I began wood turning a few years ago as a way to stay grounded. At first, I wanted to make "perfect" bowls. I was eager to make something worthy. I wanted to fix or hide any and all cracks, holes or other perceived flaws. It didn’t take long, however, before I began to find much more depth and meaning in each piece. My goal quickly changed from creating the perfect bowl, to uncovering the natural and organic beauty that already exists. Now, I take my time with each piece so I can watch closely for the imperfections that are asking to be seen.

My work is a reflection on the equanimity of life. Learning to accept the good and the bad. The wood I use is all discarded wood. Fallen trees from neighbors’ yards, dead logs, often things I find on the side of the road. I’ve learned to find meaning in (and now make a point of leaving) the cracks and the holes in each piece. I’ve found incredible beauty, value, and worth in the discarded. The pain and suffering of life is reflected back at us in the cracks and holes found in the wood and through its acceptance, we find great healing.

As we go through life we begin to see and understand a bigger meaning: It’s the pain alongside the happiness, (or the imperfections alongside the pure grain) that lend life it's truest beauty.

Each bowl I make is unique. Just as we are all unique, and our life's experiences are all our own. No two will ever be the same, but all have their own character and carry the marks of their own experiences. I’m surprised how important this work has become to me, and find more and more I’m eager to share this message and it’s symbolism. Thanks for being part of the journey.

-R Tollstrup