I approach spindle turning the same way that a sculptor chips away at marble to reveal the figure hidden within. The towers have evolved from my desire to build shapes that reference historical examples of decorative turning. 

In the past, the most intricate turnings would be made from various ivories, the tight grain allowing for delicate details while maintaining the integrity of the object. 

Some beautiful examples of such turnings can be attributed to the workshop of Elector Augustus of Saxony. In pursuit of his own obsession with turning, the Elector assembled one of the most skilled groups of turners in Europe at the time, including Lambert Xhrouet.

The Turned-Ivory Ornament (1746) made by Xhrouet is one of my favorite examples of this style of turning.

Working in wood offers me the opportunity to explore the limitations of a ethical and sustainable material when trying to achieve some of the forms found in turned ivory.