Sanger Time!

My Family and I have returned home having spent 4 days with Mark Sanger and Family.  To say that I feel I have shed a skin and been transformed would be an understatement. 

There are few people in life that have a natural ability to affect me in such a profound way, but my time with Mark has been nothing but a joy and a pleasure.  This was enhanced all the more by being welcomed and received with a great deal of kindness by his Wife Lizi and their 2 beautiful children, Bethany and Bella.

My children also had a fun filled and exciting holiday, which when funds are limited meant so much to them.  They are now happier and more joyful as a result and for that I thank the Sanger Family and Henry and Minnie and Tiggy and Thomas and Boris the Ginga Ninja!!!

Mark and I had such a wonderful and productive time in the workshop.  It has been such an eye opener to have learnt from a turner who I believe is fast becoming the UK's no.1 woodturning artist.  To be in the company of another turner who has such a delicate level of tool control and an insightful and creative mind has touched my soul and made me a happier person.

I would strongly recommend to anyone involved in the Woodturning Craft that if they want to learn, improve, grow and evolve their own skills then time spent with Mark is the only way to go.  A more patient, relaxed and focused turner will be hard to find.

A special thank you to the Sanger Family from the Sneddon Clan, we had such a wonderful time with you all and hope that our paths will once again join in the near future. 

moodwood.co.uk

Lotus Bowl

'The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.'
Continuing my interest in Buddhism I decided to create a piece that would reflect this but also allow me to exercise my creative side.

I had a lot of fun creating the initial form and a few head scratching moments regarding the base but it worked out fine in the end.

I enjoyed the whole process very much but the pyrography work was especially rewarding.  I did not plan this part of the piece and chose to allow my creative side to run free.

Thank you stopping by.

moodwood.co.uk

Clowning Around!

This piece was a great bit of fun turning

a little more light hearted than my usual fair

but enjoyable nonetheless

moodwood.co.uk

Trainspotting

 This is my latest artistic and expressive piece.  I have called it Trainspotting after the infamous Scottish film.  The film was shot in and around some areas that I have lived and I know first hand that life in and around these areas can be a trial.

The piece is actually a pro-life message, having experienced some issues with suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety, the piece for me is a cathartic experience and allows me to deal with my cognitions in a positive and creative way.

Better that issues of this nature are explored in a creative and positive way than remaining unchecked and ignored  to possibly come back at a later date both stronger and virulent.

There are many ideas and concepts explored in the piece and small details that hold a lot of meaning.  Exploring these meanings and trying to understand them is a natural part of my character.

To present the work to others is also a pleasure as it allows others to explore their own thoughts and feelings on the various subjects and concepts involved in the piece.

To challenge myself and promote this way of thinking in others is all I hope to do.  If it helps to highlight some of the more serious issues in the process then this is a bonus.


moodwood.co.uk

New Web Site Progression

With some helpful hints and support from a Friend I have been busy building a new web site.  It hopefully conveys a more professional outlook while still carrying a strong element of design and creativity.

Below is a screen shot that will give you some idea as to it's style and colour scheme.

Shouldn't be too long before I am able to upload and advertise the finished site.

moodwood.co.uk

Some Recent Work

Had a slight change in direction recently and produced a couple of artistic pieces.

These pieces are focused on the nature of War and Peace and represent the various ideas and cognitions regarding these two seemingly interwoven subjects.

Sometimes working in this way can take it's tole, a lot of emotional and mental input goes into these pieces and the process can be quite tiring.  I am therefore drawn back to producing simple pieces with a more pleasing and calming feel, this ultimately creates an eclectic output that often hints at my state of mind.

A simple incense bowl is a pleasure to turn and the scent of Nag Champa filling the air promotes harmony and well being.

moodwood.co.uk

New website underway.....

I've been working for sometime on producing a new website.  Something the captures a greater sense of the work instead of trying to market myself via a sales angle.  The site uses online software to create a website with as little or as much flash input as you like.  I have tried to keep it simple with the focus on the work and the site providing a more stylish and designed approach.

The website is currently free from any sort of subscription but the drawback from this is a few software adverts and a standard website address, this may be changed if I consider it worth while upgrading to a subscription package.

Here is a link to the website, it is still in development but will give a good idea as to the direction the site is heading in:

www.wix.com/skeetoids/lrs


moodwood.co.uk

3 Fellas Felling Trees

I had the pleasure the other day of watching 3 tree surgeons at work.

We have a piece of public land near the front of our house and recently the high winds caused a lot of damage to the trees in this area.  It was fascinating to watch them work and I managed to snap a view photos.

They had an excellent set up with a £24,000 chipper attached to the back of there van, chipping straight into the back:

While the other guys scrambled up the trees to thin out the branches:

Anyway, 1 cup of coffee, 2 cups of tea and 3 pieces of fruit later, the owner tells me about his love for wood turned objects etc.  Aha! says I, when your finished why don't you pop in to the house and help yourself to a piece or 3.  Much time later, after the guys helped to remove a felled tree in my back garden, chip all the rubbish and generally being very helpful, I gave Craig a few pieces that put a huge smile on his face.  He asks for a pile of my business cards, gives me his mobile number and then precedes to tell me that 'back at the yard' they have approx. 70 tonnes of seasoned wood!!!  He's coming back in a week or so with some 200 year old Cedar of Lebanon, Ash, Beech, Lime etc. 

It felt really great to be bartering in a kind and friendly way, now both I and P1 Tree Services are satisfied and not a mention or a whiff of a penny nor pound in sight!


moodwood.co.uk