I have decided to write a monthly newsletter on happenings in the Woodspark shop. This for 2 reasons: 1. it will give me a break from making sawdust. I can talk it instead! 2. It will show friends, enemies and clients that I actually do something in that wooden barn!

FASHIONABLY FRENCH.
Most recently I finished 4 French provincial style side tables for Blue Door Interiors in Mosselbay. The one in the photo has an Oak top, but I also made some that is completely white. The paint is knocked off on some of the edges and corners to give them that worn look. Unfortunately this is not clearly visible in the photo. While I was at it, I made a few more and I have kept the templates. If you are interested, these little tables are VERY reasonably priced. They are 600mm high and 400mm square. Off course any custom size is possible.
Deirdre also recently commissioned me to make a custom chest of drawers in oak and her client was reportedly very happy with the result.

Prior to that I made a number of solid wood kitchen countertops for a client that had recently moved to Great Brak from a farm in the Bushveld. He wanted the tops made from Transvaal Boekenhout that he brought with him. It was the first time that I worked with this beautiful timber, so off course I had to research it a little. Faurea saligna is also known as African or Red Boekenhout is much valued for its timber, especially in the Northern Province where it mostly occurs. It is a member of the Protea Family. I have small off cuts left if any one is interested. (Hallo, you wood sample collectors and box makers.) Thanks Jules.

MY OTHER HAT – THE NON COMMERCIAL SIDE
On the art side of timber, my little bird sculptures seem to be quite popular. They can now be seen at the following galleries: Bordeaux Street Gallery in Franschhoek, Flambé Fine Art in Stellenbosch, The Natural Edge at Scarab in Sedgefield, Art@39Long in Great Brak and now at Strydom’s Gallery in George. These wooden birds are also available online via SouthAfricanArtists.com. I sculpt them from a variety of unusual woods and in different sizes and species. They currently keep me so busy that I can’t find time for other sculpture. Still, I enjoy making them and it gives me a chance to explore different woods that I have always wanted to work with.

ART FURNITURE
Other news that pleases me greatly is that I have recently sold “Sculpt cabinet”, the first of my Art Furniture pieces on exhibit at Bordeaux Street Gallery in Franschhoek. This is a little breakthrough for me, as it is the first time I am exhibiting and selling in that part of the world. I have exhibited and sold at Strydom’s and Knysna Fine Art Gallery previously but wanted to broaden my horizons.
Art Furniture as a genre is virtually unknown in the South Africa. There is a very strong movement in the USA and major galleries all over America hold regular wood only exhibitions.

DRIVEN BY PASSION
An article on my work with this title recently appeared in the Inside Out section of the Southern Cape Newspapers. Many thanks to Heleen Coertse of Heleen Coertse Interiors in Great Brak for her effort.

FORTHCOMING
I have teamed up with Richard Henley, Dave Stephenson and Wally Rossini for an exhibit at the East London Home Expo, starting 14 June. Richard is a cabinetmaker/designer that is also involved in the Art Furniture movement while both Dave and Wally are master wood turners and creators of exquisite bowls and vases.

WORK IN PROGRESS
I am working on 2 art furniture pieces in my shop but am about ready to burn the one! The other one holds more promise… It would seem I am about to start on a commission for a curved bar counter/server unit for a new gallery. More later…..

QUOTE TO PONDER
“Act quickly but think slowly” – Greek saying.

That’s it for now. Many thanks to all my clients, friends and enemies for their support.