My approach
My Story
I’m a self-taught professional woodturner based in Cardigan, West Wales. I first started my journey in artistic woodturning in 2017 from my shed at home. I now operate and teach from my workshop and craft shop, where I create food bowls, vessels, and hollow forms, along with a range of smaller items. Additionally, I sell seasoned and prepared wood blanks for fellow woodturners and offer one-to-one woodturning workshops.
Process
The turning process in artistic woodturning generally starts with the trunk of a storm-fallen tree. I take time to examine it before I begin. Depending on the size and species, I either mill it into boards of varying thicknesses to be dried for later use or cut it into chunks to be turned green. Grain orientation plays a significant role in the appearance of a finished piece, so I aim to quarter saw as much as possible. This technique provides a lovely straight grain through the work and minimizes movement, perfect for crafting food bowls and enhancing the experience in my woodturning workshops.
Food Bowls & Plates
For the food bowls and plates created through artistic woodturning, I generally dry the boards for a year to start the drying process. They are then cut into blanks, roughly turned, and left to dry completely before undergoing a second turning, sanding, and being finished with a certified food safe oil. This careful process ensures that these beautiful woodturning creations can be used daily for meals and hand washed.
Artistic Work
For artistic woodturning projects, I primarily green turn thin vessels and hollow forms using oak, allowing them to air dry. During the drying process, each piece finds its final form, with the movement influenced by the grain pattern. Once dry, I employ various techniques to enhance the beauty of the wood. A unique method I utilize is lime washing and pebble burnishing, alongside flame, fire ash, and carving techniques, which I adapt depending on the item. Additionally, my woodturning workshops often focus on creating stunning food bowls that celebrate the natural aesthetics of wood.
Style
I’m constantly working on my style, which I’d probably describe as ‘refined rustic.’ While I don’t draw direct influence from anyone, I find inspiration in various makers of artistic woodturning, particularly in wood and ceramic, as well as from nature and experimentation. Sometimes, things don't go as planned; however, instead of discarding a piece, I’ve developed a method of Hemp Stitching that allows imperfections to enhance the beauty, especially in my food bowls. Additionally, I often share my techniques in woodturning workshops to inspire others.
Where you can find my work
Apart from my workshop and gallery in The Strand, Cardigan, where I offer woodturning workshops and showcase my artistic woodturning pieces, you can also find my work at a few select galleries that share my core values.
Oriel CRiC Gallery in Crickhowell - run by volunteers and open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, features various artistic woodturning creations.
Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven - an amazing Grade 2 listed loft space with views over the harbour, plenty of parking, and good transport links, showcases beautiful food bowls and more.