Sherry Willetts, Alberta naturalist and woodturning artist, is best known for creating artistic, yet functional pieces: from one-of-a-kind salad bowls and platters to candle holders, vessels, and wall sculptures.  Not satisfied with traditional turning, Sherry often combines techniques—segmented, concentric ring, off-centre—to create many of her unique pieces.

“My goal with most pieces is to create a form that demands to be picked up, caressed, admired for its inherent beauty, and used for its functionality. Occasionally, I shift my intent and aim to create a form which is simply pleasing to look at.”

Sherry uses mostly reclaimed hardwood and locally-sourced woods salvaged from storm-damaged trees, cabinet-makers off-cuts, and neighbors’ firewood piles. “My practice of sourcing and collecting a wide range of wooden detritus keeps me skulking down back alleys”, she laughs. “I find it very fulfilling to bring new life into old wood which others have discarded.”

First introduced to woodturning in 2012, Sherry thought it would be a great hobby for her newly retired father … but instead soon found herself hooked. She works as a business analyst by day and a woodturning artist by night.  Sherry lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains outside Cochrane, AB.