This is always an interesting subject. I am not sure what the comments were suggesting that 'technique is less important than the end result', if it was my comments in the other thread I clarify by copying them again here.
'Woodturners as a whole do seem to be heavily involved/concerned in learning tool technique but do not seem to put the same energy into learning about design'.I believe there is a marked difference in these two sentences.
Of course technique is important, it is very important. Anyone who has been to one of my demo's can make up their own mind if I pay attention to technique and how efficient it may or may not be.
I will take it that it was my comments which started you off Richard on this thread.
So here are my thoughts.
Just as Les said they are my opinions. I would however say that on numerous occasions they have been reinforced by my contact with galleries and many makers including woodturners, so are based on evidence and not just pulled from the air. ( not that you were insinuating this Les) but your point about our opinions is valid. And my thoughts may not be relevant to someone working in a different way to me.
The craft of turning has it's foundation in technique and this history and skill should never be disregarded, as tool technique is the 'foundation' of what we do and is the vehicle we use to achieve what we set out to make.
But then all crafts are founded in technique. Research any pure artists, sculptor, glass or ceramics maker and you will find all that they make comes from technique, every brush stroke, moulding of the clay is founded in technique.
I always say at the beginning of a demo something like this.
'What I am going to show you is not the only way to work, it may not be the best way, it is just my way, the only thing I say about technique is that as long as what you do is safe and it works for you to produce the end result then go with it'.
I also go on one to say ' always strive for good technique but do not be a slave to it, technique will come in time with practice, but also concentrate on design and finish, as this is what people see'.
The more I hear the words 'professional' or 'hobby' turner, the more I dislike the distinctions. Nothing against anyone using them, but these distinctions hold little in reality. There are some in the former that produce work less refined than those in the latter, so I personally discount the distinction and just look at the end result.
If you are full time and make a living you may be in one of three camps.
1/ A pure production turner producing for the main, pre-designed work/replication of existing items. As such the amount of money earned will directly relate to the efficiency and level of your tool technique, with the design consideration being a replication of the customers drawings or items brought in to be replicated.
However the design and quality of work will be the perfection of beads, coves etc within the overall piece with the end visual quality being what the customer will pay for.
Indeed will they pay for a stair spindle of pair of candlesticks where the details have been sanded to oblivion. ? They are paying for the quality.
Does the customer hand over the money as they are happy with the end result or the fact that you may or may not have rolled the beads with a skew or spindle gouge. !
2/ Aesthetic, gallery, commission work. Small batch or one offs sold in the main as an interior accessory. The prime consideration here will probably be the visual impact of the piece, unless you are selling items for pence, in which case people will be happy to part with their money for it.
If you do not need to make a living from your work then the efficiency of tooling is much less relevant than the end result as it just means you make less profit/percentage for time spent.
If you make a living from this type of work then you have to be efficient with your tooling but design comes to the forefront. The item is sold purely on design, how much profit you make will come down to both tooling and design. If the item does not sell due to poor design and finish the technique will have meant little.
This brings me back to the question that has been raised dozens of times over the years in forums, turning magazines etc. 'Why does turning not get the respect of other crafts' and 'How can we raise the profile of turning'.
This being the reason for my comments in the other thread.
So to clarify .
Yes tool technique is very important but just think for a while how our work may benefit if we also spend as much time learning about good design as we do techniqueHow many times when you go to a demo or read a book/magazine do you ask or search out how the maker comes to create the design, or do you go straight to the tool and technique pages/questions. ? How often do you research and learn about design for your own projects beyond the prescribed article used as a base for exploration. ?
There will be some that pay a lot of attention to design and finish, these being the ones who work we admire, be it pure work or other, the type is for me not relevant.
Of course if concentrating on tool technique is what you enjoy then that's great, it is your craft and your time after all. Just don't keep saying you are fed up, or keep trying to work out why woodturning does not realise the same money or respect as other crafts if you don't hold design in the same respect as technique.
My thoughts, you can decide based on what you want to achieve if they are applicable or not to you.
Richard definitely think we should take some time in the evenings to discuss this at the next seminar.
My first round.