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What People are Looking for
Usable Woodturnings: Vases/Hollow Forms: Tony has displayed his works at the AAW
Symposium, Florida
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Tony Cortese: Woodturning and Woodcarving
Fluting is another unique method of enhancing an otherwise plain turning into a
wonderful work of art. Just a few years ago I spent some time learning fluting
techniques from a master in fluting, Al Caton of Dunnellon, FL. On my lathe I
use a custom made indexer utilizing 120 holes. There are more divisible number
combinations with my indexer than what comes built in with the lathe (most large
lathes come with a 48 hole indexing system). With the use of a jig & dye grinder
and a little patience, a fluted turned piece can be done. Fluting adds a whole
new dimension to the outside surface of a bowl, vase, or hollow form.
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Tony Cortese © 2007 Home | Links | Supplies | Contact |Gallery |
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Hello, my name is Tony Cortese and I have been a woodturner for 10 years. I have
always been fascinated with the hidden beauty of wood. I use mostly local woods
from my home state of Florida & the southeastern USA. I am a member of Hands on
Woodturners of Central Florida and a member of the American Association of
Woodturners. Over the years, I have attended many demonstrations and symposiums,
lessons from various woodturners, thus becoming proficient at turning bowls,
platters, vases, and hollow forms. My work has been displayed at AAW Symposiums
and a number of art shows and galleries in the Southeast.
Five years ago my curiosity drove me to experiment with more complex types of
woodturning. I have developed into my own niche by employing relief carving
embellishments on my Wood Turnings. A bold approach was taken using classic wood
turning forms and relief carving techniques with various leaves & flowering
patterns. The use of a high speed rotary hand piece (400,000 rpm) &
various types of 1/16th bits ensures me of a high quality finished piece. At
present I exclusively relief carve after turning a piece on the lathe. I strive
to simplify my turnings through refinement & imagination. 
I utilize the natural color and grains of specific woods creating works of art
by using piercing, fluting, carving and color to embellish my turned forms to
create one of a kind originals. Looking back I can see how woodturning has
progressed from simple turnings to an art form. I have attended many
workshops/classes given by notable turners observing their special techniques to
enhance their works. Among some of those distinguished wood turners/carvers are:
Dave Barriger, Al Caton, Bobby Clemons, Bill Janning, David Nittmann, and Binh
Pho . I have also taken a course at the prestigious John C. Campbell Folk School.
Many people who view my intricate work would swear that it was Laser Carved
if they had not seen me do it in person.
On my website, you will see pictures of my turnings with relief carving as
viewed on my latest video. Here you can view a demo of my latest release. The
full length video is also available for purchase. The supplies needed to
complete one of these carvings are also available for purchase. Make sure you
view my Gallery, which has samples of my relief carved woodturnings.