As the Wood Turns.

Just back from his latest showing at the 34th annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival in Huntington Beach, S.C., LHWH Studio Artist, Terry Lee Johnson, is already working on his next new collection of spectacular woodturnings. Self-taught, he began working with wood about seven years ago in his home workshop, where he now has one of the most extensive assortments of hand tools, saws and lathes imaginable. His work has included both furniture and what he calls his "wooden vessels." But the latter appealed to him most. Hundreds of pieces later, he's sought after by galleries, collectors and individuals who appreciate the richness, artistry and attention to detail in his pieces.

From natural-edged bowls to elaborate lidded containers, his designs incorporate various wood types from all over the world -- including Brazilian rosewood from South America, Brown Malle from Australia, and Zebrawood from Africa. One of his most fascinating and talked about pieces, however, was crafted from a native wax myrtle tree that once stood outside the LHWH offices. Blown down in a recent storm, part of the tree's main trunk yielded a small urn that is every bit as exquisite and desirable as one made from the most precious and exotic materials on the planet.

Check out Terry Lee’s wooden vessels.