A good friend, Steve Bernstein, gave me a gift for helping during a transition seeking his next job ... he is one of the most talented people I've ever worked with but it's amazing to see how even the tough and talented can sometimes swirl in a series of self-doubting questions. Actually it's exactly that kind of tough and talented I would ever respect. And mainly my role was to say that over and over. And to cheer him on as he figured out how to achieve the right mix of what he wanted and what he could sell as a clear value to an employer.
Now to the gift, it reflects the talent and process itself as it would turn ... he gave me one of his own creations of art. What would be called (I guess) a Segmented Turned Wooden Bowl. I can't even begin to estimate how much time and care went into making this, but it's absolutely wonderful to look at and hold in your hands.
In fact, you can find this bowl in the center of my friend's gallery site showing all of his creations. Do go on to see the entire gallery there. There you can answer a number of questions about my bowl. How many pieces? What are the two different woods? And what did Steve name this bowl?
I just noticed he's been selected to display his work at a prestigous crafts show. Congratulation, Steve.