Mel Genge

Wood was not far from my doorstep while growing up in rural Newfoundland in the 1950s. Both of my grandfathers were carpenters. One was in cabinetry and the other was a boat builder. I have always enjoyed working with wood, and after retiring in 1995 I started volunteering with the Kiwanis Club in their wood working program at Walter Murray Collegiate. I joined the Woodworkers Guild in 1999 and saw Michael Hosaluk turn a few small items and I was hooked. I also knew the late Ray Aukland and knowing he was a wood turner, I was able to spend a day with him in his shop and turned my first bowl in January 2000. I then started taking turning classes through the Woodworkers Guild. Trent Watts was one of the instructors and he became my mentor.

Over the years I have taken more classes from Trent, also Michael Hosaluk, Richard Raffin and Jimmy Clewes. I have also attended four symposiums and watched some of the best woodworkers in the world. I co-chaired the 2010 Woodturning Symposium held in Saskatoon. Most of the pieces I produce are shared with family and friends.

PHOTOS: Trent Watts