Connections 2

Robbie's Woodturned Art, I aspire to promote woodturning as an art form, rather than to produce functional items. Multi-axis and off-set turning techniques really appeal to me so I can create forms in wood that give an illusion of “the nearly impossible.” Living near scenic Lake Taupo, I am inspired by the patterns and shapes I see in the natural world. For instance, a surface embellishment process I often use is to draw up a geometrical design based on a leaf motif, which I then outline and fill with lines and dots using pyrography. I enhance the repeating pattern using mainly iridescent paints. My own favourite pieces of work include the “Mutant” series because they were so challenging and so quirky. Sue’s favourites are often my more organic designs, for instance the “Ragged” and “Releaf” series and natural edge forms, plus my sculptural works and also the elegant, classic “Amphora” created for a Greek theme. I sell my work at Wildwood Gallery in Waitahanui, Te Papa Store in Wellington, Real Aotearoa in Auckland and Wellington and Zea-You Gallery in Taupo.

- Robbie Graham