Artist statement
Concepts
My design continues through the making, where hand tool methods, wood-stock choice and ideas develop together.
I have devoted much time to teaching myself the art of cleaving oak towards furniture construction. This time consuming process is creative at every stage, where the internal grain of tree growth offers ideas, new shapes and strength.
Freedom to escape the confines of a square wooden board and machine technicalities are important to me. I include carving and colouring wood at times.
I believe in absorbing new concepts when designing, upon a natural instinct to a chosen material.
Influences
Experience has been gathered from a background emphasis of fine furniture making and the repair and construction of oak buildings.
I am influenced by a gathered knowledge of wood know-how and faith in material qualities learnt over a long period of time. Periodic work on historical timber framed buildings has been a skill background for hand tool work and structural confidence.
Career path
Studied Fine Art at Nottingham in 1971-74 concentrating mainly on sculpture.
Moved to Scotland in 1976 and began painting. One year in Invernesshire was followed by a move to the Scottish Borders where I still work.
Since 1993, I have devoted time mainly to woodwork, with skills developed in relief carving and a personal exploration using cleft oak in furniture.
Group exhibitions
- 2006 Origin, Somerset House, London
- 2006 Wesley-Barrel Award, Furniture showrooms, London/Bristol/Manchester
- 2006 Summer Show, Red Barn Gallery, Penrith
- 2006 Green Design, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
- 2006 Designer Crafts 2006, Mall Galleries, London
- 2004 Urban Interiors, Business Design Centre, London
- 2004 Sitting Pretty, The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
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