If you’ve visited the library lately, you will have seen the visually arresting collection of Fred Buonocore’s wood turnings on display.
At first glance, they form an enticing array of shapes and grains. Then, the eye is intrigued by a fusion of unexpected surfaces and colors and variations of transparency and density. Such a rich mix of materials, whimsy, and reverence for nature is at play in each piece that you feel compelled to know more.
On Friday, April 21, at 7 PM, you’ll have your chance when Buonocore is featured in the library’s Friday Night Dialogues series.
He’ll share the essentials about his love affair with the lathe and trace the evolution of his artistic process. In some respects, this is a pandemic learning story. That’s because the lathe came into his possession around the time COVID-19 locked everyone’s doors.
Taking to his basement workshop, Buonocore put his prodigious curiosity and carpentry skills to experimenting with wood remnants collected from his yard and often from the Recycling Center’s discard pile.
“It’s amazing how much you can actually learn on YouTube!” Buonocore said in his modest way. The motto above his workspace may best capture his approach: “There are no mistakes, just design changes.”
Having traveled the world as a businessman, he has long studied and been influenced by the art of far-flung places, especially in Asia. But his appreciation for making beautiful things was renewed recently by using the tools that came with the lathe.
“I didn’t know the previous owner, but I feel as if I’m getting to know him mysteriously through working with these files, each one fashioned by his hand,” Buonocore said.
“It’s really become a kind of addiction,” he said, conveying his deep respect for the tradition of woodworking and delight in carrying on the creative effort.
Buonocore has marveled at the community’s response to the library display. He said he’d fielded calls from people desiring to purchase pieces, had visits from fellow makers, and talked with folks simply fascinated by his work.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to connect and spread the good feeling,” he said.
To register for Friday Night Dialogues, contact Jessica Montgomery at jmontgomery@silibrary.org or 631-749-0042. Like all library programs, there is no fee to attend, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Next Up: On Friday, April 28, at 7 PM, Bliss Morehead Memorial Poetry Reading and Grant Award
Bonnie Berman Stockwell is a trustee of the Shelter Island Public Library.
