Dale Lemons

Dale Lemons was born and reared in Montague and Clay Counties , Texas.  He obtained Bachelor's and Master's degrees from North Texas University and a Doctorate from Texas A&M University. He taught industrial arts, industrial design and various fields of technology education in public school (four years) and college and university settings for a total of 41 years.  During this time he taught courses in crafts, woodworking, and drafting/ design.  Design and drawing were the primary technical assignments along with research  methods, history and philosophy and technology and society relationships.

Dale Lemon's art interests have included jewelry and lapidary, metal enameling, photography and wood turning.  Interest in woodworking extends undergraduate courses through his teaching career but wood turning was started seriously after retirement and moving to Kerrville.  Techniques and mechanics were gained through association with members of the Hill Country Turners and served as President of this organization during 2002 and 2003.  Annual attendance and participation in the South West Association of Turners (SWAT) symposiums contribute new ideas to individualize and develop plus providing sources for materials including exotic woods and international turners.  Inspirations come from many sources including pottery.  Trips to the Indian Market in Santa Fe, NM, have provided an appreciation for the beauty of well shaped vessels and decoration.

Materials for turning are acquired largely from local sources.  Mesquite is the preferred local wood but box elder and pecan are available in Kerrville and provide alternatives in color and grain patterns.  Other woods provide challenges in treatment and finish.  Every piece is unique in shape, concept and execution.  A practice that reflects his philosophy of turning is to treat each piece to bring out the  grain patterns and colors of the wood being used.  Most often the wood available influences the shape and finish of the turning.  Every piece is unique in design, concept and execution and is influenced by the grain and color revealed by the turning process.  Each piece is sanded through 2500 grit and generally completed with tung oil finish and wax.  The feel of a finely finished piece can be as satisfying as its visual appearance.