“Horizon”: Ash plate, 8.5" in diameter

The making of this simple plate was anything but simple. Because of the large crack running through it, I had cut off this sliver of wood while preparing to turn a large bowl from an ash log. But before I threw it out, I thought I might use it to experiment with sandblasting the ash. I thought I might as well turn it first, and lo and behold, I really liked the subtle figure I found. Experimenting further, this time with a metallic fill, I repaired the crack (but left the bug holes untouched) with a copper-colored inlay that blends almost perfectly with the wood surrounding the crack. To add subtle texture, after sanding the piece smooth, I used a coarse sandpaper before sandblasting the wood. Finally, to bring out the figure and highlight the grain contrast created by the sandblasting—but leave the wood looking as bare as possible—I applied a single coat of dilute finish. I love the result.

The name of this piece came after I set it up to display at an art show. Sitting in my booth for hours, looking at my work, I noticed a seascape in the wood figure—sailboat included! Do you see it?