Madeira Madness – Mahogany Wood Turning by Paul
Paul Struve
1130 7th Court
772-473-3295
When did you start in woodwork? How many hours do you put into each piece? What is the price range of your pieces?
I started in woodworking 40 years ago & woodturning 5 years ago. The time in each piece varies greatly, anywhere from 4 hours to 240 hours so far. Prices range from $65 – $4,500.00.
Where can people see your work?
On my website: www.woodturningbypaul.com and by appointment at my workshop.
Where do you get the wood?
I have collected wood locally over the last 40 years.
How many hours do you spend working on your art a day? Is it therapeutic for you?
It is definitely therapeutic and I average 20 hours a week. My wife and I own a local so I am not retired yet.
Where does your inspiration come from? Does the raw wood determine what the final piece will be or do you start with a piece in mind?
I generally have something in mind but during the process of turning most pieces evolve into something slightly different. I work with an open mind while turning that way I have a better opportunity of creating instead of mimicking something or someone else’s designs. I usually follow where the wood takes me. I do experiment most of the time, very rarely will you see two pieces by me made the same. I am always looking for something different and I don’t know exactly where I am going and I don’t have the need to.
Do you have a favorite piece or do you love them all equally?
I definitely have favorite pieces for (3) reasons – difficulty, quality of workmanship, and the exotic wood itself.
Bonus Content
Name 5 things you cannot live without…
1. My Wife, Laura
2. My Kids
3. My Grandkids
4. Dogs & Cats
5. Something constructive and spiritually fulfilling to do on a daily basis, home cooked meals, working with wood – one of mother earth’s greatest assets wood.
What is your background?
I’ve been in the construction industry for 46 years. I started when I was 18 years old.
Anything you would like to add?
At this point and time this is still a hobby, at best it may evolve into a part-time job. The less pressure I have to produce pieces on a regular basis the higher quality and artistic design I feel I am able to achieve.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Do not be afraid to make mistakes, expect to make mistakes in order to learn and expand your horizons, take chances and always enjoy the journey.
Photography by: Aric Attas
Originally Published on Vero Home Life & Design
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