Hollow forms

Vases and Hollow Forms

Hollow forms are a challenge, and I like making them. They are usually hollowed through a small hole in the top. The aim is to get the walls thin but, obviously, not to break through. Success can be judged from the weight of the piece. Vases and goblets are easier to hollow because of the wide opening but, because the interior is visible, they present their own problems when finishing and polishing.

Clicking on an image will display a detail of the piece.

Burr elm
Wax finish

After the onslaught of Dutch Elm disease, elm is becoming more and more difficult to get hold of. The hollow form on the right is made from a piece of elm discovered in the workshop after many years of gathering dust. Inside every old bit of wood, there is a new bit struggling to get out and, despite its age, it is still very attractive. The neck is beech, painted silver. At first I wasn’t sure of the effect but it grows on me more and more.

(The piece to the left is the ash hollow form shown below.)

13cm dia x 8½cm tall
(5in x 3½in)

£85

Olive Ash & Ebony
Wax finish

Hollowed through the small hole in the top, this piece of olive ash makes an attractive hollow form and contrasts well with the ebony used for the neck

12cm dia x 7cm tall
(4¾in x 2¾in)

£85

Maple
Acrylic finish

These small hollow forms are attractive shapes and are finished to a high gloss.

9cm dia x 8cm tall (3½in x 3¼in)

£20 each