The Carver

In a simple uncarved block lies great potential.

The fate of any piece of dry wood can be determined by the whims of humanity. Or, in the case of Richard Meador, it is determined by the steadiness of his hand and his creative inspiration.

Conversation ebbs and flows in Ernest Hilderbrand's garage, and a buzz of activity seems at pace with the whirring of several wood lathes turning single pieces of wood hundreds of times. In the center of the activity is Meador. His block of wood is lit by a single shop light, his gaze intently focused on his creation. Tonight, he is making a bowl.

Meador says he got into woodworking at a young age. "It started with shop class in high school," he says. "And then handyman work around the house, and it just grew from there." He says the activity is a good pastime for him, and he mostly does it for relaxation.

The art of woodturning presents its own challenges, he says. "There are many different types of cuts to learn and make," he says. "And if the wood is green, it's different from working with it dry." The Mid-Missouri Woodturners meet once a month in one of the members' garages to talk shop and practice their skills. They also have instructional meetings with speakers and demonstrations of the craft. Hilderbrand hosted last week's meeting.

He said he has been turning wood full time for almost 12 years. "It's a very bad addictive habit," he jokes. "Mostly it's just a fun, enjoyable evening experience."

Hilderbrand said his woodworking sometimes takes the place of other activities in his life. His wife had bought him tickets to a concert, but he elected to hold the monthly woodturning meeting instead. "The symphony is enjoyable, but this is more enjoyable," he said.

As Hilderbrand gives pointers to one of the newer members of the group, Meador continues steadily crafting his bowl. For him, much of the allure of woodturning lies in the multifarious nature of the art form. "It's infinitely variable," he says "There's a different challenge in every piece."