Vase, from the Fraxinus Coloratus Series

Copied J. Paul Fennell, Vase, from the Fraxinus Coloratus Series, 1989, turned ash, 7 146 in. (18.515.3 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of George Peter Lamb and Lucy Scardino in memory of Natalie Rust Lamb, 1995.100.7

Artwork Details

Title
Vase, from the Fraxinus Coloratus Series
Date
1989
Dimensions
7 146 in. (18.515.3 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of George Peter Lamb and Lucy Scardino in memory of Natalie Rust Lamb
Mediums
Mediums Description
turned ash
Classifications
Object Number
1995.100.7

Artwork Description

J. Paul Fennel made the Fraxinus Coloratus series at the beginning of his "attempt at serious woodturning" in the late 1980s (artist correspondence). The Latin title refers to the colorful ash wood that he used to create all of the pieces in the series. With this vase, Fennel focused on the "spectacular pattern" he encountered in this particular piece of ash's heartwood, highlighting what he describes as the "marbling" in the wood. Fennel salvaged this piece of ash, as many woodturners do, from a commercial tree remover's lot, who most likely removed the tree due to disease, neglect, or damage.