The
beautiful spalting effect of the Peterman
bowls is actually a by-product of a process that is carried
out by mold and decay fungi that are found naturally on the
forest floor. The fungi create zone lines in the wood where
territories of competing fungi meet. When the temperature and
humidity are right, spalting can cause many different and beautiful
patterns in the wood. The unusual coloration may be due to chemically
induced reactions between the wood, fungi and insect deposits,
often resulting in black, pink, gray and multicolored streaked
wood.
Hidden
in the moss and dirt covered trees are special features that
Spencer Peterman brings to life with the lathe in his wood shop.
In particular, the fungus behind the wood's transformation leaves
behind a marbled appearance and bold, black lines that form
graphic patterns for the spalted bowls. The trick is to work
the wood at just the right time, before decomposition has gone
too far.
