Guest Tutor Spotlight: Emma Cook Returns
There are turners who follow traditional paths, mastering classic forms and time-tested techniques. And then there's Emma Cook.
Emma brings something genuinely different to the lathe. Her faux hollow forms appear to be one thing, but are actually another. Her carved bowls transform wooden vessels into sculptural objects. She sees possibilities where others see limitations.
I first encountered Emma's work at a demonstration and immediately knew I wanted to bring her perspective to The Woodturning School. Not because her techniques are necessarily "practical" in the utilitarian sense, but because they expand what you think woodturning can be. Sometimes the most valuable lesson isn't a new skill – it's a new way of seeing.
Emma returns to us in June 2026 for two classes: the Faux Hollow Form (11th June) and the Carved Bowl (12th June). Both are full-day immersions into her creative approach. You'll leave with finished pieces, but more importantly, you'll leave with a shifted perspective on what's possible with wood, lathe, and imagination.
What I particularly appreciate about Emma's teaching is her accessibility. Her work might look intimidatingly creative, but she breaks down the processes into learnable steps. The gap between "I could never do that" and "I just did that" is shorter than you'd think – it just needs the right guide to help you cross it.
These classes tend to book quickly. Emma has a devoted following, and her appearances at The Woodturning School are limited. If expanding your creative boundaries interests you, I'd suggest booking sooner rather than later.
“Spring is the season of growth, after all. Why not grow in unexpected directions?”