I see myself primarily as a wood-carver, and this skill takes me in a number of different directions.<\/p>\n
My interest in carving started when I decided to make some small puppets as Christmas presents. These early puppets utilised driftwood and branches complete with bark. They had a primitive and slightly wild feel. I felt very encouraged in my new direction when I received a grant from Northern Arts, as well as some opportunities to exhibit.<\/p>\n
During the early \u201880s I came to London and succeeded in getting a Setting Up Grant from the Crafts Council. This allowed me to develop my carving further. The puppets I carved got larger and more sculptural. I enjoyed emphasising the natural qualities of the wood whilst leaving it unpainted but highly finished.<\/p>\n
These puppets were received favourably, and I started to exhibit them extensively around Britain. My work was then included in exhibitions promoting British makers in Kyoto and Tokyo (British Council), Munich, and Avignon (Crafts Council).<\/p>\n
The puppet making process led smoothly to automata making. I became fascinated by the process of combining the sculptural with the mechanical.<\/p>\n
Around that time I discovered the exciting world of Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, and was very inspired by other automata makers.<\/p>\n
Finding new ways of making the work move became part of the creative process. Leaving the mechanisms exposed made them almost as important visually as the actual carving.<\/p>\n
During the early 90s I got involved with the renowned \u2018Little Angel Theatre\u2019 in London, and became their resident carver, making puppets, as well as props for a number of productions – most notably (now as a freelance) I was involved in Little Angel’s co-production with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions of ‘Venus and Adonis’ and ‘The Tempest’. Since then I have been involved with many more theatre companies and productions.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I see myself primarily as a wood-carver, and this skill takes me in a number of different directions. My interest in carving started when I decided to make some small puppets as Christmas presents. These early puppets utilised driftwood and … Continue reading