I'm a native of the Hoosier state, living in Indianapolis. Ever since 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. Most of my pieces are made from indigenous Indiana hardwoods, but some have accents that are not native to this area. Often times I rescue timber that might otherwise find its way to a fireplace or landfill and so I consider myself a wood scavenger.
While most of my woodturing 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 neighbour, Betty Scarpino, a well known artist in the turning field. 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, at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee in 2006 and also John Jordan from Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. While learning new skills and techniques to further my turning enjoyment I've also found great pleasure in teaching the craft as well. I am a regular instructor at Woodcraft Woodworking in Indianapolis and also have the frequent pleasure of working as studio assistant at Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana.
Woodturning gives me such great pleasure and brings to my life a peaceful balance that I find necessary in this day and age of hectic chaos. I am so grateful to my dear friends and family for the support and encouragement that they give to me. When I'm not turning in my workshop, I am a full time mom to my beautiful 14 year old son, Weston, who is my most honest critic, and my biggest fan. 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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