David Trautner of Durango, Colorado, turned his first wood turning in 1974 as part of a shop class project in school.  He did not turn another piece until 1998 and has been fascinated and sometimes obsessed with the natural beauty of wood that can be displayed in wood turnings.  David often utilizes turquoise and other inlay materials to accentuate features within his pieces as well as incorporating various metals including brass, bronze and pewter to further embellish them.  Although David typically uses locally available natural woods and wood burl, he occasionally turns exotic woods and is currently working on producing some of his first turnings of soapstone and alabaster.