Milo Mirabelli, artist, designer and craftsman, recently moved his studio to Port Orchard, Washington, along with his wife of 33 years, Christy.
My career in wood sculpture and woodturning started out of a desire to create art and be productive after several back injuries & surgeries left me unable to work in the capacity I once could. The overwhelming desire to create is what keeps me going. The process of finding the right wood takes a lot of time and thought, selecting pieces out of burn piles and others that have been pushed aside as "unusable". I have to imagine what is hidden under the bark. I have learned by looking at the outside that you never know the true beauty until the tree is cut, even then, careful consideration is given as to what each piece can become. A lot depends on just how the tree is cut as to whether I can manipulate the pattern into a vessel or container, platter, wall sculpture, etc. The process of cutting, turning, drying, and re-turning can take months, then the finishing takes place, that can take up to a 2 weeks, depending on how many coats are required for the look I desire. The wood is transformed into a beautiful living piece of art when the oil is applied. It is truly amazing to see the beauty that has come out of a log that was discarded!
More recently, I have begun the use of a metal lathe and mill to bring a new edge to my creative desires. I approach my designs with enthusiasm and wonder, always taking it a little further and asking "what if?"
