Our demonstrator for the August 21 meeting will be MSWG member Jeff Brockett of Nashville.
Jeff writes: "The first time I saw David Nittman’s basket illusion pieces I was blown away and thought “how does he do that?” Several years ago I had the opportunity to take a class with Harvey Meyer and learned the techniques required to create Basket Illusion turned pieces of wood art. My work is heavily influenced by Native American Indian baskets, stained glass windows and kaleidoscope patterns. My wife is my design critic and helps keep me on the straight and narrow path."
Drawing on the inspiration of David Nittman, Jim Atkins and other artists, Jeff has researched ancient Indian designs that could be adapted to wood. He will share his process, techniques, and materials during the demo.
Jeff has served on the board of directors for the American Association of Woodturners, is a member of Tennessee Craft and is also a member of the Tennessee Association of Woodturners.
Mark your calendar so you don't miss what promises to be an excellent demo.
Artist Statement
Jeff Brockett is a retired retail executive who has been working with wood for over 40 years. He began woodturning about 20 years ago and has never looked back. Working out of his workshop in Mount Juliet Jeff spends hours creating his basket illusion series. The basket illusion pieces start out as solid pieces of hard maple. “I am passionate about the craft of woodturning. I willingly share techniques on turning wood, finishing wood, safe woodworking practices, proper tool and equipment use. I have strived to increase awareness and the appreciation of design for wood turned objects that have function or artistic objectives. My goal is to produce quality craft and educate the public about woodturning. The majority of my wood is obtained from tree services and sawmill off cuts. I create all my functional pieces entirely on the lathe. My basket illusion series is turned on the lathe and embellished off of the lathe. I focus on making my work attractive as well as useful. Creating pieces that can be used fulfills my purpose as a craftsman. I began my woodturning adventure in Nashville, TN where I saw a woodturning demonstration at a local craft show. This became the start of what has become a wild and crazy ride. I immediately began connecting with other woodturners, attended symposiums and joined three AAW woodturning chapters. I have served as an officer for the Tennessee Association of Woodturners and as the Vice-President of the American Association of Woodturners. I have demonstrated for several local woodturning chapters. In addition I teach woodturning, and provide woodturning demonstrations for local craft fairs.”