Congratulations to John Jordan
Cover of American Woodturner June 2012
I received my June 2012 copy of American Woodturner in the mail today and was very pleased to find out that John Jordan is the latest woodturner to receive a honorary lifetime member award from the American Association of Woodturners (AAW). There isn’t another woodturner out there that deserves that honor more than John.
John Jordan standing at his lathe and holding one of his hollow forms
If you count all the years of watching John’s videos and dvd’s I’ve known John for the better part of a decade now. However, I actually first met John a few years back when I took a week-long class from him at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. I found John to be very straight forward in his teaching style. He didn’t have a problem straightening out bad habits and discussing design ideas. He brought some of his fabulous work to show us how he achieved his designs and to inspire us. Whenever I make a hollow form I still use the hollowing tools that he developed, uses himself and sells to others. Even though I make my living turning wood I have to say that I learned a great deal from John that week. I recommend to any turner that wants to take their turning skills to the next level that they sign up for a class with John as soon as possible.
When I first started turning I bought both of John’s videos on bowl turning and hollow forms. I learned a great deal about mounting my work and tool control from watching the videos. I do have to say that one of my all time favorite videos on woodturning is John’s dvd The Aesthetics and Properties of Wood. In it he talks about the wood grain, how and why to orient it for the best effect. Whenever I get stuck for new designs I go back and rewatch this video and it always helps. You can see more of John and his work by clicking here.
So let me add my congratulations, to what I’m sure is a long list, to John for a much deserved award.
- Kim Dailey
