JOE CUNNINGHAM, woodturner

Union Mills, North Carolina
Phone: (828) 286-8393

My name is Joe Cunningham and I am a woodturner. I grew up in Cumberland, Maryland where I took a woodshop class in High School that introduced me to woodturning. I throughly enjoyed the class, but did not pursue woodturning any further at that time. Instead, I followed my Dad and brother's footsteps and moved to Florida in 1980 where I made my living as an auto mechanic. I am an avid motorcyclist and in 1993, moved to the mountains of North Carolina where I could ride the winding roads and enjoy the scenery along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. Not too long ago, my son's step-dad gave me my first small wood lathe, and that started the "bowl turning" if you will.

Woodturning is now my full-time hobby and passion. I have met some woodturners in the local area who were happy to help me along the way and share some turning stories and wood! I harvest local timber for all my turnings from my own property as well as through friends and neighbors. I'm fortunate to live in a rural country area where beautiful trees are plentiful. Storms and wind damage also make my job of finding green wood easier. My wife and I enjoy taking the 4-wheeler out searching for rare burls.

I first started turning only bowls, then natural edge bowls, and have now moved on to vases, forms, and candlestick holders. Each one of my bowls and vases is hand crafted and branded with my initials, type of wood, serial number, and the year created. All bowls are treated to be food-safe and need very little care.

All pieces are both functional for everyday use as well as beautiful treasures that will last a lifetime!