Spirit Woods Studio

Established- 1993

The studio is named after the forest I live in. When I walk among the trees it has a soothing effect that lifts the spirit thus the name Spirit Woods Studio.

This is my 32nd year doing this tour and every year I meet interesting people that come to my studio and when people show an interest in what you do it gives me inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing. The tour is an integral part of my life and I hope to do it for many more years. This vase is one of my favourites. It’s made of Blackwood and Spalted Ash which came from my forest. It has a beautiful flow to it. A woodturner from the U.S. named Del Stubbs best described the art of woodturning as “The Dance.” You move your body in a balanced flowing motion and that creates the smooth and consistent curves that please the eye.

With the wildlife photography the forest around me has many creatures that I encounter on a daily basis. This gives me much insight into the incredible lives they live and capturing photographs of them interacting with each other and with me is thrilling. They always manage to surprise me. This photograph (Painterly Effect) was taken after a heavy snow when the sun shone through a gust of wind blew snow off the tree branches creating a unique effect.