What is your creative process?
Each item is handmade by myself in my Derbyshire studio, I begin by making the material. Each page is layered and transformed back into a solid wood-like block. Traditional woodworking methods are then used to shape the objects. The unique surface patterns on the paper when the objects are worked can never be recreated.
What do you love most about being an artisan?
I love the creative community and the support that is available from my peers and organisations. The freedom to express and to encourage the viewer to look beyond the expected, and the normal. The smile of recognition once the viewer realises what material the object is produced from and their change in perception.
© Ash Brown Photography
Is there a special moment from your professional life?
I am fortunate to have had many memorable moments in my career. I have produced installations for the largest shopping mall in Asia (at the time), AEON Laketown Tokyo. I won an award at the beginning of my career as one of Channel 4’s Creative Class and I delivered workshops at Oxford University for IAPMA.
What would be your advice for aspiring craftspeople?
Don’t set yourself boundaries, work hard, and let things happen organically. Follow every opportunity, be responsive and adaptable, network and meet people, join creative organisations and most importantly enjoy what you do and make, that will always shine through.