Retired professor John Mast is proud of a selection of his wooden bowls. Veronica Burniston’s photo.
By Veronica Burniston
Freelance writer
After 42 years in the Johnson County School System, beloved math teacher John Mast discovered a new passion: wood turning. Using wood from his Forge Creek farm and wood donated by neighbors and friends, John created more than 300 bowls, plates and cups. He expertly created pieces of various types of wood in his workshop, such as cherry, apple, peach, walnut, holly, sycamore, grasshopper, poplar and butternut. An avid logger for almost two years, John noticed how seeing other loggers making bowls online interested him in giving loggers a second try.
“In my last year at college, I took an elective craft course. One of the things you could do was use a vise. I lit two lamps in that class and I didn’t like it at all, ”said John. “Then [after retirement] I started watching youtube videos, and they were absolutely fascinating. I thought to myself; I think I’ll try this. “
Promoting and selling part of his work through Facebook, John sent his handmade bowls and plates to New Hampshire, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Kentucky, South Carolina and other regions of Tennessee. He noted with pride that some of his clients had been alumni and old college friends, each wishing to own something he himself created.
John expressed interest in setting up a booth at local craft shows and festivals in the future. His current focus is the production of miniature Christmas trees for this year’s holiday. With great enthusiasm for the craft, he encourages people to seek wood turning, especially the younger generations who have idle time during COVID.
“If you start [woodturning]”Said John,” you are going to be hooked. I am proud of my work, really, I am. I didn’t know they would be as well as they are. “
If you are interested in learning more about John Mast’s work or buying a handmade piece, go to jocoartcenter.org to make an appointment at the Arts Center or visit John Mast’s Facebook page.
