hide any number of unattractive qualities with a
work as well as practically turn a spotlight on them through the
photography.

If you revisit the Gallery section, just look at the presentation of the
work by David Williams. The work stands out, the background is plain,
neutral in color, the lighting is soft and wraps the work without
creating hotspots - nothing calls attention away from the subject. BTW,
David's photos were taken by Dan Kvitka, if that name rings a bell for
anyone. I took my own photos using painted muslin backgrounds left
over from my pro-photo days - I think the cool tones bring out the
warmth of the wood. Two very different looks presented in David's work
and mine just through background changes.

Whether or not any of this has affected sales I can't say - let me ask
you, as someone who hasn't seen the work in person, the feeling you get
from viewing the gallery?

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

Agree. Point well made.
TomNie

"Owen Lowe" wrote in message
news
In article .com,
"Jonathon" wrote:

Accepting that you can hide a multitude of sins via the power of
Photoshop / Photopaint - we would generally use it as a starting point.
It helps exclusion moreso than inclusion although gives little clue as
to what the piece will actually look like irl. I would strongly lean
towards something photographed well - believing that I had more
information go go on.

The Tony Boase Tribute selection was an intersting case in point. Our
selection based on web imagery was only 50% accurate - that down more
to colours and how they appeared on a screen.

Does a well photographed piece imply a higher cost? I would say no -
as it will take little extra time to photograph something well once you
have mastered this particular area - although hot spots are always
going to be a problem and require particular care. It would be too
sweeping to draw the comparison between piece and photo quality - but
there is some correlation.

I think that if something is photographed well, it shows an inner desire
of the maker to present his work in the best possible light. If the
turner takes the extra steps (minimal though they are) to present his
work as best he can, then that drive for high quality would likely be
present in his turned work. In other words, a sloppy turner likely won't
expend the extra effort to have photographs of his work exceed the
quality of his turnings. By the same token a turner who puts all his
skills and attention to detail in his turnings would likely strive for
photographs that generate the same sense of pride when the same turnings
are illustrated through a 2-D medium.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

Ruth
All restuarants sell "sizzle", not just steaks. You pay for the ambiance and
perceived value. Owen's thoughts of the quality of the photos matching the
perfectionism of the artist makes perfect sense. From a marketing standpoint
I wouldn't do it any other way. You're obviously moving up to a higher price
point and need to bring the ambiance with you.
TomNie

wrote in message
oups.com...
Owen,
I totally agree with you. I've been to sites, seen prices on
various works and wonder how they can sell anything because the picture
is either out of focus, there's background (tools, table, windows,
etc.) or the angle leaves too many questions about the rest of the
piece.

Some pictures say "this is an expensive piece" or "my work is worth
what I'm asking" and other pictures say "look what I did in my spare
time" or (in Eeyore's tone!) "I made this, it's not that good, but I
tried." Well, I guess pictures are worth a thousand words!
(maybe I shouldn't have my website as a sig, I just might get called on
my picture taking!)

Ruth
www.torne-lignum.com

Owen,
I loved them.
Probably a dumb question by a newbie, but how did the "cracks" get there so
perfectly?

TomNie

"Owen Lowe" wrote in message
news
In article .com,
wrote:

Just went to the AAW forum, saw a post about a new website for Pacific
Northwest Woodturning Guild, went just to see and was pleasantly
surprised. There's pictures of members' work along with the websites
of where they are selling their work. By the way, Owen, your work
looks great!

The links to the shops/galleries is nice because you can see the sort
of place selling woodturnings. Very interesting. I have no connection
since I'm on the opposite side of the country. I think this is the
right url; www.woodturningguild.com


Thank you Ruth. We're just starting out after 1.5 years of planning,
structuring and trying to get all the bases covered. The website was
just launched a couple weeks ago - it's good to see there are folks
finding it.

