Blog

Pssssst. Great Father's Day gifts

by Gallery Artplus Administrator 9. June 2011 23:34

During the mid-sixties, Paul Steels was exposed to the pleasures of the art world during his undergrad at the University of Windsor participating in drawing, art history, and sculpture classes. Now semi retired ,after a 31 year teaching career, Paul and his partner Betty-Ann started an adventure called “Forest Originals.” Together, they took hands-on courses with Dave Lyon, formerly of Warkworth, at his business, “From The Roots UP”. Steels has always had a fascination for the unique beauty of natural grain and faults found in wood products. They both admire and aim to enhance the beauty of natural grain, knots, worm holes, and other imperfections found in the wood they turn. Their finish of choice is Circa 1850 Tung and Teak oil, providing a protective, waterproof satin sheen that enhances the natural beauty of the wood they use. Paul and Betty-Anne make various bowls, candle holders and platters. Each project begins as a rough chunk of wood, shaped by a chain saw then turned to a desired shape while the wood is still wet. Drying takes up to a year or longer before final turnings on the lathe can be completed then the work is sanded before several applications of tung and teak oil are applied to finish the piece.

You can find Paul's latest work in our gallery boutique which is open Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm & Saturday's 11am - 5pm - Pssssssssst. These are great Father's Day gifts.