I am totally grieved by the decimation of the tropical forests of the world.
I only turn with native woods, which are either fallen, driftwood, or which I know are going to be replaced. I turn mainly Ash, Sycamore and Oak and fruitwoods when available.
I love pottery, particularly the work of craft potters and my turning is very much influenced by the shapes of pots but I could never be a potter because of the timescale of production, although the immediacy of raku does appeal.