Grant Ward

Biography

Grant Ward specializes in turning wood and spinning metal vessels using a lathe. These processes have been around for over 3,000 years. The lathe is used for holding and turning wood while the shape is carved free hand into forms such as table legs, bowls, etc. In spinning, a mandrel (wood form) is mounted on the lathe and a flat metal blank is clamped against it. Spinning tools are forced against a rotating blank by hand. Employing a series of radial (swivel) strokes, the blank is spun onto the mandrel causing the metal to flow to the shape of the desired form. It appears to flow somewhat like a piece of clay on a potter’s wheel. These techniques are used to produce forms that are in combination or stand-alone.