Philip designs and makes seating and feature sculptures with form, flow and texture a priority. English Oak is a favourite for outdoor work as it’s durability and presence in the landscape is almost unrivalled. He employs a variety of tools and methods to achieve his work, from chainsaw to gouge and mallet. The texture and contrast arrived at through scorching is a large element of his work, adding atmosphere and soul.
Philip has recently completed a scholarship supported by the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, training with Alison Crowther with whom he has worked as an assistant for many years. The scholarship focused on highly skilled hand carving techniques, as can be seen in his ‘Workmanship of Risk’ series.
Workmanship of risk is David Pye's interpretation and description of craftsmanship. It means 'workmanship using any kind of technique or apparatus, in which the quality of the result is not predetermined, but depends on the judgement, dexterity and care which the maker exercises as he works. The essential idea is that the quality of the result is continually at risk during the process of making'.
A large portion of Philip’s work is inspired by or in response to emotions and challenges we all face as a part of life. His ‘Darkness Within’ series represents the acceptance of dark emotions and feelings of anger or sadness.
His work takes opportunity to provide form for the natural beauty and variety of wood to be displayed and appreciated.
I employ a variety of tools and methods to achieve my work, from chainsaw to gouge and mallet. The texture and contrast arrived at through scorching is a large element of my work, adding atmosphere and soul.
Nature and the materials it provides have long been an interest. I have spent many days climbing rock and many nights sleeping in the forest, often wondering about the form and feel of the materials around us.
