We believe every piece of wood has a story to tell. For decades, that story was written by two sets of hands working in perfect harmony: the woodturning mastery of Jack Wayne and the intricate pyrography of Silvia Wayne. Today, that legacy continues through the timeless pieces Jack created and Silvia’s ongoing passion for the craft.

The Maker: Jack "Capt’n Jack" Wayne

Jack was the engine and the architect of WoodWhirled. A master woodturner with a deep respect for the raw materials provided by nature, he spent decades perfecting the art of the lathe. Known affectionately as "Capt’n Jack" to friends and fellow artisans, he had a unique gift for seeing the hidden potential inside a rough log or a weathered burl.

Jack didn't just shape wood; he listened to it. His work is characterized by a "one-more-cut" philosophy—a pursuit of perfection that resulted in the thin-walled bowls, robust hollow forms, and elegant vessels that define our collection today.

Some of the turned pieces available in our shop are Jack’s original creations, each one a unique testament to his skill, his precision, and his love for the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

He served two terms as president and vice-president of the Seattle Woodturners, two terms as president of South Puget Sound Woodturners, and taught woodturning at Seattle Woodcraft for years.

The Artist: Silvia Wayne

Silvia’s journey with fire and wood began in 1988. What started as a hobby while raising her family soon transformed into a lifelong calling. After taking her first pyrography classes with a dear friend, she discovered a profound connection to the medium—the way heat transforms a blank surface into a detailed map of memories and nature.

In recent years, Silvia’s artistry has expanded from the burning pen back to the lathe. Having fallen in love with the art of woodturning alongside Jack, she now creates her own turned pieces. By blending her foundational knowledge of wood with her signature pyrography, she continues to push the boundaries of what a handcrafted piece can be.

A Fusion of Passions

For years, Silvia and Jack worked in a beautiful synergy. Jack would shape the wood on his lathe, revealing its hidden grain, and Silvia would "tattoo" the wood with her burning pens, adding custom details and artistic depth. This fusion of woodturning and woodburning became the signature of WoodWhirled—a true partnership in art and life.

While Jack has passed on, his spirit remains in every shaving of wood in the shop and in every piece he finished. Silvia continues to honor their shared dream, curating Jack’s remaining gallery while stepping up to the lathe herself to create new turned works that carry the WoodWhirled tradition forward into a new chapter.

Sharing the Craft

Teaching has always been at the heart of Silvia’s work. What began as sharing tips with fellow Seattle woodcrafters has evolved into a dedicated mission to keep the art of pyrography alive.

Silvia specializes in teaching small, intimate groups where she can provide personalized guidance to every student. Her expertise has led her to the Redmond Senior & Community Center, where she regularly shares her techniques with the community.

Whether you are looking for one of Jack's legacy pieces, one of Silvia's new turned creations, a custom commission, or you’re ready to learn woodburning yourself, Silvia invites you to be part of the WoodWhirled story.