I am a woodturner working with indigenous local species to produce one-off bowls, pots and other homewares. I am pleased to be exhibiting this year with six other artists as part of the Old School Collective. We count amongst us potters, textile artists, abstract painters, pyrographers and digital artists and our work touches on a range of themes including ‘Celebration of Colour’, ‘Oxfordshire Landscapes’ and ‘Degrees of Abstraction’. My own turning fits into ‘Tactile Treasures’ due to the sensory nature of the pieces themselves; ‘The Beauty of Small Things’ which reflects the intricacy of some of my smaller pieces; ‘Into the Woods’ obviously mirrors my passion for wood and ‘Home Comforts and Interior Design’ reflects the functional nature of the objects I create.
I began turning full time three years ago and have been steadily developing my practice ever since. I enjoy working with British species, plus the occasional more exotic variety, to produce original pieces which celebrate the natural beauty of the wood and the tonal complexity of the grain. My work varies from small scale projects such as pens and salt pots to larger bowls and bespoke items. Much of the wood I work with is locally sourced - the giant redwood at the end of my garden has helped produce some particularly fine pieces! - and I am constantly developing new designs and ideas to highlight the elegance and lustre of the grain. Recently, I have also begun experimenting with a wider range of finishes and treatments which can enhance or contrast with the original surface to create unusual and striking effects. This is an area of my practice I intend to develop further in the future as it has lent an exciting new dimension to my recent turning projects.