Training & Courses

A LIFELONG LOVE OF THE NATURE

Artist’s statement

During the nineteen years I spent teaching secondary aged pupils Physical Education and Mathematics I was acutely aware I was making a major contribution to an improved future society.

However, a lifelong love of the nature, the qualities and feel of wood, and a burning desire to be creative finally got the better of me. I became an artistic woodturner and from the moment of realisation that there was much more to life than a job, I have never looked back. I aim to create a shape and form embracing the colour and texture of the natural material that enhances what nature created. The creation of a unique product that is infinitely greater than the sum of the component parts is now my perpetual challenge. Some days are highlighted by achieving just that. Others fail to reach that expectation, but every day is enriched by the experience.

My designs for wall hangings, bowls, plates, jewellery, household objects, clocks, etc. mostly involve turned wood. However, not everything is turned and not everything is made just from wood. Glass, acrylic, soft-metals and stone are often incorporated into the designs. Casting, moulding, carving and laminating techniques are also used in addition to turning.

Regardless of whether the created object has a functional or practical use as would be the case for a fruit bowl, a candle holder or item of jewellery it will always be an aesthetically pleasing object to be admired.