Slightly Skewed Newsletter

President's Message - March 2024

A massive welcome back to Mark Fitzsimmons! It's been eight years, Mark - we missed you more than a cup of coffee on a Monday morning. Don't make it another eight; how about we see you again next month?

We dove into a lively discussion about the SoCal fair scene, from the TBD Crescenta Valley extravaganza on April 29 to the Montrose Arts & Crafts fiesta on June 1-2, and the Granada Hills Street Fair shindig on October 21. Crescenta's date is still playing hide-and-seek, but for now, let's focus our laser beams on Montrose. Heads up: Eli Avisera’s demo is on Sunday the 2nd (June), so we need all hands-on deck. And by hands, we mean YOURS! Let's give the Guild the exposure it deserves—PLS GET INVOLVED, because FOMO isn't a good look on anyone.

We're working on locking in a date with John Beaver, and with Eli coming to town, it's like having two woodturning wizards at Hogwarts. AAW symposium in Portland from May 23–26 is our next big adventure, and GWG is bringing about 20 members along for the ride! Submit your work to the symposium; we know you've got at least one piece that's worth showing off.

County fairs are calling our names! The LA County Fair deadline is past but fear not—OC Fair is July 18 - August 19, with a deadline on May 24. Ventura County Fair is from July 31 - Aug 11th, and the deadline is July 19. Get off your duff & join in. Let’s flood these fairs with GWG talent. Bill Haskell & Craig Sobel are past winners, and they're practically legends. Make them proud!

Bill Haskell is our knight in shining armor (again), offering yet another demo, this time on texturing and pyrography with turned pieces, on March 10. Give him a round of applause at the next meeting—he's like the Gandalf of GWG, wise and full of magical techniques.

For that matter, please thank ALL the Guild members who share their time to make the club, what it is!

The March challenge is a CARVED PIECE! Please no excuses; just go for it. We know Tiprin will bring something fantastic, so what about the rest of you? Let's turn our challenges into triumphs.

We need help with our website and marketing—calling all digital wizards! A subcommittee is forming, and we want you on board. Start planning for the fairs, carve up something amazing, and bring your A-game to show & tell. No pressure, just pure creative bliss!

Remember, never be afraid to submit any piece, no matter your perceived talent level. We're all in this together, spinning our way to woodturning greatness!

Happy spinnin',

Thomas

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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE AAW

(Excerpt) AAW policy initiative on fractal burning (also known as "Lichtenberg Burning"), which advocates safety and helps to protect lives.

AAW POLICY ON FRACTAL BURNING

The AAW has always been a faithful advocate for woodturning safety.  Recently, the subject of fractal burning has been in the news because of another tragic death.  The AAW Safety Committee has studied the issue and concluded there may be a distinct influencing benefit in adopting a policy against the use of Fractal Burning and publicizing it immediately to chapters and members.  As a result, it was recommended that the AAW Board adopt a new policy against the practice, which was unanimously approved on May 17, 2017.  The new policy is as follows:

It is the policy of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) that the process known as Fractal Burning is prohibited from being used in any AAW-sponsored events, including regional and national symposia, and that AAW-chartered chapters are strongly urged to refrain from demonstrating or featuring the process in chapter events. Further, the process of Fractal Burning shall not be featured in any written or online AAW publication, except for within articles that warn against its use. AAW publications will not accept advertisements for any products or supplies directly related to the process.

Additionally, the Safety Committee recommended that an article be published in the August 2017 issue of American Woodturner to highlight the dangers of the practice and publicize the new AAW policy.

AAW Membership

•  To join AAW you can visit:  Join AAW

• Information on AAW Member Benifits can be found at:  Member Benefits