ABOUT MARC BANKA
Woodturner Enjoys Creative Journey
I’m a woodturner from Durham, North Carolina, honing my craft for more than seven years. My skills, knowledge, and understanding of wood have been acquired through reading, workshops, seminars, club meets, and my own experimentation. But my love for working with wood began in early childhood. My dad liked wood, so I was introduced to it early. That’s really all I ever wanted to do.
I enjoy the journey of each piece I create from start to finish. I find the challenge of building my skills to be thrilling — something that’s always come naturally. I struggle more with finding the graceful shapes, the balance of a piece, and the visualization of a finished piece hidden in the lump of wood before me. Everything has to come together — the natural beauty of the wood and my skills to show this natural beauty — to create the beautiful image I see in my mind. I enjoy the process and strive to constantly improve in bringing out the visualization.
I’m drawn to clean, simple shapes. Where the aesthetic gets steam is from being done perfectly, and having that simple but true curve. The bowl should be friendly and inviting and enhance its contents while being strong and durable.
Each piece should be pleasing to the viewer, both as a work of art and a vessel to be used and enjoyed. View my collection of bowls.
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MARC BANKA
About My Woodturnings
My goal is to create wood vessels lovely for display and yet suitable for use. My choices of wood, finishing materials and work methods keep wooden bowls and plates from warping and cracking, even after multiple uses and washings.
Most of my wood is sourced locally, usually as whole logs recently felled. The pieces are turned somewhat oversized, waxed for slow drying, and set aside where the normal warping and change of shape occur. After six months to two years, the piece is returned to the lathe and turned to its final shape. Roundness and trueness are restored, and the wood is “relaxed.” This is a long process but gives a more stable outcome.
My finishes are simple. While on the lathe, the wood is sealed with shellac, an old-school natural finish. It’s then given a coat of wax to seal in the shine. After use, the piece should be washed lightly and treated with a bit of oil. Doing this brings out a natural luster that deepens with age.
Each piece is as unique as the tree it came from, and as close to perfection as possible. From tree to bowl on your table is my work, and my work alone, and I love the journey of creating something unique every time. Check out my gallery to view more of my work.
Marc is a proud member of the Woodturners Guild of North Carolina and the American Association of Woodturners.
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