Ash rippled cup

Size: height 5cm, width 9cm
Finish: Ebonised and sanded, then treated with unboiled linseed oil.
 
Imagine touching the surface of a still lake with the tips of your fingers, where nothing moves around you except the gentle ripples beneath your touch. This is the sensation I sought to capture in this piece—a quiet, serene moment, where the stillness is only interrupted by the subtle, organic movement of the material itself.
 
Ash is a strong, durable hardwood known for its light color, straight grain, and excellent shock resistance. It’s commonly used in furniture, flooring, tool handles, and sports equipment like baseball bats due to its strength and flexibility. Ash is easy to work with and finishes well, making it a popular choice in woodworking.
 
Ebonizing is a finishing technique that darkens wood to a deep black, imitating the appearance of ebony. It’s typically achieved through a chemical reaction between iron (e.g., steel wool soaked in vinegar) and the wood’s natural tannins. The process enhances the grain while adding a dramatic, elegant look, commonly used in furniture and decorative pieces.

Ash taken from a wind blown tree.