Ken Wise
September 14-18
In this workshop, students of all experience levels explore the art and craftsmanship of bowl turning through a combination of demonstrations and guided hands-on practice. Over the course of the week, participants develop the skills needed to turn beautiful, functional bowls while gaining confidence at the lathe.
Instruction covers the fundamentals of wood selection, grain orientation, design, and form—key considerations that influence both the aesthetics and performance of a finished bowl. Students learn to shape dry and green hardwoods using bowl gouges and scrapers, with close attention to tool control, proper techniques, and safe lathe operation. The class also includes instruction in sharpening, helping students understand how edge geometry affects cut quality.
Additional topics covered including sharpening, surface decoration, finishing, natural edges, and production-oriented workflows. Throughout the week, students work with individualized guidance, gaining the foundation needed to continue turning bowls with skill and confidence.
Ken Wise is a professional woodworker in Brunswick, ME. Over the past three decades his interests and skills have migrated from house construction and finish carpentry, to cabinet and furniture making, to carving and turning. His work today consists of architectural turning, furniture, and a line of turned and carved bowls, spoons, and kitchenware that he sells through shops and galleries. Ken also makes canoe paddles and wildlife art in native Maine hardwoods for regional craft fairs, including the Common Ground Fair in Unity, ME. His website is kenwisewoodcarver.com.
Open to all.
