Working alone in my workshop for a long time now has instilled an empathy and understanding of everyday struggles we all encounter in our own unique ways.
Reflecting on the journey, it is interesting to look back on those things individually which when all put together bring my unique mosaic together. It started early out with a long-held passion for restoration. That slowly evolved into a sharper context of conservation and preservation. And now an additional context – complimenting beautiful old with bespoke new. The rider of course is the new is only new in the context of something newly created from the old. So, the conservationist is alive and well, perhaps a little more evolved.
Whenever I am asked what sort of furniture I make, I am usually at a loss for words. There is too much wrapped up in this experience to distill it down to a single sentence. The creative process is hard to describe. The ideas and “guidance” when something new are on the agenda is a fluid process that unfolds at its own pace. Sometimes quickly and other times slowly, each taking its own time to unfold.
My approach to this craft is however guided by a few strongly held principles like, making the most of time in the workshop, being mindful – meaning undertaking all tasks with the same focus and resolve be it cleaning up or making complex cuts by hand.
Along the way my companion is music, a warped sense of humor and of course my faithful dog, Bella (Bel).
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