RON OVERHOLTZ       ARTIST'S STATEMENT            The initial attraction for choosing wood as my working medium is the natural feel, smell, texture and beauty of the material. I love the challenge of taking a solid piece of wood to the lathe and creating a light, elegant turning that will compliment a contemporary home.  I  enjoy creating the  independent lifestyle of a fulltime woodturner. Teaching the craft adds to the richness of the creative experience.          I learned the craft of woodturning in isolation in the small, high desert town of Bishop, California. I am self taught with the help of a few books and vidoes. My initial attempts at woodturning involved the production of functional items such as bottle stoppers, pens, weed pots and simple bowls. As I was exposed to the simply and strong forms of artists such as David Ellsworth, John Jordan and Bert Marsh, my work evolved.       I use many woods native to the Western U.S.: Aspen, California Buckeye, Walnut, Big Leaf Maple and Myrtlewood. My work is moving away from the function and towards decorative and sculptural pieces. I work mostly to create fine bowls and vessels and wall sculptures that highlight the natural  beauty of the wood. The exploration of form is the primary driving force behind my turnings.