Calgary Stampede Western Showcase
July 18, 2014
Woodworking section
John Smythe of Olds had a First place entry in the 2014 Calgary Stampede Western Showcase. His turned and carved wall sculpture depicting a western theme was awarded a First place ribbon in the Western theme category of the woodworking Section.
First prize item in the Western Theme group
The sculpture was turned from a burl cap from a B.C. Big Leaf Maple tree. The front and the back of the approx. 36 cm diameter burl was turned on a lathe. The Elevator and Wheat design was carved using both power and hand carving tools. The carving is enhanced with pryrography. The sculpture was turned for his mother’s 97th birthday last December. She had it hanging in her room at the Didsbury Long Term Care center until she passed away in May of this year.
Second place in the Wood turning group and Second in the Woodworking section
The judges also awarded him a Second place ribbon for a turned Hexagon box. The Hexagon Box was turned on a lathe from a Big Leaf Maple burl from British Columbia. The vessel measures 17 cm x 23 cm high. The Bottom base is made from Cocobolo and the lid finial is made from Ebony. Inside the lid is a surprise – a green Swarovski crystal! It was also awarded Second prize in the whole woodworking Section.
John Smythe is a self developed artist. In the mid 1980’s he began a serious interest in wood turning which he continues to develop. He is a juried member of the Wellspring Visual ArtNetwork Association, The Airdrie Regional Art Society and the Mountain View Art Society . John is participating in the Wellspring summer Artwalk program and his work is displayed at the Didsbury Value Drug Mart during July and August.
