Torched and Carved Maple

So I saw this ugly chunk of maple on the floor just before Christmas. I thought I could try something new with it. It was hard as a rock and instead of fine curlies, lots of dust came off it while turning it. I finished it almost a month ago, but I'm not sure what to think of it. The interior has 6 coats of Arm a Seal gloss and the rest has a few coats of danish oil. The exterior is wire brushed and I torched the bottom, but it's tough to see that in the pics I have. I did the carving on the top with my rotary tool and a burr.

I attempted to get back into the more rustic turnings that I've done in the past. This one has more work done to it after turning than anything I've done in the past. I have another similar piece in the works and hope to improve on the idea going forward. What do you all think about it?

Oak Ensemble

It's been awhile since my last update...I've been busy prepping for the upcoming show in Sept. I have lots of work to show, I hope the shows attendees like what I have to offer.

My good friend is the head grass cutter (superintendent) at Wakonda Club here in town and they lost quite a few oaks this spring to a bad wind storm. He told me to come get as much as I want. They had 6 semi trailers hauled out eventually, but I only loaded my car once. His wife gave him a bowl made from the score for their anniversary. Here are a few others that I have done with the oak.