My name is Rebekah Gunn, and my journey into woodturning began with loss, legacy, and an unexpected discovery of passion. In 2020, after my beloved father passed away after a long and fulfilling life, I began cleaning up and organizing his woodworking shop. He had been a lifelong hobbyist woodworker, and stepping into his space felt like stepping into a part of him. As I sorted tools and wood, I found myself drawn to his lathe—but I had no idea how to use it. Determined to learn, I began attending Learn to Turn sessions at the Chapel Hill Woodturners in 2021, and in 2022 I was invited to become a full member.  It was there that I fell in love with the art and process of woodturning.  I have been fortunate to have studied with many incredibly talented woodturners within the Chapel Hill Woodturners club as well as at the John C. Campbell Folkschool, especially Matt Monaco and Rudy Lopez. I am grateful to all who have shared their knowledge and encouragement with me during my woodturning journey.

I primarily work with sustainably sourced domestic hardwoods, often beginning with logs that I process myself from raw form to finished piece. I use my chainsaw and bandsaw to prepare the blanks, and of course my wood lathe to shape and refine each bowl. Being involved in every step of the process allows me to respond to the unique character of each piece of wood. I feel deeply connected to the life and energy of the trees whose wood I am using, and I approach each piece with respect and gratitude for what it once was and what it can become.  My work is guided by my mantra, “Revealing the Spirit of Wood through Form,” which reflects my desire to honor the natural beauty within the material and to continue the creative legacy that began in my father’s shop.