Sven Hasselberg

My experience as a custom cabinetry and furniture craftsman paved the way to the art of woodturning.  Prior to woodturning, my artistic talents were used in woodworking design and color development.

My interest in turning began when I enrolled in a community college course.  Upon completion of the first class, I went home and purchased my first lathe.  The lathe became a tool for an art form that allows me to create a masterpiece. 

Hollow forms are my specialty.  They are turned from exotic and North American burls.  The burls are an outgrowth on trees that contain decay or bark inclusions. These pieces would normally be discarded but a turner knows that they will yield extraordinary grain patterns and color variations that are unimaginable.

I choose and evaluate a burl and imagine the shape to be achieved.  This is a concept that may change due to its contents or fragile state.  The burl is like a geode in that its beauty lies within.  My experience with wood finishes assists in a finished product that explodes with color.  I hope that all wood enthusiasts would admire the preservation of grain patterns and color presentation.

A love and passion of woodturning had led to the The Burl House Studio.  Here I teach beginning to advanced courses in the art of woodturning.  I take pleasure in seeing the beginning students’ amazement when they have created their first piece.