Wood turning is a craft I first explored while studying industrial design in New Zealand. The shop I used for prototyping had several underutilized wood lathes and the shop technicians were more than happy to have someone make good use of them. In true Kiwi form, there was no hand holding - a few brief words about how to turn on the machine and then a great kindness by one member of staff who generously offered to sharpen my chisels every day or so.

I loved getting to know woods found in New Zealand that are not native to North America, including swamp totara featured here.