Cylindrical Bowl

The initial allure of this piece of Scottish Oak was undeniable, its online images painting a picture of compelling beauty. Yet, upon receiving the wood, my initial excitement gave way to concern. The oak harbored lateral stress fractures, more pronounced than anticipated, defying traditional repair methods like the use of PVA glue and sawdust. The idea of filling these natural fissures with resin seemed almost like a desecration of its natural state. Additionally, the wood was marked by voids, inconveniently placed, adding to the challenge.

However, as the project progressed, it became evident that within these perceived flaws lay an unexpected beauty. I made the decision to use resin, but only for the fractures on the side, choosing to preserve the voids in the base in their natural state. This approach allowed the wood's inherent character to shine through, resulting in a piece of remarkable beauty. The wood was sanded to a fine 10000 grit, ensuring a silky smooth finish, and treated with Danish Oil, which subtly enhanced its texture and colour. The final product is a celebration of the imperfect beauty of nature.