JCCFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in your medium. How did you get started?

BH: I became interested in woodturning at a craft show in 2007 by watching a demo at a woodturner booth. I started taking classes with Jamie Donaldson a previous instructor here at the Folk School. I watched demos and I fully immersed myself into the craft. I’m passionate about rose discs, window panels, snowflakes, and wreaths. I’m particularly interested  in working with spindles. I will then take those spindles to build other things like cubes. I’ve enjoyed just making stuff  that it eventually lead me to teaching.

JCCFS: Tell us more about your class’s specific technique or process.

BH: Snowflakes and Beyond class is a skills building class. Having good spindle skills are carried over into all parts of turning. Once you learn how to make the spindles you can use it to apply to other products. We will learn to take our spindles to create decorative items such as, trivets and center piece for tables.

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave your class with?

BH: Student will complete a number of snowflakes depending on the complexity of the pattern. We’ll start with a simple square and then progress toward other patterns and become creative with the possibilities of what students can create. Depending on their skills they can expand their spindle skills all together. Geometrical artist shapes will give students an appreciation for so many other things- house windows- furniture-used in early 1600s into the 1800’s- middle eastern architecture and more. I’m excited to show students that there are so many other things you can create with woodturning other than bowls.

JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect or part of the Folk School?

BH: As a long standing Instructor I have taught over a dozen classes and taken just as many. I love the Folk School’s relaxed environment. The studios are spacious and Brasstown is a rural environment that is quiet and relaxing.

JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

AC: I draw inspiration from Middle Eastern architecture. I love nature and being surrounded by creative people is where I draw inspiration. The Bayt Al-Suhaymi “House of Suhaymi” in Cairo are all inspirations for this class. Its basically the grain of the idea for this class.

JCCFS: What’s one piece or craft object you’ve made recently that you are proud of, and why?

BH: I very proud of my feature in Woodturning Magazine on the back cover. I also love the Windsor Chairs that I made in Brian Cunfer woodworking class.

JCCFS: What tips would you give a student or aspiring craftsperson? Anything you wish you had known earlier in your career?

BH: Find something that interest you and follow your interests. Pursue your dreams and a craft that seems to stand out. Think outside the box- don’t just turn bowls. Find something unique that stands out in your crafts.