Local woodturner spins art from hearts of trees

By Christine Callan

Hidden in the woods south of Birch Bay Park sits a little woodshop where ordinary wood is turned into art. “I can take wood from a firewood pile and turn it into something,” Steve Pulver, 59, of Birch Bay said.

The practice is called woodturning, also known as lathework because the tool used to turn the wood is called a lathe. Pulver is a woodturner and the fruit of his labor can be seen all over the northwest. His specialty is bowls.

“I sold my fishing boat so that I could purchase some of the equipment,” he said. After Pulver retired he took up this childhood hobby with a passion. “Not many people in this area do this kind of artwork, especially to this extent.”

Pulver has made art with wood since he was young. “I really enjoyed wood shop in high school,” he said. “It ís fun to make something people like and enjoy.”

Pulver said his favorite kind of wood is maple burl because it is more challenging but he uses all kinds of different wood. His work is on sale at the gift shop at Semiamhoo Resort, Spooner Creek Nursery, and Artwood in Fairhaven.

His artwork has been on display at the Blaine Library. He was recently featured with 19 other local artists who will present their work at the Spooner Creek Art Show. “His (Steve’s) bowls are exquisite,” Carrillee Fischer, owner of Spoonercreek Nursery said. “Very few people realize the talent we have around here.” .

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