Vicar, Woodturner, Designer and Crafter
I love working with wood, often reclaimed or from storm falls. I love that wood tells a story - from seed to sapling, to young tree
to majestic shelter and wonder. Breathing our air, absorbing our carbon and turning it into new growth, putting forth life from almost nothing. Each piece I make tells the story of the tree it came from, revealed in the grain that is exposed. Sometimes that story is complex revealing a story of growing against the elements or overcoming trauma, sometimes it is simple tale of growing and sprouting forth new limbs to reach for the sky. Each story is a surprise revealed by the chisel and gouge, a design suited to its shape and form as a raw lump of lumber.
I also sometimes work in metal, again using reclaimed material, taking what is solid and molding it into something new with hammer and anvil. I also play in the new medium of 3D printing using plastic and resin - though that's mostly work done on a computer screen.
By first calling I am actually a Vicar working for the Church of England in Suffolk - I'm inspired by life and by people's story's -I guess that's why I wax lyrical about trees having stories! My faith helps shape what I do and its a joy to marry crafting and "vicaring" where I can. I work from my garage at home when I can, crafting having become a form of renewal for me - I never "make to sell", rather I am offering for sale that which I have made. Purchases help continue that cycle of creating - tools, consumables and materials as needed. If you'd prefer to just chat craft, I'm happy to do that as well!
Find Irreverent Craft on social media