Glen Crandall
biography |
portfolio | artists listing
b. 1930, Ingham County, Michigan
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Center for Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shortly after his retirement Glen received an old lathe from a friend. Although he had never used a wood lathe before, he started turning. This was November of 1994. Until recently he was largely self-taught, starting with the study of a book on the correct use of the lathe and turning tools. After that it was a matter of learning by trial and error, with a certain amount of excitement accompanying some of the errors. In the last couple of years he has had some instruction from one of the top wood turners in the country.
Each piece takes about 50 to 60 hours or more of shop time, plus the time spent in designing and drawing. Most pots consist of from approximately 150 to more than 300 individual pieces of wood. Woods used are both domestic and imported or exotic hardwoods. Generally the more colorful woods are used for the designs while the more common woods are used for the body of the pot. No paints or stains are used - the finish being clear varnish followed by a hard wax. To date, Glen has completed nearly 300 pots.
Two of Glen's pots won a Best of Show award at the San Juan County Fair in 1995 & 1996. Two of his pieces have won a first place at the New Mexico State Fair, once in the Amateur category in 1996 and then in the Professional category in 2002. Two were selected for exhibit at the Northwest New Mexico Arts Council juried art show in 1997 & 1998. One took an Honorable Mention at this show. There is also one in the permanent collection at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Prior to retiring most of my career was in manufacturing or construction.
Shortly after my retirement I received an old lathe from a friend. Although I had never used a wood lathe before, I started turning. This was November of 1994. Until recently I was largely self-taught, starting with the study of a book on the correct use of the lathe and turning tools. After that it was a matter of learning by trial and error, with a certain amount of excitement accompanying some of the errors. In the last couple of years, I have had some instruction from one of the top wood turners in the country.
I find my inspiration in the pottery designs of the gifted historic and pre-historic Puebloan potters of the Southwest. My greatest challenge and satisfaction is in translating those designs into wood.
SELECTED COLLECTIONS
Center for Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shortly after his retirement Glen received an old lathe from a friend. Although he had never used a wood lathe before, he started turning. This was November of 1994. Until recently he was largely self-taught, starting with the study of a book on the correct use of the lathe and turning tools. After that it was a matter of learning by trial and error, with a certain amount of excitement accompanying some of the errors. In the last couple of years he has had some instruction from one of the top wood turners in the country.
Each piece takes about 50 to 60 hours or more of shop time, plus the time spent in designing and drawing. Most pots consist of from approximately 150 to more than 300 individual pieces of wood. Woods used are both domestic and imported or exotic hardwoods. Generally the more colorful woods are used for the designs while the more common woods are used for the body of the pot. No paints or stains are used - the finish being clear varnish followed by a hard wax. To date, Glen has completed nearly 300 pots.
Two of Glen's pots won a Best of Show award at the San Juan County Fair in 1995 & 1996. Two of his pieces have won a first place at the New Mexico State Fair, once in the Amateur category in 1996 and then in the Professional category in 2002. Two were selected for exhibit at the Northwest New Mexico Arts Council juried art show in 1997 & 1998. One took an Honorable Mention at this show. There is also one in the permanent collection at the Center for Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Prior to retiring most of my career was in manufacturing or construction.
Shortly after my retirement I received an old lathe from a friend. Although I had never used a wood lathe before, I started turning. This was November of 1994. Until recently I was largely self-taught, starting with the study of a book on the correct use of the lathe and turning tools. After that it was a matter of learning by trial and error, with a certain amount of excitement accompanying some of the errors. In the last couple of years, I have had some instruction from one of the top wood turners in the country.
I find my inspiration in the pottery designs of the gifted historic and pre-historic Puebloan potters of the Southwest. My greatest challenge and satisfaction is in translating those designs into wood.