Artists Statement
I find my inspiration within the Welsh mountains and valleys around my home, which I use to create my minimalist landscapes. I take solace in the peace and beauty of the mountains in contrast to the hustle of modern life and constant hum of technology. I live and work in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and feel at home working with wood in my inherited workshop alongside the echoes of my grandfather, feeling his presence and working with his tools.
Every piece of wood has its own pattern and rhythm which determines the nature of each piece. To me, the flowing lines within the wood grain are reminiscent of the natural wind and water patterns which sculpted the landscapes around us long ago.
I create each artwork from a wood panel which I meticulously burn, sand, and stain to give the deep texture and rich colours featured. I use an adapted shou sugi ban process which painstakingly enhances the tones within the grain, and then use wood dyes to imbue the finished pieces with colour. In some pieces I use a clear gel to suggest the rivers and streams which flow through the valleys of Wales.
The destructive process of cutting and burning with saw and flame reminds me of the way humans are destroying the planet, while the gentle process of enhancing the pattern and adding colour give me hope that we may, as a society, find a way to bring beauty back into the world by investing time and patience into restoring the environment.
Please note: Due to the textures and finish of our artworks we are not able to capture the colours accurately in photographs. For this reason our artworks are only available for sale in person. You can contact us to arrange a viewing or check our events page to see if we will be at an event near you soon.