About: Artist Heidi Chapin

BA Ceramic Sculpture and Field Sketching
BA Environmental Studies

Every piece of wood is different. A turned piece of wood goes through many phases to get to the finished product. It starts as a tree seedling, grows to a tree, falls or is cut down and then is brought to the shop. With only a few exceptions, the wood I turn is wood that has been rescued from going to the brush-recycling center or the landfill.

When I look at a piece of wood waiting to be turned, I take mental notes and listen to its spirit. I know that when I begin to turn the wood, I will find different grains, patterns, hardness, colors, cracks and the incredible beauty. I use all this information in order to choose the final shape. I rough turn the piece into its basic shape and let it dry for three to six months. I remount it on the lathe, back turn the piece and finish sanding it. As I sand the wood for final finishing, I enjoy seeing the figure take form. The final step is to choose and apply the finish. This is one of the most challenging steps but also the most rewarding. When the piece is complete, the finish allows it to sing.

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