Gavin Edwards: Artist in Wood

Having previously worked as a Cartographer, Field Archaeologist, Archaeological Curator and finally as Museum Collections Manager, working with wood is Gavin’s latest career choice.  An unconventional background perhaps but, having always enjoyed working with wood, he took the opportunity to explore where his love of wood might take him.

“There is an intrinsic beauty in the fine detailing of the internal structures that are created as the tree grows, with many variations in grain quality and colour. It is this finer detail that really attracts my attention and which I hope to enhance through the way I prepare the surfaces, and by using very simple forms”

Gavin uses a wide range of native and non-native woods, birch plywood and reclaimed wood. In most cases the design element of his work is intended to showcase the character and quality of the wood itself. It is sometimes an unusual feature in the wood that provides the inspiration for the design.

Surfaces are hand sanded to a very fine level, then finished off with wood wax, rather than varnish, to allow items to develop their own character over time. Stains or paint, are used only on baseboards and designs. He believes it is the quality and appearance of the wood is that matters most.