ARTS & EDUCATION
As the
Wood Turns w ritten by SH E R I L BE N N ET T TURN ER pho to g raphed by BR I AN ERKE NS
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here is a sense of warmth and animation, not only in the beautiful handcrafted creations by local woodworker Thomas Zumbach, but
about the man himself. Turning ordinary wood into extraordinary objects of art is a passion that resonates in his work. Starting out as a hobby in the early 1980s, woodworking became his full-time business when he, along with his wife Patricia and one of their four children, moved to South Carolina 10 years ago. In their search for a milder climate than their native Milwaukee, the Zumbachs discovered the perfect four-seasoned weather and the perfect community in Greer. Self-taught, Tom started out by making simple furniture and architectural pieces and later progressed to his signature intricately crafted vessels and wall hangings. “I got into the artistic side of woodturning,” he says, “because I could immerse myself creatively in these pieces. Since I can finish these smaller objects so much faster, I don’t lose interest in the project. I’ve never lost interest because I am constantly discovering new ways to do it. My most interesting piece is always my next one.” One of Tom’s favorite materials for his art pieces is burl wood in cherry, walnut, and maple. A burl is an abnormal growth found on some trees that creates a uniquely figured wood, highly prized by artists for its irregular swirled patterns and eyes. The size and shape of the burl will dictate the piece. The burl is turned, hence the name woodturning, using a lathe while cutting and shaping with various tools to achieve the desired form. Different finishes and techniques are then used to make a one-of-a-kind piece. “I’ve started using aniline and metallic dyes,” Tom describes, “experimenting with different colors
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and layers. For example, red and yellow on the burl will make it look like it’s on fire.” After the desired effect is achieved, the piece is sealed. “I use superglue,” Tom explains, “because it fills in the voids in the wood and dries completely clear with a hard surface.” He then polishes the surface with different grades of sandpaper to create an incredibly smooth and shiny surface. Exotic woods — such as blackwood and ebony — are sometimes used for the finials on his lidded vessels. Since moving to Greer, Tom has created custom wood architectural pieces for homes and businesses, including the magnificent Gone with the Wind-style staircase in the Ryan Nicholas Inn in Mauldin. He also is active in the restoration of old woodwork, furniture-making, and repair. But his true calling is for the woodturned pieces of art that continue to inspire and intrigue him. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment when people want to own one of my pieces,” Tom says. “It’s the ultimate compliment. It validates what I do.” His work can be seen at art shows and galleries locally as well as all over the country. Currently, several pieces are on exhibit at the Pickens County Museum of Art and History. Tom also teaches woodworking classes in his home and at area businesses. Visit www. thomaszumbach.com. d
Tammy S. Hill Attorney
Serving the Greer area for more than 20 years Committed to providing prompt, courteous, and professional Real Estate Services 457 Pennsylvania Ave. Greer, SC
(864) 877-1423
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