Wood turner Tomas Ludlam, 52, began his career as an artist in the third grade. Instead of doing math on the worksheets that his teacher passed out in class, he drew pictures. Throughout high school and college, he branched out into watercolors, figure drawing and ceramics. Eventually, his talent for design led to a career in construction, fine cabinetry and furniture making.

Ludlam got interested in bowl turning in Hawaii, where a master practitioner of the art form, Larry Zeidman, became a mentor. Zeidman’s encouragement and his father’s gift of a lathe on his 50th birthday led him to experiment with exotic woods such as Norfolk pine, milo, jackfruit and pheasant wood. The woods are diversified as far as colors and textures are concerned. “Norfolk pine, for instance, seems very fragile but is very durable.” Thus each bowl is a one-of-a-kind art piece.

Ludlam appreciates the challenges that his work presents and likes the fact that there are no limitations on the forms his bowls can take “other than equipment and fear.” What began as a hobby has become a passion that consumes much of his time and creative energy. The lathe, he says, “whispers to me.”

Born, raised and educated in southern California, Ludlam is married to Caroline McFadden, who helps out in his workshop doing fine finishing. He continues to be in demand as a furniture designer and cabinetmaker whose work is showcased in many Bay Area homes and businesses.