The Magic of a Tree

People often answer "provide oxygen" when asked what is the purpose of a tree. For me, there has always been something magical about a tree — from the splendor of the mighty oak, to the beauty of the flowering dogwood — a tree provides shelter for hundreds of species of animals, provides insulation from extreme heat or cold, controls erosion, and provides fruit for both human and animal consumption.

For me, it has always been the beauty and intelligent design of a tree that I find magical; a design that allows a seed to germinate and develop into a seedling. It then changes each year; growing taller, wider, and developing a root structure to support it's size. It is when it comes down due to a storm, or if the land it occupies needs to be developed, that its life should not end.

All of my turnings come from salvaged wood. Either from storm
damage, or trees destined for the landfill. When a piece of wood
is mounted on the lathe, all you have to do is remove
everything except
what wants to be
left — then you
have extended
the magic of a tree.