Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Gagnon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tommy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been an artist my entire life creating works of art in one form or another since a child. What I’d like to do was explored different mediums pastels acrylic paint sculpture. In doing this it gave me the opportunity to grow and push myself as an artist always learning different techniques. When I started using raw logs as the medium for my creative expression the natural evolution was to create using a wood lathe and over time I got better and better. I completed 10,000 hours in 3 years and typically it takes 5 years, working everyday on my craft and implementing various techniques learned over the years into my work.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Most of the time it has been a smooth road practicing on the lathe various techniques and getting comfortable using the millions of different tools available. At different times you have an “aha moment “which is gratifying and pushes you to keep going. Some of the most difficult things to learn and teach in Woodturning is movement with the chisel as one to get a fluid motion and presentation of the tool to the wood. Some of the chisels are just more difficult and take a little bit more time to learn and understand how to cut with them properly whereas some are very easy some of the chisels are just more difficult and take a little bit more time to learn and understand how to cut with them properly whereas some are very easily learned.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Boston Woodturning – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a Woodturning artist that uses locally sourced greenwood to create various works of art and utilitarian pieces from. I have an open studio where anyone can come and visit and see the process of woodturning. Additionally, I offer private one on one lessons as well as small group classes. In addition to that visitors can view, purchase my work in the display area of my workshop where I also have pieces that are WIP works in progress. I am best known for turning green wood and breathing new life into wood that otherwise would be firewood. Some of the work I produced has from wood from trees that grew around here have gone and live new lives as art in various countries and many cities in the USA
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I would like to move to a larger location so that I can offer a large class environment with 4 to 6 complete Woodturning stations for each person/student. I would also like to offer a larger gallery section so that students could also display work in it. I am hopeful that I’ll be able to continue for many years working my craft in this kind of public service environment. With subtle changes over time.
Pricing:
- Natural Edge Bowls 100.00
- Hollow forms 200.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 24 New Derby St
Salem, ma
01970 - Website: https://www.BostonWoodturning.com
- Phone: 7745639478
- Email: webmaster@bostonwoodturning.com
- Instagram: @bostonwoodturning
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bostonwoodturning
- Twitter: @webmasterboston
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz_photos/boston-woodturning-salem
- Other: https://www.bostonwoodturning.com/Boston_Woodturning_Blog/39_Discover-Woodturning–lessons-demos-and-works.html
Image Credit:
Spencer Hasak
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