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Thread: My John C. Campbell class - Show and Tell

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
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    Central KY
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    My John C. Campbell class - Show and Tell

    I thought some might be interested in seeing the really nice work that my students did in the Lidded Bowl class I taught last week at John C. Campbell Folk School. Great bunch of folks, and they really put forth some creativity and stepped outside their comfort zone. A couple of the folks had done a piece or two with a lid, more of a lidded box. But, none had turned a closed bowl and lid as an integral unit nor had they attempted knobs, which are much more difficult to do right than they appear.

    We explored acrylic texturing, texturing with tools, dyes, and just had a bunch of fun. Long days, and after supper shop time, but I think all were pleased with the outcomes. I certainly was proud of all of them. My star student was a "young lady" in her mid 80s!! She was meticulous in her tool work, and while she had only been turning a couple of years, and had only done a few bowls, her work was exceptional. She said she was looking forward to improving her skills even more over the next few years. She was an inspiration!

    Creeker Robert Henrickson was my Assistant Instructor, and Bob was a huge help to both me and the students.

    These are phone pics that I have tweaked for contrast, so they are not the best. I took nearly everything in my shop....but, forgot the camera!
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Lewiston, Idaho
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    28,504
    From a HF lathe to turn a couple table legs to a noteworthy artist to an inspirational instructor. "You've come far Pilgrim!"

    Impressive collection by your students John!
    Last edited by Ken Fitzgerald; 10-20-2016 at 2:30 PM.
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
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    Brentwood, TN
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    Beautiful work, there, John. You should be proud of your accomplishments as the instructor at such a fine establishment. I had the best week a few years ago with Charles Watson with a deep Hollowing class there. I cannot wait to go back. KUDOS, sir.
    Maker of Fine Kindling, and small metal chips on the floor.
    Embellishments to the Stars - or wannabees.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Hayes, Virginia
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    14,760
    John,

    Those are some VERY nice projects. I wish you could teach me to turn like that in a week
    Ken's right you have the magic touch to turn and to teach.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Mid - Michigan - 25 miles east of Lansing
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    33
    I was thrilled to see your posting! Last Christmas LOML gave me a gift cert to the John C Campbell Folk School. I told her there was no way I'd go without her (she's a quilter) so next April we are scheduled to go - together. I'm scheduled to learn to make "presentation quality" platters. Hope they allow me to bring my 60 grit skew. Should be an interesting adventure.

  6. #6
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    Oct 2007
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    Central KY
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    These folks were certainly not beginners, Keith, as they had all been turning for awhile - 2-7 years, off and on, doing some nice work, as well. But, this class was about form, proportion, lift and flow, detail, and more specifically turning the lid as an integral part of the overall form - a concept that I believe was new to all of them. The undercut rim of the closed bowl form was also new to most, if not all of them, and they excelled at that as they tried new tools, etc.

    We talked about Fibonacci, smooth transitions, contrast in color, texture and finish, but the emphasis was always on achieving good overall form, while mastering the technique of turning the lid "with" the bowl.

    I appreciate the comments on my teaching, but this was really more a result of a group of folks that dedicated themselves to an intensive week of achieving specific goals - all while having a lot of fun and fellowship! I think they left with a renewed interest and some new concepts I hope they will try with future projects. And, that really is the intended purpose of John C. Campbell Folk School. Ted, you will love your trip there!

    And, Ken, it has been quite a journey since those table legs in late 2009! I have enjoyed it immensely, but I still wonder what I will do with all of that flat stock I have in the barn intended for the furniture that will now never get built!! Ms. Keeton says it will just make for a nice estate sale.

  7. #7
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    Oct 2009
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    McMinnville, Tennessee
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    Lucky folks to have such a great teacher.
    Sid Matheny
    McMinnville, TN

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Lincoln, NE
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    1,213
    Great comments about your "young lady" turner, she is thinking ahead and that is great. Gives us all something to aspire to, me for sure. Sounds like a great class and lots of fun, perhaps someday???

  9. #9
    That's some beautiful work. Thanks for showing us!
    "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

    “If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”

  10. #10
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    Dec 2010
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    Republic, Wash. State
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    1,187
    Really good looking turnings. It would be great to get to a class like that. Allan
    C&C WELCOME

  11. Very nice work, every piece. Super story, especially your "star student!" Counselor, you are having too much fun!
    Remember, in a moments time, everything can change!

    Vision - not just seeing what is, but seeing what can be!




  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Harvey, Michigan
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    You should be proud John - your students created some really beautiful work! Are you on the schedule for teaching there next year?
    Steve

    “You never know what you got til it's gone!”
    Please don’t let that happen!
    Become a financial Contributor today!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Central KY
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    Thanks, guys, for taking a look and commenting. The whole week was a lot of fun, though exhausting on my end. These folks were so gung ho they kept us hopping.

    Steve, I teach two classes in January - Suspended Hollow Form (5-day) followed by a weekend class on ogee bowls with textured rims. Then, again next October for the lidded bowl class, though I am working on a curriculum for an offset platter class that I may substitute for one on the longer classes in the future. The schedule is set through next June, so any changes would be later than that.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
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    Bangor, PA
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    What a nice thing to pass your skills onto willing learners. As you know, my close friend took your class at JC last year. Thanks to you he has become a John Campbell School regular.
    faust

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Chicago Heights, Il.
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    2,136
    Quote Originally Posted by John Keeton View Post
    Thanks, guys, for taking a look and commenting. The whole week was a lot of fun, though exhausting on my end. These folks were so gung ho they kept us hopping.

    Steve, I teach two classes in January - Suspended Hollow Form (5-day) followed by a weekend class on ogee bowls with textured rims. Then, again next October for the lidded bowl class, though I am working on a curriculum for an offset platter class that I may substitute for one on the longer classes in the future. The scheduled is set through next June, so any changes would be later than that.
    As a retired teacher and football coach I relate to your exhaustion, and also the feeling that you had when it all came together for your students. Obviously the students had to be very happy to been part of the journey. Thanks for sharing the pictures of their efforts.
    Member Illiana Woodturners

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