My first steps into the realms of woodturning were taken almost by accident.

During years living in New Zealand in the mid-1990s, I enrolled on a woodworking evening course. At that time my thoughts were more of tables and cabinets rather than of hollow forms and chasing threads.  In a moment of workshop exploration, I found a lathe, had a play and was immediately smitten.  

Guided by the experience, patience and kindness of members of the West Auckland Woodturners Guild, the next few steps toward learning the basic skills were taken.

Returning to the UK in 1998, I set about developing those skills, using every opportunity to practice and to learn from others. Of particular importance has been my membership of two local woodturning clubs; Avon & Bristol Woodturners (affiliated to the Association of Woodturners of GB) and the Gloucestershire Association of Woodturners.

I am particularly excited by working with wet wood; straight from the log I gain much of my inspiration. I endeavour to produce hollow forms, vessels and sculptural pieces which I hope reflect a lifelong love and veneration of trees. Working with wood is both a pleasure and an honour; working wet wood straight from the log retains this connexion. I enjoy the immediacy and spontaneity of working timber on a lathe, be it a finished article or a medium upon which to then apply further creative processes.

  I do however, use seasoned timber as this is necessary for producing hand-threaded boxes. 

  Whether the items are functional or purely decorative; whether the timber be plain or highly figured, form and sensuous curves are paramount in complementing the timber’s inherent beauty and honouring the tree’s history and grace. 

The Connoisseur's Gallery, Tetbury

www.connoisseurs-gallery.co.uk

Dansel Gallery, Abbotsbury

www.danselgallery.co.uk

Isle Gallery, St Johns, IoM

www.islegallery.com

www.shogun.co.uk/yandle