Segmented turning is also known as polychromatic turning. The process involves gluing up several pieces of wood to create patterns and visual effects in turned projects. In traditional wood turning, the template is a single piece of wood.  The size, grain orientation and colors of the wood, will frame how it can be turned into an object like a bowl, platter, or vase.  With Segmented turning, the size and patterns are only limited by your imagination, skill and patience. Indian pottery is frequently used as inspiration for form, and design features.  These patterns are often geometric in design and thus, are easier to recreate than more fluid forms found in nature.  In Segmented turning, your palette comes from the natural color of the wood you choose to incorporate.  Exotic woods are frequently used for this reason. There are ongoing discussions as to whether turning is a trade, or an art form.  Turning in its original form was certainly utilitarian. Many turners produce spindle work for furniture, architectural work, toys, and of course, bowls.  But in resent years, many artists use turned pieces as a canvas for carvings, pyrography, gold leafing, inlays, stains and paintings. Segmented turning is a vision, followed by math, problem solving, technique, and the frequent question:  How did you do that? Return