What's it for??

[KimG]

The ubiquitous question whenever something decorative but practically useless is on display at a craft table, it's not an unreasonable question, but does betray a slight lack of imagination. The best response I have heard of late though is Pete "Bodrighy"'s

"To enhance your living space". Perfect!

With that in mind I wonder who would consider their living space enhanced by this next oddity?

This is a hollow sphere (I use the term somewhat loosely!) balanced upon a tall pedestal which has a metal leaf finish in the small support bowl. Both items are in Sycamore, the stand is ebonized with black lacquer.
The sphere is also lacquered.

Sphere is about 4" across and the stand about 6" tall.

Note that these glass finished items are the very devil to photograph, you can see the true overall finish in the very shiny bits, the rest which seems a little flat is in fact a product of the light diffusing screens I use, these are needed to soften the light and avoid hard shadows which would look even worse, but they don't do high gloss items any favours.

 

[procell]

Bowling trophy?
I like it a lot. Why does it need to have a function?

 

[Grahamshed]

Agreed on a bowling trophy though I would prefer to see the ball attached to the pillar and a slightly wider base.
I would certainly give it house room.

 

[woodndrum]

Art in my opinion doesn't need either function or to be universally liked. Even if someone can't see the beauty for themselves, surely they can admire the skill needed to produce the item.
In this case to add the home photo studio skills, I congratulate you on all points!

 

[wizard]

It looks like there is a hole in the top of the ball so it must be a candle stick

 

[Paul.J]

Another very nicely coloured and finished piece Kim =D>

 

[MMUK]

It's detachable so you can throw it at people who ask what it's for :lol:

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Pop some of those scented shavings into it and call it a pomander? Edited to suggest also adding a pierced cover.

Make a series coloured to represent the planets?

Is it an 'expert level' game of cup and ball?

Nice work but I can't get my head around the 'shelves' on the base - must be me :?

Regards Mick

 

[boysie39]

Kim ,some years ago when I was woodturning I was of the opinion that the reason people decorated wood was to cover up tooling marks and other "mistakes " . I have now over the past few years changed my views and admit that I have changed my way of thinking and will even admit to liking the work being done with colors to wood . :shock:

This piece of yours I like very much ,and it fits Pete's description perfectly . I believe it will fit in anywhere and add to any room .
Thanks for showing .

 

[winemaker]

I like them =D> =D> , they could be used as a desktop decoration/toy/place a message under the ball or just a talking point.

 

[CHJ]

If you have a peek on my Projects and Aids Page

There are a couple of PDF's added to the Aids Listing that may well be of interest.

(layout designed for double sided printing)

 

[Dalboy]

A very nice piece whether for decoration or as a functional piece. Well turned and a finish second to none. Personally it does look a little top heavy but then that is just me.

I have never had much success with colouring but I have since discovered why so will be having a try on some hollow forms that I will be doing in the near future once I get my new toy.

Thank you CHJ for posting KimG PDF's will certainly have a read

 

[Brianp]

That's a beautiful piece. Turned and finished supremely well, if you don't mind a newbie saying so.

 

[KimG]

Bowling trophy, I like it! It is a hollow form though, so they might wonder about the hole!

The shelves on the base eh Mick, I know what you mean, but, well, I was trying to get it to look a little different, but still elegant, design is a tricky business for sure, but I think I achieved my aim there.

Thanks for all the nice comments folks, much appreciated!