I create a style of simplicity with shapes of inner-tree growth and joints of pegs and wedges. Variations of a simple stool can be endless. In essence it's explorative and timeless.
How would you describe the style of your work?
I create a style of simplicity with shapes of inner-tree growth and joints of pegs and wedges. Variations of a simple stool can be endless. In essence it's explorative and timeless.
What are your favourite materials to work with?
I can safely say cleft oak is my favourite having experimented upon this material for over 40 years. My Father introduced me to splitting techniques with the simplest of tools and with my sculptural training I soon realised the potential for shapes in furniture that begin with 'wedge-and-mallet'.
What would you say are the challenges facing craftspeople today
Recently I've had an unusual amount of interest from people buying furniture and carved panels. This might be a wish to have something special or inspiring in an over familiar home. Furniture makers seem short of outlets suitable to show off new work.
What's your starting point in the design process?
Often it's just wandering around among the riven wood piles with some vague ideas in mind. I have a lot of starting points, but searching through shapely timber stock usually inspires something and conjures often the unexpected.
What piece of work are you most proud of?
The big Riven Ark was something I put off until there was a suitable time to make it stage by stage. It was made over four years in concentrated periods of 2 - 3 months. I used a mixture of the biggest and most characterful sections of oak with other regular quality cleft pieces. It's a necessary flat-pack for transportation.
When you're not making furniture, how do you like to spend your time?
I listen to music, read and get out on the bicycle a lot, however my workshop time is also spent on wall carved panels and for this I use background photography. I might also devote an evening sketching ideas .
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