FAQs
Are your pieces food safe? Yes! Some pieces have a mineral oil finish, which is FDA approved as food safe right from the bottle (and a natural laxative, for what it's worth). All of the others are food safe when fully cured, which takes about a month after application and the piece you buy will be fully cured. Each piece includes information about the specific finish used.
Do I need to wash my bowl? If it's dirty, yes. Just use warm water and a gentle soap, and dry immediately. Do not let it soak. Also do not use multi-purpose cleaners and, please, do not put it in a dishwasher.
Is any regular maintenance necessary? The pieces finished with oil don't require a thing (well, maybe the occasional dusting). Those finished with mineral oil might need a touch-up after repeated washing. Mineral oil is readily available and it's easy to apply: wipe on with a soft cloth to achieve an even coverage and then wipe off any excess.
Can I put the bowl in a microwave? Microwaving is a quick way to ruin the bowl. Just don't.
I love your work! Where can I see it in person? You can find it at three locations: in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at Canal Quarter Arts (1517 Princess Anne Street) and The Fredericksburg Workshop (1104 Summit Street), and in Gordonsville, Virginia, at the Annie Gould Gallery (109 S. Main St.).
My bowl isn't perfectly round. What gives? I often use "green wood," meaning it has been cut recently and is still loaded with moisture. When turned, the wood dries quickly and unevenly, causing slight warping. The resulting oval shapes, wobbly feet, wavy rims, and so forth add wonderful traits to the pieces and contribute to their one-of-a-kind character. Also, you might notice some very slight changes over time: don't worry, it's normal. All wood expands and contracts a bit with the seasons.
Where do you get the wood you use? All of the wood is sustainably harvested, meaning no trees are taken down just for the purpose of turning bowls. I use only wood from trees and branches that came down for other reasons, like storm damage, pruning, natural death, etc. Whenever possible I indicate the exact location of the wood source.
What does "once turned" mean? Once turned pieces are, well, turned only once. These typically come from green or wet wood and the resulting shape reflects the natural changes that take place during the drying process. Twice turned pieces are turned once, roughly, to dry, and then turned again when the wood has stabilized. The result is a perfectly round bowl or vessel.
What's your shipping policy? Free shipping in the contiguous US via USPS Ground Advantage, which should take 2 -5 business days. Not in the lower 48? Get in touch at rrbarr00@gmail.com.