Woodturning

Steve Lobel - Woodturner

Artist’s statement – September 2026

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Many of my friends know me as an entrepreneur/businessman. The pieces I offer here for your information  serves to introduce you to another side of me (my third act). I am a third-generation craftsman in woodworking, with a specialty in crafting wooden bowls from deteriorating logs. Over 30 years ago I discovered and developed a passion for the art of wood turning. While primarily self-taught, I got my start in the craft studying with a master wood turner in Poultney Vermont. Over the following 15 years I honed my skills and focused on turning small bowls from a variety of exotic hardwoods given to me by my father-in-law. The wood was not suitable for furniture but ideal for wooden bowls. I gifted most of my work to family, friends and charitable silent auctions. Over the years my shop time declined as family and business needs took precedence and my productivity ceased altogether. It has only been within the last five years that my life situation has afforded me the opportunity to resume my activity in earnest (a 10-year gap) to develop my skills in this fascinating, ancient craft. With the benefit of YouTube I have watched hundreds of hours of wood turning videos posted by crafts people from all over the world. In November of 2018 I traveled to North Carolina for a 3-day workshop with world renowned woodturner David Ellsworth. In the process I discovered a new approach to the art. I discovered the art of turning hollow vessels from logs and wood that would most likely be destined for firewood. I discovered that within these homely pieces of wood there exists an unlimited variety of color, texture and figuring that reveal themselves during the turning process. Nature is the true artist here, and as a wood turner it is exciting to expose her unlimited creativity to the outside world.

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In 2020 I was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma with which I did battle for two plus years. This news encouraged me to retire from my business activities and focus on healing myself. Fortunately, I was able to continue working in my studio crafting bowls. I’ve been told by all my caregivers that my work as a practicing artist greatly contributed to my recovery, and I am pleased to report that I have been in remission for 4 years. I share this information in the hope that it can be useful to others who are going through similar situations. I take pleasure in sharing my art and experiences with others and feel blessed that I was given the skills to pursue this fascinating art form.

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 I hope you enjoy owning it as much as I enjoyed crafting it.

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I turned 78 in January and I’m looking forward to living this stage of my life as an artist.

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Steve Lobel