Michael Pedemonte has been an avid self-taught wood worker for most of his life. He has recently become enamored with using the lathe turning a variety of interesting local woods. Big leaf maple, madrone, ash, smoke bush, etc. – anything that he can mount on the lathe. Each turning is unique, the wood dictates that final outcome. Each piece has its own voice. The thrill is seeing what is ins...ide.
Working in his shop in Gaston, Oregon, Michael explores the possibilities of the different kinds of wood. He enjoys the hunt for unusual materials from both urban and rural sources, winter blow-downs to finds from his local logger friends. He has become a bit of a hoarder with an ever increasing inventory of projects.
Black Walnut Bowl
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: Nice large 13 1/2 inch Black Walnut bowl. Beautiful crouch figure. An amazing piece. From a windfall tree in Gaston, Oregon 4 years ago. I was excited to see how this was going to turn out. I am happy with the result.
Heavy Maple Burl Block Bowl
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: Rough hewn heavy maple burl block bowl. Wanted to see this in a more natural style. Fun to try. I will return to this idea as good examples turn up. Natural Odies oil finish.
Maple Burl Vessel 2
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: Includes hardened resin decorative filler. I like the inclusions in the wood. A local logger found this burl.
Maple Root Burl Platter 1
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: This is a series of 4 square plates/ platters from a single block of maple root burl. Spalt and figure is prominent along with some center ring rays. Each one is different but the theme is very similar. Given to me from a friend in Forest Grove, Oregon from a tree that was destined to be firewood! 11 to 12 inches square. Natural Odies oil finish.
Spalted Persimmon Vase 1
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: One of 3 Spalted persimmon vases with acrylic filler. The log was destined for the wood stove! Glad I experimented with it. Sourced from a log from the long-time fire chief's house. You can see a bit of Santa Fe influence in this series.
Spalted Persimmon Vase 2
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: One of 3 Spalted persimmon vases with acrylic filler. The log was destined for the wood stove! Glad I experimented with it. Sourced from a log from the long-time fire chief's house. You can see a bit of Santa Fe influence in this series.
Sphere - Large Hawthorn
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: Large Hawthorn sphere with Acrylic filling polished and waxed. Another chunk from the burn pile. Polish and wax finish.
Sphere - Oregon White Oak 2
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: Oregon White oak sphere, nice bidirectional grain pattern with some spalting. Simply polished and waxed.
Sphere - Solid Black Walnut
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: Decorative sphere. Black Walnut, and NOT a bowling ball, it's heavy and solid! Includes wooden ring stand.
Walnut Bowl with Undercut Edge
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: 11 inch nicely figured walnut bowl with a undercut edge. Food grade finish of Odies Oil and wax. The wood was sources from a church in Forest Grove doing some expansion. I have had this in my stock for a number of years.
Walnut Decorative Bowl
Fine Art by artist Michael Pedemonte - Description: This wood for this came from my neighbor who had several walnut trees that reached old age and had been removed for new plantings. I harvested as much as I could of the usable lumber and figured wood. I have made several pieces of furniture and turned a couple of items using this wood. I have more in my inventory and am looking forward to see what I can discover in it. I love turning figured walnut, it never ceases to surprise and amaze me. I enjoy the feel and changing patterns it brings to life.