All work is designed and made by me at my new workshop near historic Cromwell, Central Otago, in New Zealand’s beautiful South Island. I also now have a charming showroom next to my workshop where customers are welcome to visit and buy direct from me. Living and working with views of the dramatic Pisa Range is such a privilege (Mt. Pisa itself stands 6433 ft high). Just looking out of the workshop window is an inspiration in itself. Having moved from the UK to New Zealand in September 2010, I now find myself presented with a whole new set of inspirational influences – due in no small part to the stunning mature gardens within which we now find ourselves.
Colour remains the main focus and inspiration for new designs, ideas for which may come at any time, and anywhere. For example, my range called “Dolomiti” was inspired by the setting sun against the stunning pink Dolomite mountains of Northern Italy in winter. I do not seek to copy what I see, rather to use it as a starting point which then evolves into a new design.
Sometimes a range will simply be the result of creative ‘play’ and experimentation with the raw materials which are to hand in the workshop. This is a process which I have always felt to be exciting, and which probably has its roots in my training as a sculptor. Often the freshest work can result from a session of experimentation, when I get ideas from seeing the vibrancy of colours as they interact one against the other.