Form and function
Form is something that has always been near and dear to my heart. In fact it’s the very thing that inspired me to want to create at the lathe. When I began to explore the possibilities of of what can be done on the lathe, one of my biggest inspirations was the late David Ellsworth, who held an MFA in pottery and decided that he wanted to create sculptural forms in wood. This was relatively new ground and he spent a lifetime developing tools and techniques to bring his visions to life. Seeing his work spoke to me and I felt instantly inspired. In those early days, I would spend hours searching the internet to see what people were creating all over the world. Although I had no idea what I was doing yet, I felt on some level that I had found my tribe. I loved to read the stories and backgrounds and inspirations of these talented woodworkers; always excited to see what had shaped the vision of what they were trying to say. I was learning a new language and finding my own voice. I was and still am excited to use woodworking as a way to say the things I need to say. So you get that machine, and you get some tools and you stand there watching the wood spin. You work through the sawdust, and the cuts and bruises ( and a few stitches) and the disappointments and the heartbreak of sending a piece flying into the wall after hours of work. But somewhere along the way, it happens. The tool is sharp, the wood is stable, your presentation is correct, and then things start to flow. Then it’s not about just trying to get through the process, but you being able to see shapes develop and come to life. For me, there are few things more satisfying. It’s about the most fun I can have with my clothes on. I was blessed to be able to allow my style and voice to emerge gently and organically.
I am sure I didn’t realize at first that the years I spent living in Japan and then in Washington state both had a strong influence on what would become the feel of my work. The traditional craft work of Japanese pottery as well as the overarching themes of the Asian aesthetic have always resonated with me. The fire was truly lit when I read The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight into Beauty by Soetsu Yanagi.
The Native American forms I experienced moved me in a different, but very powerful way. Ultimately I have always been more drawn to the utility pieces of the two cultures, and I feel there is a real power and grace in a personally crafted item that will be handled and used in everyday life. When I think about those two influences, I note the similarities between them. Both have real connection in the organic shapes of the natural world. Decoration and embellishments can detract from the work and if they do exist, are kept to a minimum so as not to pull attention from the form and balance of the piece. I heard a craftsman once say, “the most important thing that experience teaches us is what to leave out,” and I realized that when we are developing as artists and craftsmen, it can take a certain level of confidence and awareness to ignore those temptations and just make the most perfect form you can make and let it stand on its own. It can almost feel a bit naked and vulnerable at first, but then beautifully liberating. It’s kind of like the way we can be tempted to fill every silence in a conversation. It’s freeing to be able to create something simple and beautiful and just stand back and let it breathe. There is a lovely quote from the classical pianist Arthur Schnabel where he said, “the notes I handle no better than any other pianist, but the pauses between the notes, that is where the beauty resides.”
Perhaps all of this doesn’t matter to most people. Perhaps they don’t care much about the inspiration of my work or the significance of my influences. I can tell you that those times when someone picks up one of my pieces and holds in a certain way, I know without question that they can feel all the love and sacrifice and dignity that I bring to what I do. It matters to them that in a world of manufactured items, there is something else happening here: something special. It is a blessing and a privilege that I get to create and share these gifts with people that can appreciate them.
Peace and love
Nicola
