J. Paul Fennell, Vase, from the Fraxinus Coloratus Series, 1989, turned ash, 7 1⁄4 x 6 in. (18.5 x 15.3 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of George Peter Lamb and Lucy Scardino in memory of Natalie Rust Lamb, 1995.100.7
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Vase, from the Fraxinus Coloratus Series
- Artist
- Date
- 1989
- Location
- Dimensions
- 7 1⁄4 x 6 in. (18.5 x 15.3 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.