Mike Amphlett
I am a greenwood carver, practising the art and craft of carving wooden wares, such as spoons, shrink-pots, bowls and other small items. The general craft of carving is often known by its Scandinavian name ‘slöjd’ (“sloyd”) and, in the last ten years, spoon-carving in particular has become a very popular pursuit.
A direct ‘hands-on’ approach is the only way to teach the craft!
Whilst good practice and theory are important (as is safety with very sharp tools), the direct contact with freshly cut wood, using axes and knives is far more rewarding and enjoyable! The steep learning curve is far more easily explained in the actual making process by using the specific tools, such as axes, along with straight and curved knives. With attention to the basic carving principles, progress is safer, quicker and more efficient, allowing tutees to develop their own style and ideas.
I had a very successful first show at the Yattendon ‘Modern Makers’ winter market in November of 2021, and currently have a spoon in a major craft exhibition at Harewood House nr. Leeds. I am a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, as well as being a fully paid-up member of the ‘bodgers’, the UK greenwood carving movement.
I came to sloyd carving very late in life, but have learnt a lot during the past ten years, both with interaction and tuition from some of the UK’s best workers, and from seeing the extraordinary work of the Scandinavian carvers, father and son, Wille and Jogge Sundqvist.
I also spend time birdwatching and photographing wildlife at home and abroad.
A direct ‘hands-on’ approach is the only way to teach the craft!
Whilst good practice and theory are important (as is safety with very sharp tools), the direct contact with freshly cut wood, using axes and knives is far more rewarding and enjoyable! The steep learning curve is far more easily explained in the actual making process by using the specific tools, such as axes, along with straight and curved knives. With attention to the basic carving principles, progress is safer, quicker and more efficient, allowing tutees to develop their own style and ideas.
I had a very successful first show at the Yattendon ‘Modern Makers’ winter market in November of 2021, and currently have a spoon in a major craft exhibition at Harewood House nr. Leeds. I am a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, as well as being a fully paid-up member of the ‘bodgers’, the UK greenwood carving movement.
I came to sloyd carving very late in life, but have learnt a lot during the past ten years, both with interaction and tuition from some of the UK’s best workers, and from seeing the extraordinary work of the Scandinavian carvers, father and son, Wille and Jogge Sundqvist.
I also spend time birdwatching and photographing wildlife at home and abroad.