I am pleased to be exhibiting this year with five other artists as part of the Old School Collective. We count amongst us ceramicists, potters, painters, pyrographers and mosaicists and our work touches on a range of themes including ‘Celebration of Colour’, 'Flowers and Gardens', 'People and Portraits' and 'The Animal Kingdom'. My own turning fits into ‘Trees and Woods’ due to the nature of the material itself, but also 'Home Comforts and Interior Designs' and 'Pattern and Texture' which reflect the dynamic nature of the work and the diversity of species used.

I began turning full time four 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 of wood. Recently, I have also begun experimenting with a wider range of finishes, colours 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.