With spindle turning it's obviously the shape.

But when you get to vessels, even just weed pots,
the choices broaden a bit. So
- do you go for a particular shape/form and avoid
figured woods because they can detract from the
form?
or
- do you start with an interesting figured wood
and evolve a shape that exploits the grain pattern
and contrasts?

I'm asking 'cause I've got some english walnut
branches that are either all sapwood, or english
walnut is pretty bland fine grained creamed
color wood. Lacking any grain pattern to
chase/follow, I'm finding I'm having to come
up with a clean, pleasing shape. That's
more difficult to do than letting the grain
pattern/contrasts lead the way (and hide
less than perfect transitions in the form).

Still avoiding poking a sharp tool into the
end grain, even at 500 rpms.

charlie b