Turned and Burned

Turned and Burned: The Art of Wood Renewal

Welcome to the collection of Turned and Burned, featuring the remarkable, one-of-a-kind wood artistry of brothers Jason and Russ Hart—The Hart Brothers. Their work transforms discarded logs into magnificent bowls, vases, coasters, and bookmarks, each a testament to the enduring beauty found within nature's imperfections.

From Storm to Splendor

It's funny how one great storm can bring down a magnificent specimen of a tree. The limbs that once spread a delightful green shade of life and refuge can become a splintered and mangled mess with one untimely gust. But Jason and Russ do not see the splinters or the beaten and battered outside. They see the vibrant life that still lies within. For these brothers, wood turning is a metaphor for life’s beauty, trials, and renewal.

The Lichtenberg Technique: The Deadly Art

The Hart brothers take their passion for transforming the discarded a step further by employing a special technique to create stunning, unique veining on their pieces: Lichtenberg—The Deadly Art.

This process involves applying a high voltage current across the surface of the wood to burn random, breathtaking fractal patterns into the grain. Named after German physicist Georg Lichtenberg, the resulting figures are remarkably similar to the scars left on people who are struck by lightning. This powerful imagery serves as a constant, clear reminder of the attention and care required for this dangerous, exacting process.

Jason and Russ use this technique on their wood-turned pieces to create truly unique items. They enhance the dramatic fractal burns with stunning inlays like turquoise, copper, glow-in-the-dark epoxy, and even 24k gold leaf—making each piece an unforgettable work of art.

The Hart Brothers' Legacy of Craft

Every piece by Turned and Burned begins as a raw log from a fallen, reclaimed tree. This commitment to using wood that has been discarded—the "ugly," the "tired"—is central to their mission. Just as people are overlooked by their outward scars and imperfections, the Hart brothers are able to showcase the insurmountable beauty within each piece of wood.

Their passion for woodworking was acquired from their late father. Today, they create their works of art in their father's old shop, honoring his passion and life through every bowl and vase they turn.

Explore the collection and bring home a story of renewal, high-voltage craftsmanship, and enduring legacy.