scarecrow woodcrafts
I started practicing woodcarving the year before the pandemic, driven by a
natural inclinations for natural crafts, and also as a way to decompress and
ease the stress of working as a musician/busker full time. It turned out to be
an activity that quite literally kept me going through the difficulties of
lockdown years and consequentially I’ve gained skills and developed confidence
in the craft even if completely self-taught. As soon as the borders opened up, I
went on a long journey across the US crafting for donations on the streets and
working on private commissions, making up stories for my hand-carved characters
and sharing them on social media while constantly absorbing inspiration and
ideas. Ultimately, I started teaching my first classes and workshops, and found
a new passion in teaching alongside the carving itself. Once back in Scotland I
decided to put all that energy into building a community and developing more
skills and possibilities to bring together ancient natural skills, tradition,
creativity, innovation, mindfulness, well-being, storytelling, mental health and
more, all in one room, with just a little block of wood and a sharp tool. And a
cup of tea or coffee.