Joe Fulton
I have built things for most of my life (I've been a general contractor for over 25 years) and have built a lot of cool things. When I started turning bowls, it was the first time I really felt like an artist. I love taking old stuff and turning it into amazing new stuff. Most of what I make comes from reclaimed wood that was destined for the firepit or the dump. I use wood from downed storm damaged trees or from a construction job. When anyone asks how I know what to do with each piece of wood, my answer is: 'I ask the wood what it wants to be, and then try to pull that out as best I can.'
Where Did I Learn to Work With Wood?
I have been building things pretty much as long as I can remember. As young as 9 years old I remember helping build trusses for my uncle's house. While I was in high school, I took building trade classes and helped build houses during the summers. I enjoy bringing someone's dreams to life; whether it be an entire building, a remodeled room in their house, or as simple as a new wooden piece to accent their space.
Several years ago I spent some time at my father-in-law's house in his workshop. My father-in-law had turned wood into bowls since he was a boy and he loved teaching people how to use a lathe. He taught me the basics of wood turning. With his instruction, I finally figured out how to work with the wood artistically and from that an artist has developed.
