Slowpokes Artful Turnings (spinningwood.ca)

Desmond grew up in rural Alberta and graduated high school in 1970. Through the years I have had many jobs, of which farm life has held me in good stead; construction, equipment operator, postal worker, camp cook, rig worker and, for the past 28+ years, power plant operator in Fort McMurray. Recreation has varied from back packing in the mountains, salmon fishing, gold panning, skiing +swimming (and instructing), archery, hunting (including bow and arrow), scouting (cubs, and beaver leader) and darts.

Looking towards retirement, and having a friend involved in segmented woodturning, I remember turning two bowls in industrial arts class in school. Having acquired property in 2004 and then got a lathe and band saw. He turned a couple segmented platters but is still struggling with lack of proper equipment. What I do is acquire local birch, western maple and burled wood. I enjoy the ruggedness of natural edged bowls and making large turnings.

Recent exhibitions:

2009 Woodturning Symposium, Utah
2008 Public Library, Fort McMurray
2008 Heritage Park Fair, Fort McMurray
2008 Discovery Center, Fort McMurray
2007 Discovery Center, Fort McMurray
2007 Keyano College

"I enjoy the sparkle in people's eyes when they see something with the want to touch feel".