Karl Watkins

Solace in Wood 

The thrill of shaping a piece of tree into a visually and texturally stimulating object has not diminished since I first tried it as a fourteen-year-old at school.  

Using only ethically sourced and repurposed timber, I make unique wooden objects of beauty for everyday use and enjoyment. I am inspired by how green (wet) wood changes shape as it dries out. I strive to embrace the inherent qualities of the wood by creating objects that not only showcase the natural beauty of the material but also celebrate the organic and unpredictable nature of the wood itself.  

I particularly enjoy the challenge of turning green timber almost paper-thin to encourage the pieces to twist and turn naturally as they dry out to produce exciting and often unexpected results.  

Pieces range from sculptural objects and hollow form vessels to contemporary homeware items. I sometimes add colour and texture by ebonising or dyeing and wire brushing.