Woodturning Class with Keith Gotschall

Keith’s Biography:

Keith grew up in the Chicago area, but made Colorado his home in 1981. Living in Boulder, he took advantage of all the outdoor activities available. Rock climbing in particular became a passion of his. That pursuit took him to many of the climbing areas of the US and various international destinations as well. To fund these adventures Keith followed another lifelong passion of his, woodworking. Starting in a factory on the night shift, making “butcher block” furniture, he quickly rose through the ranks. He made his way through various cabinet shops, ending with a designer making very eclectic furniture. In 1989 he struck out on his own, developing his own clientele and designs under the name K2 Woodworks. Keith still takes on the occasional furniture commission. 1998 saw his change in focus from furniture to woodturning. Keith worked the craft show circuit as well as making for wholesale accounts. Moving from Boulder to the small town of Salida Colorado precipitated another change in life for Keith, as it was there that he met his wife Catherine. 18 months living in England was followed by a return to Salida. Keith now fills his workdays with production architectural turning, furniture, teaching and demonstrations, as well as any old weird job that comes in. For fun he is still exploring Colorado, often on his dual sport motorbike.

Keith took classes from notable masters early in his turning career, and remembers that excitement of exploration. In his classes and demonstrations Keith brings that same level of enthusiasm for learning and joy of sharing to his students.

With his background in fine art, and a love of the truly utilitarian, Keith’s work can be noted for it’s clean lines, smooth curves and tight detail. Sometimes whimsical, often classical, Keith enjoys working in a broad oeuvre and is hard to pigeonhole.

Class Description:

Technique is the main emphasis in this week long class. Are you a beginner or worried that your bad habits are holding you back? Take a class and avoid mistakes that everyone seems to share. Starting at the beginning and progressing through to more advanced techniques, Keith will bring you along step by step. Unfortunately, many turners jump right into the thick of it and pass by the beginning fundamentals that make up the basis of all good woodturning technique. The projects will be a continuation of practice pieces where a refinement of woodturning cuts will be explored. Are you having problems with the quality of your cuts, sanding too much, mushy details? Come take a class with this recognized turner and teacher, and fine tune your turning skills.

This 5-day class will feature a variety of skills, from the basic spindle turning with beads and coves to Egg Shapes and a Three Leg Stool – with many twists and turns in between!.

A rough outline of projects that will be the focus of the work throughout the week:

Bead and cove stick – Spindle turning. You will practice large bead and cove cuts (this piece becomes a jamb chuck for the egg)

Egg

Shop Mallet

Platters

3 bowls, green turned, shallow-deeper-natural edge (Walnut Natural Edge!)

Suction Fit Lidded Box

Lidded Bowl

Secret Salt Shaker

Small 3 Leg Stool

As you can see, quite a variety of projects and skills!

Keith’s class is a 5-Day class – October 28th – November 1st

Class Fees: $925.00

Material Fees: $100.00