The warm and enticing bowl, kitchen utensils and wine stoppers are the creations of woodworker, Gordon Munn, now featured at the Artist Run Gallery in downtown North Battleford.
Munn says, “the amazing colors, character and design hiding within a chunk of wood were introduced to me after joining the Saskatchewan Woodworkers Guild. Demos of many wood crafts shown at meetings were interesting but the wood lathe was the hook that caught me.”
Munn says, after retiring from the farm, he found he had time on his hands. Joining the guild opened the opportunity to attend symposiums, demonstrations and lessons by artists like Michael Husaluk, Jimmy Clews, Trent Watts and others.
“I was also drawn to join Hub City Turners by the focus of the club on the lathe and the wide range of things it can be used to create,” he says.
Meetings have demonstrations and a show time of most of the members’ art recently created, or sometimes demolished by a slip of the tool. Many questions are answered, advice is given and great stories are told to make these meetings enjoyable, Munn explains.
“Most of my work is with the amazing things hiding within the burl of a local Manitoba maple, elm, caragana and a few exotic woods. A lot of enjoyment is had watching the chips fly in my old shop.
“My wife, Pat, and I are still enjoying our farm home, and our three kids and grandkids all reside in North Battleford.”
The ARC Gallery, located at 1106 – 101st St. in North Battleford, is open Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. To keep updated on workshops and other activities check ARC out on Facebook.
