Solace in Wood

Woodturning and carving for everyday enjoyment

I started solace in wood in 2017. With a career in architectural design, retail display props and teaching, and following years of visiting craft fairs and galleries and coming away thinking “I could do that”, I thought it was time to see if I really could.  Hand carving wooden spoons and scoops gave me a break from the day job, inspired me to keep developing my making and led me to return to woodturning – a craft I first (and last!) did as a sixteen year old at school.  Being able to quickly turn a piece of tree into functional and sculptural objects is still as exciting now as it was back then.  In my workshop in Dinas Powys I use only ethically sourced wood – either storm fallen, trimmed from friends’ and neighbours’ gardens or recycled.  I enjoy experimenting with turning green (unseasoned) timber and allowing the pieces to twist and warp naturally as they dry out to produce often unexpected results. All my pieces are finished in my own food safe woodbalm, a mixture of beeswax and organic coconut oil.

Karl Watkins

instagram:@solaceinwood

Email: solaceinwood@hotmail.com