Melvin Lindquist

American, 1911 - 2000

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Melvin Lindquist began turning in the 1930's as a vertical turret lathe operator for the General Electric Company. In his shop at home, he began an exploration of the vase form through woodturning which has continued for over fifty years. He began turning Spalted wood in the late 1950's when he discovered the wood on his land in the New York Adirondacks. Using the skills and knowledge gained through his engineering and machinist's background, Lindquist developed new tools (such as his carbide tipped turning tools) and techniques (such as blind boring and reverse turning) for working with difficult woods and for turning various forms. His continuing studies of ancient Oriental, Greek and Indian ceramic vases have been essential to his pursuit of the ideals of the vase form. He began exhibiting his work through craft fairs and museum shops in the early 1960's and is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the current studio woodturning movement. Melvin's work is included in major national and international private collections, museums and corporations.