Bruce Mitchell Bay Laurel Burl Turned Wood Bowl, 1979

A beautiful 1979 bay laurel burl turned wood bowl by notable Marin County, California wood sculptor Bruce Mitchell. An early work by Mitchell featuring fantastic flame-like figuring throughout. Of particular interest are a pair of slightly raised circular inclusions of dark, hardened sap that stand out handsomely against the swirling honey and caramel-colored satin finish burl background. Made from locally sourced California bay laurel—sometimes referred to as myrtlewood—one of the best known and most valuable western hardwoods. Signature, date, and description inscribed by the artist’s hand on underside, which is 5.38 inches in diameter. Bruce Mitchell (b. 1949) started his five-decade-long woodworking career in 1969 as a technical assistant to important California wood sculptor and ceramicist JB Blunk (b. 1926–2002) on both public and private commissions. It was an apprenticeship that lasted until 1977, making this bowl from 1979 a very early example of his solo output. Mitchell’s work has been featured in numerous solo and museum exhibitions, and can be found in museum collections nationwide. He shares a mastery of technique and form, and affinity for selecting aesthetically distinctive material, with fellow celebrated California Bay Area woodturner Bob Stocksdale (b. 1913–2003). Dimensions: Height: 4.25 in Diameter: 11.88 in Condition: Good Wear consistent with age and use. In great vintage condition. Small slightly lighter spot on interior, possibly naturally occurring. Some dark spots on perimeter of underside.