October 2, 2011: DOJ issues letter regarding the recent Lacey Act enforcement actions against Gibson Guitar. (pdf)

October 20, 2010: Read the latest on the implementation and enforcement of the Lacey Act.

November 10, 2009: Read Brad's comments on the implementation of the revised Lacey Act provisions concerning the trade of endangered wood species.

Tropical hardwoods are used around the world by woodturners. Many of them come from endangered species and forests, but plenty do not.

As I researched and wrote "Environmental Responsibility, Parts I and II" for AAW's American Woodturner (2007-08), I learned that there is a worldwide information gap on the topic. What can I do myself--and how can I promote others--to protect the wild tropical forests and threatened species?

I decided to provide information and promote a campaign by woodturners, suppliers, galleries, and collectors similar to successful campaigns by other consumers of rainforest products.

Other useful resources:

> List of 100 Tropical Species Used and Sold for Turning on the Lathe and IUCN Endangerment Rankings

        > USDA Wood Species Name Finder

        > USDA Wood Tech Sheets

        > USDA Wood Handbook

> The Impacts of Woodturner Purchases on Tropical Species and Ecosystems

> The Proper Identification of Wood/Tree Species

> Selecting, Finding and Acquiring Tropical Woods in the Most Environmentally Responsible Manner

> Useful Guide to Tree Conservation

> Finding Solutions through "Networking" and Links

> Quick Links to the Best Sources

> Case Study of Honduras Rosewood

To assemble this information I have relied upon the expertise of a number of organizations that are highly-respected experts in this field, most of which are identified on the quick links page.

Welcome to the online gallery of artistic and utilitarian woodturnings by Brad Whitman of Pennsylvania. All of the pieces turned and sold by Brad are from trees that have fallen to the ground for one reason or another and been available for scavenging. Brad turns no tropical hardwoods.

The finished art forms are end products of a creative process that begins with a chainsaw and ends with a buffing wheel. Brad gathers his own wood, rough-turns it while it is still green, dries it, re-mounts it on the lathe, fine-turns it, and sands and finishes it--a time cycle of several months.

In addition to art forms, Brad turns useful pieces such as salad bowls, lamps, pepper grinders, and bud vases from distinctive and beautiful woods.

Brad's philosophy and artistic style are fundamentally organic and minimalist. He releases the natural, inner beauty of the tree and brings it to life and into the living room. Brad avoids ornamentation that interferes with natural grain, color, and figure in the wood, and he strives for pure, graceful, classical lines and for uniform, often very delicate, vessel walls.

If you are interested in a made-to-order turned bowl or a piece that is shown on in the gallery, please contact Brad by email and, if applicable, include the gallery number of the piece(s) you like.