Process

It may be stating the obvious, but each piece starts with the wood, and from the start, what takes place is a dialogue between the wood and the maker. What one learns very quickly is that as a maker, you can’t make wood do what it doesn't want to do.

My work begins with an idea of the object’s basic form, exploring the wood will usually lead to a refinement of those initial thoughts and a plan on how to achieve those ideas. The choice of tools is determined by these early thoughts and the sequence in which the piece will evolve is very much determined by the choice of tools, it’s all very cyclic.

The tools I may use include the lathe, hand-carving, power-carving, sanding, brushing and the use of fire, along with a selection of finishing processes..

In accordance with the ideals of Wabi Sabi, I embrace the “imperfections'“ in wood - cracks, voids, decay and discolouration..

It begins with the wood

Nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect

Tenets of Wabi Sabi