A Profile of Australian Woodturner BRUCE BELL

ABOUT THE ARTIST

	His feel and talent for timber began when he was an apprentice carpenter and joiner in 1967. In 1973 he then commenced woodturning as a hobby, as his fascination with the craft continued over the years and the experience gained from working with Australia's outback timbers, Bruce decided to follow his dream and devote his time and talent to become one of Australia's leading woodturners.
Over a period of time he has crafted an extensive range of unique items, for the Australian and overseas market. State and local Governments have purchased some as gifts for foreign dignitaries.

	It became evident from the number of enquiries he was receiving that there was a demand for tuition, so he decided to share his knowledge of this ancient craft by teaching.

Very soon it was obvious to Bruce that country people were eager to learn the craft and at that point in time classes were very limited in rural towns.Being a progressive and self motivated person Bruce decided to instigate and build "The Travelling Woodturning School" (a mobile workshop on wheels.).	( CLICK ON PICTURE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW) ( CLOSE ENLARGED VIEW TO RETURN HERE )

.	Since commencing in 1992 Bruce has made woodturning classes available for all Australians, giving equal opportunity to both city and country people alike to learn from his vast experience and to enjoy "the thrill of making the chips fly"
His demonstration experience also extends to the United States of America and Canada where he has presented several woodturning demonstrations to clubs and guilds alike as well as hands on classes. Bruce has participated in two International Collaboration of Woodworkers at Emma Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada.	Bruce turns a "Kangaroo" bowl at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

Members of the Valley Woodturners - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada	Bruce turns one of his winged bowls for the Valley Woodturners - Ottawa

Bruce has also presented woodturning demonstrations for DMG World Media at their Australian Timber and Working with Wood Shows held in each capital city across Australia.

	Bruce has also produced a video " Tymba Turning Basics", which enables anyone to follow the woodturning techniques in a step by step procedure.
The challenge for Bruce in turning is to produce simple eye appealing forms from Australian Native timbers, using only the best that nature has to offer. Woodturning is not unlike working with precious gems, the beauty is within the tree and it is a challenge to be able to show this off to its best advantage. Bruce often refers to timber as "Natures Hidden Secrets". Indicating that there is a secret within each tree that grows on our planet.	Exhibitions: 2001 Timber and Working with Wood Shows, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra 1997 Solo Exhibition, Cedar Galleries, Gladstone Qld. 'Nature's Hidden Secrets' Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, Qld. Publications: 2000 Woodturning Magazine


	All Bruce's works are first turned to a rough form, either to let the timber dry or to relieve the stresses that may be within the timber. After allowing movement of the timber to take place each piece is then re-turned and sanded to a fine surface, prior to applying the necessary surface finish.

Understanding and correctly identifying the timber is also an important aspect of the fascinating craft of woodturning.