INSPIRATION A qualified carpenter and joiner by trade and inspired by timber at an early age (around 8 yrs by memory) by my father.
I can vividly remember when my father was planing back in his shed/workshop, what looked like an uninspiring old piece of hardwood, grey and weathered from the years of being exposed to the elements.
I couldn't believe my eyes when the grey weathered timber revealed a beautiful golden colour and an amazing grain pattern only after a couple of passes over the surface of the timber with the plane.
It was at that point that my eyes were opened and I could see how something amazing could be created out of something that seemed like it was just a rubbishy piece of firewood.
To this day it is still the thing that gives me the biggest buzz, seeing the almost magical grain patterns and colours appear before your very eyes and then seeing them come to life even more after the oil has been applied to the timber to bring out the rich grains and colours.
Now when I see an old grey weathered seemingly uninspiring piece of timber what I actually now see is potential!
So I guess I have my late father to thank for helping me to see the beauty in timber and giving me the inspiration. As my Mum says “I am sure he would be proud”. Thanks Dad!
MY CREATIONS As you can see from the gallery I like to create some inspiring one of a kind pieces and I take comfort in the knowledge that my creations will be around on this planet long after I am gone, to be enjoyed by many generations to come.
I prefer my designs to be unique. I tend to find the conventional designs of four legs and a top a bit boring and like to challenge the traditional styles of furniture.
I also carve some sculptural pieces and try to integrate steel into my sculptures where I can.
I have been fortunate enough to have been chosen to display pieces and were short listed to exhibit in the local gallery for an annual exhibition.
TIMBERS AND FINISH I work with various Australian hardwood timbers such as Redgum, Stringybark, Bulloak and whatever else I can source - preferably locally.
I like to use an oil burnishing process and all natural oils. I have developed a mix over time using a combination of tung oil and citrus oils.
The timber I work with has been naturally air dried just the way nature intended, some times for many decades. All the timber is tested for moisture content before even being considered for use as this is essential in helping to maintain the stability of the timber.
A solid slab of timber will tend to move with moisture variations in the seasons, however by following the above processes the movement can be greatly reduced.
These pieces of furniture or should I say art, are true show pieces something to really get the family, friends and neighbours talking about.
Couldn't you imagine one of these pieces in your home?