The Creative Woodturner by Terry Martin

Woodturning is as popular as ever. Its appeal is based on the short learning curve, the minimal equipment, and the sheer joy of learning to make something out of wood with one's own hands. But, unlike a lot of crafts that rely on individuality and creative thinking, the initial techniques of woodturning must be mastered. While at first liberating, these same techniques can eventually be confining because in mastering them, one must follow the lead of others. At a certain point, woodturners can feel that mastering the techniques has become the end in itself as they lose sight of their true pursuit: to create ones own original style. In fact, some woodturners, who believe they aren't creative enough, will simply continue to master techniques while imitating the style of others.