Matt has a preference for finding wood that's been long forgotten. Be it languishing in a garden shed, part of a piece of unrepairable furniture or foraged from a hedgerow. He will take it and breathe new life into it.
Matt loves the natural imperfections of wood. As it dries and responds to its environment the colour changes and the form shifts. This is nature’s response to his work. If it cracks, so be it, it was meant to happen and he embraces it.
Matt's workshop is next to his house which looks out across the sea.
'Standing at the door facing North there is no land mass between us and the Arctic Ocean. The ever evolving skies and tonal changes in the sea are a constant source of inspiration.
Every piece of wood is unique. Patterns within the grain tell its story, where on the tree it came from and how quickly the tree grew. Seasons when water was plentiful and times of hardship are all there to be seen.
Branches produce knots which in turn create variations in figure. Pockets of dormant buds create burrs. Fungal growth creates spalting. These characteristics are highly prized at my studio.' - Matt
