I grew up on a farm in the South Island of New Zealand which had an old wood lathe my grandfather had made in the farm workshop and many hours of my youth were spent largely making shavings and occasionally something useful.  It was here that my fascination with wood began.  

After leaving school I studied science at Lincoln University, NZ.  I spent several years in europe with cooking being my career and creative outlet.    A friend in the UK reignited the woodwork interest introducing me to green woodworking, particularly spoon carving which enabled me to be creating with timber while travelling, without a lot of tools or workshop. It is something I still continue to do.

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Upon retuning to New Zealand I was involved in landscaping for several years then undertook the full time furniture making program in 2009 at Center for Fine Wookworking in Nelson, New Zealand under the tutorlage of John Shaw and David Haig. 

I draw a lot of inspiration for my work from nature, and I strive to reflect this in my work with simple form and clean lines.  I aim to make work to last generations.   

When working with wood I like to think of the tree and the ecosystem that it may have come from, once a living organsim. .  I aim to use timbers that are as sustainably and ethically sourced as possible, the species, origin, and how it has come to be available to me an important consideration.  

Since completing the year the CFW I have made and sold several pieces by commission, produced work for exhibitions and ongoing display at various galleries, worked for local joiners and self employed manufacturing and installing kitchen, bedroom and living room furniture, and been involved in several traditional timber frame builds in Victoria, Australia.  For the past few years I have also been milling my own timber.  All the while whittling spoons.