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2010 AAW Symposium
Tuesday 07 September 2010
Mark Baker reports from the recent AAW symposium in Hartford, Connecticut
1.Mark Nantz: Amphora from the Artefact Series vacuum dyed and acrylic stabilized maple burl with ebony and 14K gold, steel museum stand, 250mm (9 3/4in) tall x 150mm (6in) wide x 135mm (5 1/4in) deep (PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK NANTZ)
Mark Baker reports from the recent AAW symposium in Hartford, Connecticut and we show you a selection of pieces from the instant gallery
The American Association of Woodturners' (AAW) annual seminar is one of the woodturning world's major events. And as with previous AAW seminars, this one in Hartford, Connecticut in June proved to be a hive of activity, and the exchange and flow of information and ideas was amazing. I love being a turner and sharing ideas and thoughts - as it seems does everyone else - and this is why such events are so much fun.
There were over 60 demonstrators and panellists and over 300 rotations/ demonstrations to see - no one could say they were bored. In fact, people were saying they struggled to choose which ones to go to. If they were in a group, they split up so their friends could relay what happened in the rotations they saw, which maximized everyone's experience.
There was an instant gallery of work, where various woodturners could show what they had made - with over 600 items on display. There were also two special exhibitions - The Teapot and Maple Medley - which we will look at in future issues, and of course, the trade stands, with manufacturers showing all their latest tools and products.
As with all events, there are people behind the scenes that beaver away to make sure things happen and flow as smoothly as possible. And a big thank you is due to them for a great event.
The highlights for me were seeing various rotations, and meeting up with the people who made items in the galleries, as well as meeting up with friends old and new. Delegates come from all over the world, so if you ever get the chance to go, then please do so. I think it is one of the top five things to do in the world of turning.
