FAQs
All you need to know…..
What makes these bowls so special?
All of the wood that went into making of these bowls was harvested by Michael, none of it was purchased. All but a handful came from client properties when he owned his business, from various other local properties or historic sites with providence to the Lowcountry. Each bowl has a backstory and was touched at both ends of development by its maker. Check out these collections for some interesting facts, Burls and Burrs, Historic Beaufort, Hunting Island, Spring Island.
Do you have a studio where these bowls can be viewed?
Sorry, as of yet we do not have a studio that can be visited. However, a good cross-section of my work can be viewed at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery, 913 Bay St. in Beaufort; The Silver Garden Gallery, 32 Palmetto Bay Rd., Hilton Head Island, The Art League of Hilton Head Gallery; at the Lowcountry Made Shop, 14A Johnston Way Bluffton next to the Juice Hive or at the various Lowcountry Made sponsored Artisan Markets during the year.
How long does it take to make a bowl?
There are many stages necessary in the development of each bowl and it is very hard to breakdown time spent on each. Wood species, wet or dry turning, amount of character elements, checks and knots and size of bowl blank, finishing and drying times are just a few of the limiting features that can vary the time of each bowls development. Check out Anatomy of a Bowl to learn more.
Is the Heritage Live Oak accessible for public viewing?
The Heritage Live Oak is located, appropriately, at the end of Oak View Drive in the Burton section of Beaufort County off Parris Island Gateway. There is no street address but the Google Maps plus code is C739+HP Burton, South Carolina. Click Here to view it on Google Maps. Before you go, learn more about the history of the tree and the grave located under it, check out History of the Cherry Hill Plantation Live Oak located in the About section.
How do I care for my bowl?
Each bowl turner has their own “go-to” finish and there is no consensus on any one best finish that works well for every bowl. I use a sanding sealing topped with a minimum of three light coats of a wipe-on poly satin or sometimes gloss finish. When cured this finish is food safe and can be washed by hand at the sink with hot soapy water. My grandchildren HAVE by error put some bowls through the dishwasher and they have survived but this is HIGHLY UN-recommended.
Can I get a picture of my bowl in the gallery?
Yes, of course. The Display Gallery in the Galleries section is just for that purpose. Email us a picture of your bowl on display at your home or office or in everyday use and we will put it up for all to see.