About this piece

Details that make the object.

A large turned walnut bowl by a self taught crafstman Paul Edward Schweisthal (1941-2024). Active in Virginia, here is a note that gives a a better understanding of his woodworking methods: "Paul created countless bowls and platters of a wide variety of sizes, using mostly wood from felled trees on his farm in Purcellville or those of friends and neighbors. He often marveled at how all of his projects started as “just a block of wood.” As he worked with a block, he liked to let the block of wood, itself, guide his design, so he never knew ahead of time what the block of wood would become. Just like the children he took care of for so many years as a doctor, he saw each block of wood as having unique innate qualities that just needed to be drawn out so that they could be appreciated. Aspects that some might consider a flaw in the wood, he saw as wonderful distinctive features that should be valued. And that is also how he thought we should see people – accepting and appreciating the attributes with which people were born that define them as unique individuals."