Kaleidoscope, Handcrafted, Mini, Dymondwood
by Boyd of WRIGHTMADE
A mini kaleidoscope, handcrafted by artisan/seller in Dymondwood. Dymondwood is a laminated product made in Rutland, VT, USA. Thin layers of maple veneer are died a variety of colors and then laminated in various patterns to produce a striking rainbow wood that is very colorful, stable and finishes nicely. I cut and turn the Dymondwood into the mini-kaleidoscope. The 'scope is easily held in one hand to view the brightly colored patterns of the objects chamber through a three-piece assembly of front-surface mirrors.
WELCOME, Boyd and his Etsy shop, WRIGHTMADE, where you will find the most wonderful handcrafted creations of wood! Boyd has a wide selection wood items in his Etsy shop, ranging from, kaleidoscopes (my favorites), back scratchers, bar/wine gifts, cutlery, artisan pill boxes/jewelry and more!
When I saw Boyd's, colorful mini kaleidoscopes, I asked him to be a featured artist here on DZFANTASY, and was so happy that he took the time to share is thoughts and work with everyone.
After reading Boyd's interview below, be sure to pay a visit to WRIGHTMADE...you will be glad you did! Great gift ideas.
Perfume Holder, Key Ring, Necklace-Pendant, Handcrafted, Dymondwood
What led you to start creating your art/craft?
Over 25 years ago, I was practicing law as a University Legal Counsel and found it frustrating to see how long it took to see matters come to a conclusion. I started working with wood as a way to see a project finished in a more reasonable time. In the early years, I made mostly wooden board games (e.g. Chinese Checkers for 2, etc.). After several years, I decided to leave the practice of law and devote full-time to wood working. About 15 years ago I moved to primarily doing work on a wood lathe, eventually specializing in kaleidoscopes and other handcrafted wooden products.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
The only medium I knew anything about was wood (didn’t know much about that at the beginning, for sure). My dad and my uncle both had wood shops of a sort and I had spent some time there. Mostly it was going with what little I knew and educating myself as I went along.
Kaleidoscope, Handcrafted, Mini, Recycled Dymondwood
The most enjoyable part for me is the actual turning of a piece of wood and watching it become a finished piece – seeing the wood grain patterns emerge and how that influences my design decisions. I almost never have a pre-conceived notion of a design before I actually turn a piece. I wait to see how the grain pattern looks and then “turn” it accordingly.
If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?
Now that is a tough question, to say the least. I suppose I would choose an artichoke – as one peels the leaves from the artichoke you see the changing nature of the vegetable. When turning a piece of wood and removing the outer layers you see the emerging grain pattern.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity” what would that be, and why?
I would choose stained glass. I love the colors, the texture of stained glass and every once in awhile toy with the idea of experimenting with that medium. I have never actually done it, but the idea intrigues me.
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I hope people who see my work will enjoy the beauty of wood in all its forms and shapes. In addition, I hope my kaleidoscopes are enjoyable for those who view them and that they delight in the beauty of a ‘scope as much as I do.
What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?
Be willing to try most any artistic, as well as business/marketing, idea. You never know where it will lead. I sure didn’t plan to wind up where I did. It was “evolutionary”.
THANKS, Boyd, for a truly delightful interview and for taking the time to share your wonderful wood creations with all of us! Boyd has a lot of interesting information and photos of his work, so be sure to check out the links below.
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