Jim Lorriman
Jim was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and has made his home near Mansfield, Ontario. He is self-taught but both his father and grandfather worked wood in their spare time. Like them he started off in furniture and wooden boat building but left these traditional pursuits to become a full-time wood turner.
Early in his career he came across a book by Dale Nish which described how to make a bowl from a board. Intrigued, Jim tried this technique and has not looked back. He took Nish's basic idea and expanded the horizon almost exponentially.
Jim uses this method to give new life to old wood. Dock cedar, fallen branches from the forest, stair railings, window frames, historical wood and so on - all have been given new life through Jim's careful nurturing.
Always trying to find new and better ways of making his pieces, Jim is constantly innovating. He is aware that others may wish to follow him. To this end he has been making videos of his methods of work and various techniques which he employs. These are available through YouTube and in HD through this website. You can contact him if you are interested in this aspect of his work.
Jim's pieces can be found in various collections on every continent except Antarctica. His work has been purchased by and given to two former US presidents and has been given as gifts to a member of the British Royal Family.
Jim's C.V.
Craftsman's Statement