Sam Angelo
Artist's Statement

I never really saw anyone else work at a lathe for probably for 5 years after I started turning.  This experience taught me that getting connected with the AAW, turning magazines and woodturning symposia is mandatory if one wants to grow and keep moving in a positive direction.

In 2008 I demonstrated at the Yellowstone Woodturning Symposium in Billings, Montana. Alan Lacer was a demonstrator as well.   Spending time with a world class teacher, writer, and turner was valuable beyond words.  I learned from Alan that teaching woodturning is far different than turning alone in my shop. 

In the past year I have written and published two articles in Woodturning Design magazine: Turning Manzanita Root and A Lidded Box with a Padauk Inlay.   This has helped to push my interests in another direction.

I am discovering that applying art to a turned piece must be an intentional process.  The beauty in wood is natural, unchanged by the craftsman.  We often take credit for simply exposing what is beneath the surface of the bark.  Art is a learned skill; it is unique and distinctive as turning.  Still enamored by turning a piece of wood “round,” I have yet to develop a signature piece beyond this simple and ancient activity.  But for right now, that is enough.

Sam Angelo