I’ve been turning wood as a creative pastime since the mid 90s. Throughout this period my day job has been in the field of International Development, living and working for almost 20 years in East Africa and South Asia. This has provided opportunities both to encounter the work of inspiring craftspersons but also the possibility to work with a wide range of woods and other interesting materials. Over the past few years I've been selling at a local gallery and local art festivals.
I enjoy working with wood that has character and colour, but also creating forms and shapes that provide a platform to showcase them. Whilst I've worked extensively with exotic hardwoods, most of my turnings are now made from woods sourced locally to my home on Little Doward, between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. These include Oak, Yew, Sycamore, Blackthorn, Beech, Silver Birch and Walnut. As well as favouring wood coloured through natural means, for example spalting and decay, I also use stains and acrylics, and occasionally "coldcast", where metal powders are combined with resin to accentuate cracks and voids.
As well as making pieces or woodart, I am also registered with the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) as a woodturning tutor, and so if you are interested in a tryout "taster session" or would like to improve your skills, contact me.