As the intro page says, our focus is on the business of woodturning with
lesser discussion of techniques and how-to's with making the stuff. Our
first speaker is scheduled for July - a SCORE member who will address
artist's co-ops and a start-up art business overview. It's finally
looking as though all the time and effort we've put into this idea is
beginning to pay off. We're kinda at a make it or break it point but the
recent swell in interest, since launching the website and putting out
our marketing materials, by both woodturners and galleries is good to
see. We're still in a mad email scramble to settle previously
unconsidered questions that are cropping up by those who are interested,
but it looks like we haven't blown it yet.

I think, for an AAW chapter, it's uncharted territory - making brochures
and posters and focusing on the business aspects. Interestingly, the AAW
launched it's professional section at about the same time.

On a side note, my tall, thin candlesticks shown in the gallery sold at
this weekend's Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts - to the mayor of Lake
O! I was a little sad to see them go but now that I know they've likely
found a good home I'm feeling better about "losing" them.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

In article ,
"Tom Nie" wrote:

I loved them.
Probably a dumb question by a newbie, but how did the "cracks" get there so
perfectly?

Thanks Tom - they aren't cracks but carved relief, the candlesticks are
stylistic representations of lily pads with flowers growing up from the
center. (YES, I KNOW LILY PAD FLOWERS ARE LOW WITH NO STEM TO SPEAK OF -
BUT HELL, I'M THE ARTIST AND IF I WANT MY LILY PADS TO HAVE STEMS WITH
FLOWERS ON TOP, THEN DAMN IT, THAT'S JUST THE WAY I'M GOING TO MAKE
THEM.) Anywho, thanks again.

whisperdid i leave my meds over at your place?/whisper

By the way, you seem like a good candidate to enjoy the World of
Woodturners. It's a private group that was an idea a past newsgroup
participant came up with to share photos, get and offer critiques if
desired and just post about woodturning. There are hundreds of members
from novice to professional and thousands of pictures. To participate
you need to be invited by a current member - but anyone is welcome to
join. Be forewarned though, if you are a bad site citizen you'll be
kicked out by the cops.

Tom, if you or anyone else within the sound of my tic-ticking keyboard
would like an invitation drop me a **private** email at my address
above. In the email indicate a real email address for you to receive the
invitation with your user name and password.

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm

Owen wrote: the candlesticks are
stylistic representations of lily pads with flowers growing up from the

center.

Of what wood species(if any) are the candlesticks made? Tom

In article .com,
"tom" wrote:

Of what wood species(if any) are the candlesticks made?

African Blackwood with bone inserts where the candle would go. I chose a
very dark and almost featureless wood as I wanted the form to really
stand out and not be in competition with the wood. From across the room
they look ebony-black but if you're holding them in your hands they have
a beautiful yet very dark black and brown swirling grain in the bases.

Acquiring this wood was the first time I ever bought wood sight unseen.
I have to put a plug in for James Griffin of Griffin Exotic Wood in
Colorado. He runs an ad in the back of the AAW Journal and is a very
pleasant guy to talk with. He's a turner who knows what's required in
quality wood and this Blackwood was fantastic. I chose "IQ2" - near
instrument quality for this project and plan on ordering some more in
the next couple days as he's got a July sale going on. The wood
certainly wasn't inexpensive, but when I get an idea of how I want
something to look, I don't mind paying the price to get the materials to
carry it off.

Portland has one of the West's largest specialty wood importers and they
had no Blackwood bowl blanks (used for the bases) or had any desire to
help locate some and their spindle blanks were marginal in quality. If
you haven't gotten the message yet, I highly recommend Griffin!

http://www.exoticwood.biz

--
Owen Lowe

Northwest Woodturners,
Cascade Woodturners,
Pacific Northwest Woodturning Guild
___
Safety Tip'o'th'week: Never grind aluminum and steel or iron on the same
machine or workstation - Thermite.
http://www.hanford.gov/lessons/sitell/ll01/2001-36.htm