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Bill Sullivan, Woodturner
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Patricia
The closed form lidded bowl is turned from Norfolk Island Pine. The rim and the lid were turned from Black Walnut harvested by Robert Zane Sullivan 1966. The finial was turned from whale bone found in an antique shop in Tacoma, WA by Bill's wife, Patricia. Can you guess who the piece was named after?
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Bill Sullivan, Woodturner
Woodturner Bill Sullivan creates useful and decorative woodturnings from Florida's tropical woods. Bill harvests his wood from trees that are native or grown as ornamentals. The majority of the wood he selects is from trees that are felled for land developement or trees that have died of natural causes. These would be destined to destruction at the landfill.
Reclaimation of this valuable resource is an important part of Bill's philosphy- "Art is any creation that results in a representation of one's inner feelings". "To save a beautiful piece of wood while expressing creativity is a bonus." "Just watching the wood shavings fly from the lathe is an enjoyable experience, but reflecting upon the finished piece evokes a genuine feeling of fulfillment." "Shear joy unfolds as a hunk of wood is turned into a work of art."
After leaving Oklahoma State University where he studied Business Administration for two years, Bill moved his family to Saint James City, Florida, where he found life to be extremely "laid back". "It is almost like semi-retirement!" states Bill, "I love the weather, the people, and I love to fish."
He also found another love in Florida. He went to work for Lee County Emergency Medical Services and became one of the first paramedics in Southwest Florida. He pursued his education in this field and worked as a paramedic for over thirty years. "After working in the field of emergency medicine, I found it necessary to find a relief valve." Bill says, "Woodturning has proven to be a usefull tool in the management of my mental health!" "I can spend hours upon hours working in my shop and I enjoy every minute of it." "It is therapy for me."
Bill has studied woodturning at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and was the founding president of Woodturners of Southwest Florida, a chapter of American Association of Woodturners. Now, a full time turner and wood merchant, Bill and Patty operate their business Tropical Turnings/Woods of Florida.
I make special gifts for special people. Please e-mail me if I can turn a piece of art for you or someone you love.
Bill's woodturnings can be seen at The Wild Child Art Gallery in Matlacha, Florida.
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