Karl Schöberl

Woodturner

©Reinhold Kilbinger

The matchmaking woodturner

Karl comes from a long line of woodturners
His series of works Dating Agency combines wooden vessels with stray lids
His work illustrates wood's natural beauty

Initially a carpenter, Karl Schöberl owned a workshop with up to ten workers before turning to his current craft. He took a three-year creative training course at the Academy of Crafts in the 1980s and this triggered his entrepreneurial turnaround. In addition to private customers, he worked for museums, artists, and exhibition organisers. During this time, he also began turning wood in his family's tradition. Karl's works are characterised by very clear shapes and straight lines, allowing the wood to express itself. In making his pieces, Karl crafts wooden vessels in harmony with the natural form of the piece of wood he holds. For his collection Dating Agency, Karl creates vessels to suit a series of lids he was given by a friend. He sees this as a pairing that gives both lid and vessel a new lease of life, akin to a new romantic relationship.

Interview

©Reinhold Kilbinger

©Reinhold Kilbinger

Could you explain your project called Dating Agency?: The idea of combining single lids with turned vessels came to me when one of my design friends, Udo Posch, brought some lonely lids to my workshop. They quickly made new friends in my large lumber space and I just had to help them a little to find a new partnership. Today new lids continue to find their way to my workshop.
What are some things people do not know about your work?: It is often underestimated how long wood needs to dry in order to maintain its dimensional stability after turning. My grandfather waited at least ten years to dry the wood before turning cones skittles. The wood supplies were scarce after the war. The only dry wood he found at that time was ash from crashed airplane propellers. I still possess one of his propeller blade bowls.
Do you have an unforgettable moment in your career?: I redesigned the sanctuary of the Karlskirche in Kassel. Huguenots who had fled to Kassel because of their faith built this church. They celebrated communion at a large table in the centre of the church. My work forms a symbiotic relationship between this table and the traditional altar. The wood I used was French walnut and local maple. The work I do on projects like this will live on for generations to come.
In what ways does your family's tradition of turning influence you?: My grandfather's work is still used in my home. For me, these works are a benchmark for a high level of craftsmanship. I feel a strong connection to my grandfather. Regarding design, we might sometimes have different opinions, but when it comes to working with wood and the skill of turning, I will always listen to his advice.

Karl Schöberl is a master artisan: he began his career in 1979 and he started teaching in 1986