My largest bowl so far

This is my favorite bowl so far. It is made from wenge and white oak with 16 segments, measuring 9½ inches in diameter and 4½ inches tall. After turning, I fumed the bowl to darken the white oak, then finished it with Osmo.

By rotating every other segment so the grain runs either vertically or horizontally, I created a unique visual effect. One of the biggest surprises was the chatoyance in the vertical-grain sections. As the bowl is viewed from different angles, those sections seem to light up, adding another dimension to the design.

You'll also notice a small hole in one of the wenge ring segments left behind by an insect. I could have avoided using it, but I intentionally kept it. I like celebrating the natural character of the wood, and to me, imperfections created by nature or even insects are part of what makes each piece unique.