Profile
Initially I trained as a Civil Engineer, designing and constructing bridges, working both in Britain and overseas. Engineering taught me a structured approach to functional design but left my creativity frustrated. A hobby of wood carving awakened my latent artistic talents and gave me a passion for wood. My work as a furniture maker now satisfies both sides of my nature.
Each piece of wood is unique and provides me with different inspiration. Instead of the drawing board of my early training, I begin with a block of wood and allow the design to evolve as I carve it in sympathy with its own particular patterns. This investigation of the nature of solid wood creates the sensuous sculptural elements which characterise my personal style and means that each piece of work is exclusive. The wood is carved into thin shells to emphasise the elegant strength of the material.
The feature element is carved always with one eye on the functional objective. In the case of a wall cabinet, for example, the door will need a handle and hinges. Experience and my engineering training then enable me to develop innovative and successful functional designs involving the sculptural elements. Thoughtful use of complementary coloured woods and details, such as wooden hinges, enhance the appearance but never at the expense of harmony.