David Bradshaw

I have worked with wood for most of my life; felling my first tree at the age of 12 with only an axe, and going on to work as a carpenter/joiner, commercial tree feller, tree surgeon and woodland manager. This has given me a thorough working knowledge of wood and how to work with it.

In 1998, whilst teaching countryside skills at an agricultural college, I had what I now see as a “nervous breakthrough” causing a re-evaluation of my life. Moving into a caravan in the woods in 1998, living a simple life gave me time to explore my creative work with wood. Realising that I could not continue with any of my previous professions, I concentrated on my wood-art, then in 2004 I had the opportunity to build my ideal workshop and I have not looked back since.

Using my years of understanding and experience of working with wood I am able to create pieces that are a joy to behold and to touch. My sculpture is made with love and respect for the forest. The wood I use comes mainly from local tree surgeons who know the types of wood I enjoy working with, so it is “rescued” from being firewood. By using a minimum of fossil fuels and using natural oils and waxes to finish my work I feel that my sculpture is among the most sustainable artwork available today.

Inspiration comes from the wood itself as well as from the natural world; flowers, fruits, seashells etc. Living close to the wild world and working according to its rhythms brings me closer to my chosen material. My studio has no mains power, only a solar panel to power his radio; although I am currently exploring hydro-power so that I can make use of my few power tools without recourse to fossil fuels.

Each piece is special to me, from its inception through its creation to uniting it with the right person. I hope that my work will enhance and enrich someone’s home as much as it has my life.