Alien Ponderosa Pine Vase

[Curt Fuller]

I made this today from a wet Ponderosa Pine log. It's been on my son's firewood pile for a couple years but got soaked in the rain. I noticed how it had branches coming out all around the log like the Norfolk Island Pine grows. When I got it shaped and hollowed it was cracking faster than I could sand it. But I noticed how it looked like an Alien looking back at me (at least like the Aliens I've seen). It doesn't have any finish on it. If it makes it through the night without self destructing I'll soak some oil into it and see what it looks like.
Two side views and one looking down into it.
8.5" x 6.25"

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Yup...........looks like an adolescant ET!........Well done Curt! Hope it makes it through the night. Gorgeous form and love the figure in that wood.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Awesome Curt. Beautiful wood and finish. Nice job.

[Andy Hoyt]

Quick!

Phone Home!

Cool!

[Corey Hallagan]

I think it is a great shape and a pretty piece of wood. Nice job Curt.

corey

[Steve Schlumpf]

Really good job on the vase. Reminds me of one of those tribal masks. Keep your fingers crossed it is finished checking!

[John Miliunas]

Yikes! We're being invaded! Nice form on the vase, Curt. I too hope it makes it, as it will be a gorgeous piece!

[John Hart]

I wonder if it'll be transluscent after you soak it? Very cool Curt!!! Looks like you got it pretty thin.

[Brian McInturff]

Curt you are right. It looks like ET! Did you ever envision it having that look prior to turning it? I look for things when I start out but they just never turn out looking like I thought they would. Excellent Job and post pics after the finish is on. I'm going to have to find me some Pine.

[Tom Sherman]

Curt that is one neat vase, I had not even considered turning pine had some bad experiences with some practice pieces when I first started and did not like it much. I may have to reconsider.

[Jim Becker]

Very kewel piece!

Ponderosa Pine is very nice to work end-grain in the same way one might with Norfolk Island Pine. The same form/cutting techniques and oil finishing works well with it. Slightly different coloration, but that's fine. Phil Brennion in Chino Valley AZ does a lot of very nice pieces in PP...I have one of his that I bought at the AAW symposium in Orlando a few years back during the fund drive auction.