Sorry Johnny, read that wrong. I would only go as thin as you feel confident in going. There are so many variables when you stick a piece of wood on the lathe and try something like this. Experience, ability, type of wood, (some turn thin better than others), sharpness of tools, and so on. I think that as these bowls are mainly done for effect, you should turn as thin as you can, and still keep it in one piece. Only you can decide when to stop.
I would say to anyone, if there is any doubt when trying this type of work, then you should think twice. The trouble is that when turning thin, the wood tends to shatter, rather than just break. You can end up with a few pieces flying rather than just one if it goes wrong.
At the same time is is quite exciting when your ideas come to fruition, and you have the finished item in front of you.
PS - When you want to cut the wings thin, draw the silhouette of the shape you want on the side of the blank, then begin cutting from the tip. Slowly work in towards the bowl, cutting and sanding in stages as you go. That way the bulk of wood left will support the piece you are working on. That is how I did the one I posted.
