Over the winter months Michael enjoys his time in the workshop making pieces for the summer season. It is our busy time, showing visitors following Orkneys Creative Trail, our Gallery and Workshop. He looks to make as wide a range of pieces as possible and draws his inspiration from multiple sources around our islands.
He also enjoys making a couple of larger statement pieces which generally show off a lot of different techniques and embellishments. These are often a challenge and take some time.
Marking out the bowl
Checking the fit
Stand ebonised
One of this years pieces is this stunning Neolithic Unstan ware inspired bowl turned from Orkney sycamore which sits in a carved ebonised elm base complete with spalted beech turned legs. The elm is from some old stock planks we have had for many many years. The decoration includes Unstan ware pattern hand applied using pyrography and an Edinburgh hallmarked and makers mark silver staple. The overall size is approx. 580mm long x 410mm at the widest and 230mm high.
Checking the height the legs need to be
All resulting in the finished piece…
Inspiration comes from many timelines and from around the world
I new piece just finished is this beautiful blackened oak bowl with lots of natural detail, staples and hand carving. It is currently for sale on our website shop. 17 Oct 2022 Michael gets a lot of his inspiration from Neolithic and Iron age finds at Archeological...
Timber delivery
It's always exciting to receive some new timber, especially when you are not sure what will be in the pallet boxes. Michael had a chat with Greig of gmforestry in Ardersier who had some fresh chestnut. He said "I'll pop you a few other bits in" As you can imagine it...
Trying out some different finishes.
Michael has been trying out some new finishes lately. Verdigris, copper, rust and a stain made using vinegar & steel wool. The picture shows an elm bowl finished with a copper/verdigris look. Decorating the bowl with pyrography and carved detail before adding the...