Small Jewellery Bowl

Embarking on a project with Black Palm was a journey into uncharted territory for me, and it nearly became my last venture with this challenging material. The initial roughing phase was so daunting that I contemplated abandoning the endeavor altogether. Prior warnings had indicated that Black Palm was brittle and difficult to turn, yet the reality proved even more taxing than expected.

A closer inspection of Black Palm reveals its unique composition: it consists of white sections, representing softer wood, interspersed with black linear sections. These black parts are akin to tiny, hard toothpicks, embedded within the softer white wood. During the turning process, these black fragments would dislodge and scatter in all directions, their impact on bare skin causing a noticeable sting.

Despite these challenges, perseverance paid off. As the sanding process began, the hidden beauty of Black Palm started to emerge, transforming the piece significantly. This particular creation was sanded to an ultra-fine 12000 grit, a decision that brought out the wood's natural allure without the need for any additional finish. The result is a piece that is not only visually stunning but also a pleasure to hold, with a tactile quality that invites touch. The journey with Black Palm, though fraught with challenges, culminated in a work of natural beauty that I am truly delighted to have pursued.