| Artist Statement: | Continuing a lifelong fascination with wood, sculpture and art, I have focused my attention on lathe work turning natural edge bowls, thin-walled hollow forms and sculptural pieces. I use the natural grain and color of the wood combined with design and symmetry to define each piece uniquely. I work primarily with local woods and look for burls, flares, crotch patterns, cracks or bark inclusions to include in the design of the pieces. I am one of the few artists in the country to apply the ancient art of marbling to turned pieces. I have worked with many internationally recognized wood artists to develop my skills including J-F Escoulen, France; Soren Berger, New Zealand; David Elsworth; John Jordan; Christian Burchard; Johannes Michelson; and Lyle Jamieson. My studies also include work at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. I frequently teach and demonstrate my techniques. I create these pieces largely for personal satisfaction, my desire to pursue excellence in the art of wood craft and for the sheer pleasure of myself and clients. |
| Affiliations: | American Association of Woodturners Bay Area Woodturners Association |
| Education: | Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Marshall University The George Washington University Harvard University |
| Awards and Shows: | “Best in Show” BAWA Juried Competition “Best in Show” BAWA Juried Competition Memorial Union Art Gallery - University of California “Seasoned Turners: The Art of the Lathe” Bedford Gallery – “The Big Tree Project” Danville Fine Arts Gallery Numerous other awards in shows and competitions |
| Publications and Presentations: | “Marvel at Marble,” American Woodturner Vol.18, No 3 (Fall 2003) 40-43 “Going the Extra Mile,” American Woodturner Vol.20, No 1 (Spring 2005) 22-3 “Back to School,” American Woodturner Vol.20, No.4 (Winter 2006) 52-53 AAW Symposium 2005 - Marbling Turned Pieces AAW Symposium 2005 - Developing Youth Training Programs |
| Representation: | Arts and Crafts Cooperative - Berkley, CA Epoch Gallery - Berkley, CA Gallery M - Half Moon Bay, CA Lee Youngman Gallery - Napa Valley, CA Northwest Fine Woodworking - Seattle, WA |
| Contact: | Web Site: www.turnedwoodgallery.com Email: jacquesblumer@hotmail.com Address: 1963 Joseph Drive - Moraga, CA 94556 Phone: 925.631.0416 |