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The Classical Art of Bowl Turning

June 2 - 7, 2024

Matt Monaco · website

Workshop Overview

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP IS CURRENTLY FULL. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN A WAITLIST FOR THE CLASS YOU MAY DO SO BELOW.

In this workshop, students will learn to effectively design and create finely turned vessels on the lathe, based on select traditional forms known to exist across mediums, cultures, and throughout the ages. Students will be introduced to effective methods and nuances of approach in how and why tools cut grain effectively, how to develop a natural design eye and aesthetic for seeing and creating fine forms, and learn to gain a fluent understanding for applying advanced sharpening methods, tool modifications, and how body finesse advanced tool control at the lathe to greatly aid the cleanliness of cut surfaces in order to develop a fine finish. Students will learn about the advantages of utilizing both green and dry materials, and how specifically focused practice at the lathe mirrors the efficiency of one’s process, and overall progress to effectively produce vessels that are visually striking, well-conceived, and high-quality.

Techniques

Nuances of grain orientation
In depth tool sharpening techniques
Methods to read line & form silhouette
How to develop a body of work

Materials

Class Materials List
Please note any materials you are expected to purchase prior to arrival
Estimated fees vary based on class size and materials used

Outcomes

Well-designed turned & finished vessels
Advanced sharpening skills
Confidence to succeed at the lathe
Understanding fine tool control

COURSE FEE: $775

Fees exclude housing and meal plans. Review housing options here.

Artist Bio

Matt Monaco operates a woodturning studio in the southwest region of Missouri, making dedicated collections, signature series vessels, lidded containers, and drafted spindle-turned items for industries of craft, interior design, and the high-end furniture trade. Matt is a Fine Woodworking contributor, and is supportive of U.S. organizations and environments that carry desire to further integrate woodturning into wider demographics, and wish to see the craft thrive into the future. As a full-time professional turner with 20 years of experience, one of Matt’s missions is to make the highest quality products, that reflect both the mastery of the tools, and the functionality and timeless beauty of wooden decor in others’ lives. Matt apprenticed within the high-end furniture production landscape of Shackleton Thomas Furniture & Pottery. There he trained as in-house professional hand-turner in Bridgewater, VT in Shackleton’s 100-year-old workshop/mill & showroom in the Northeastern region of the U.S. in Vermont’s Upper Valley. At the center of Matt’s work is his understanding and mastery of fine tool control as an expression of refined traditional design to produce forms and items that are as tactile as they are sublime, and made with intent and purpose.