My memories of my childhood are limited,however I have many vivid memories of my father,a skilled carpenter and wood sculptor, making items in wood for the home and for his work.
I can clearly picture him chipping away at a block of wood and hand carving it into a speed boat riding on the crest of a wave,which was to be presented to Donald Campbell who unfortunately lost his life in pursuit of a world speed record in 1967.
How I wished to be able to emulate these skills but my chosen career in life took me in other directions.When I completed 30 years service in the public sector and took early retirement I then had plenty of time on my hands, the seed that was sown those years back grew to a passion to use wood as a medium to create items of beauty. My first ventures at the request of a friend resulted in cabinet making and small items of Masonic furnishings,then came a request for a gavel and the requirement to turn wood on a lathe.That's when the bug got its bite and I am now very fortunate to be able to pursue my love for fashioning wood and incorporating an artistic influence with the lathe as the kingpin to my work.
Living in a rural location in Gloucestershire,I am continually influenced by the beauty of nature around me,along with ever testing the boundries of my imagination and also drawing influences when seeing and admiring work from my peers.These influences see my work ever changing and evolving as my skills progress and different techniques are employed to produce pieces of beautiful form and texture, the introduction of other mediums and colour are ventures that produce great personal satisfaction.
I hope my work which is not for sale via the internet,gives you some joy and satisfaction. Should you wish to purchase any of my work or commission the making of a particular piece, or indeed wish to stock my work in your shop or gallery please contact me via email.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my site.
Martin Lawrence
© Martin Lawrence 2010