From the time I turned my first bowl in 1999, I was hooked, and I have come to find that there is no greater thrill than to work with this wonderful, natural material creating objects to be both used and admired. Creating objects that leave an impression, or create emotional responses is something that I hope to accomplish with everything I make. As a maker, there is no greater reward than to have something I've made bring pleasure to someone else.
While most of my woodturning journey takes place isolated in my workshop, I have been fortunate to expand my turning knowledge by attending several seminars and workshops given by my friend and neighbor, Betty Scarpino. I was also the recipient of an Educational Grant from The American Association of Woodturners and with that I attended the Arrowmont School of Arts and Craft in 2002 and studied under the guidance of Michael O'Donnell from Scotland. I have also had the great pleasure of studying for a week with Graeme Priddle from New Zealand, 2006 and also John Jordan from Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. My passion for woodturning has also brought about a great need and desire to share what I know with others. I am very fortunate to be able to assist some of the most wonderful woodturners in the world in my role as studio assistant and instructor at Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana. The experience has been invaluable to me and has rewarded me with teaching and demonstrating at other locations around the country.
Woodturning brings to my life a peaceful balance that I find necessary in this day and age of hectic chaos. It has become a necessity for me. When I'm not turning in my workshop, I am a full time mom to my beautiful 16 year old son, Weston, who is my most honest critic, and biggest cheerleader. He makes me feel like the artist I aspire to be. And to keep the lathe turning, and the lights on, I spend the other part of my life directing the evening newscasts at a network affiliate television station, here in Indianapolis.
Jennifer Shirley
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