I've been a 'greenwood' carver since 2012, practising the art and craft of carving wooden wares ("treen"), such as spoons, shrink-pots, bowls and other small items from freshly cut wood. The general craft of carving is often known by its Scandinavian name, slöjd (“sloyd”), and has rapidly become a very popular pursuit in the UK. My spoons are carved, where possible, in a selection of wood species sourced in Oxfordshire.

The direct interaction and contact with freshly cut wood, using axes and various knives, is both hugely rewarding and enjoyable. More often than not, it is also a contemplative challenge to see what the specific piece of wood will reveal and, allow me to carve. When the wood is beautifully marked with fungal 'spalting', I try to incorporate as much of the patterning as possible in the end product. If the wood is plainer, I will occasionally use milk-paint colour on a spoon stem to add character or, perhaps, carve some simple decorations. Whatever the outcome, each hand-carved spoon is totally unique!

Throughout the exhibition days, I will carving new spoons from fresh ('wet') greenwood and, finishing spoons which have reached a suitable dry-state, so you will be able to see the complete process from start to finish... and I'll have a spare chopping block, and tools, so you are welcome to 'have-a-go'...!