Artist, woodturner and teacher Jeff Hornung creates stunning turned wood vessels and sculpture. Learn more about his art by visiting his website.
![Friday Night Firepit, turned bowl by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Friday-Night-Firepit.jpg)
“Friday Night Fire Pit” Poplar bowl, Carved, Scorched and Airbrushed. 12 3.4” diameter by 3.5” tall
I began my artistic foundation in 1984 by making ceramics. This was a family business and I learned form, function and painting techniques. That business evolved in 1991 and I spent the next twenty-four years as a floral designer.
![Wood turned painted maple bowl by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/OnTheInside.jpg)
“On the Inside” Maple Wood Bowl with Nails, Bronze Paint and Airbrushed Acrylic Interior, 5.75” x 1.75”
Color and design were the main lessons, and my preference for a bold color palette was formed here.
![Painted Walnut bowl by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Carried-the-Load-600px.jpg)
Side and Angled Views of “Carried the Load” Cracked Walnut Bowl, Iron Paint with Rust, Iridescent Painted Interior with Electrical Terminals and Copper Wire, 11.5” x 6”
As for the love of wood, I’m not sure where that came from, but I’ve always had an appreciation for well-made furniture and the hand carved details found in stately houses and architecture.
![Painted maple bowl by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MoroccoSunset.jpg)
“Morocco Sunset” Maple Bowl, Ink and White Wax, 10.75” x 3”
I didn’t really do much woodwork as a young man, though my first woodworking project, a paperclip holder for my mother, is currently on a shelf in my office. This was made in the mid-1970’s and I really didn’t do anything else with wood after that. Probably a good thing, because it was terrible!
![Blue painted Maple wood bowl by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/MoroccoBlue-500px.jpg)
“Morocco Blue” Maple Bowl, Ink and White Wax, 8” x 2”
In 2011, I was in a minor car accident and suffered a concussion. For whatever reason, post-concussion syndrome made my life miserable for the next year. I ended up at John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina for a much-needed vacation.
![Painted maple bowl by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SouthwestVibe-cropped.jpg)
“Southwest Vibe” Maple Bowl, Black Ink and White Wax, 10” x 2”
Woodturning was the class I chose. Somehow that not only began the healing process my brain needed, but also set me on the path to my very own woodturning business.
![Square wooden vessel by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Strata.jpg)
“Strata” Poplar Bowl, Carved, Drybrushed Acrylic Paint and Liquid Silver Gilding, 7.5” x 1.5”
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am also teaching others so they can experience the joys of turning. Since that first class, I have become an award-winning juried artist, national and international demonstrator, author, woodturning teacher and artist in residence at Craft Alliance School of Art + Design in St. Louis, Missouri.
![Sculptural turned wood blow by Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/RoadToRecovery.jpg)
“Road to Recovery” Maple Plywood Bowl, Nails, Ipe Base, Copper Reactive Paint and Natural Patina, 12” x 21”
My current signature style combines color and texture with form and function, creating the illusion of fine porcelain or ancient metal work—while still only working with wood.
![Artist Jeff Hornung](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/500-px.jpg)
Artist Jeff Hornung
My residency work is also now allowing me to move in a more sculptural and conceptual manor. I’ve always been a maker and craftsman. Now I’m also an artist.
Artist Jeff Hornung invites you to follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
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