The concept of Scottish Wood Art began back in 2006 as a hobby. Since 2008/9, it has been taken to the level of a business, with clients in Scotland, Japan, Brazil, Canada, Australia, and of course the U.S., to name but a few.

Already a wood turner in Scotland, preferring burr (burl in the U.S.A.), Elm, and Spalted Birch (wood which has been invaded by a fungus which leaves a black line where it travels through the wood and gives a very attractive 'marbled' effect); I've spent many hours learning the skills of the wood turner, making some very much appreciated gifts for friends and family, as well as an income from a very appreciative clientele. My sincere thanks to you all.

2010 is going to be a very special year for me as I am going to be studying, to improve my turning skills, under world famous professional wood-turner, Stuart Batty from Newcastle in England, now living and working in Colorado.

My art, as with most art, is designed to enhance the home - and with my medium, to bring the feeling of the altered state of the natural [wood] world into your home. I can only think of one thing which is more rewarding and that's the love of a dog or a child! In other words, what was once something to be put into the fire to burn as a fuel, is now transformed into an item of beauty, which sits atop the mantelpiece producing beauty, instead of producing heat three feet below!!

Although turning gave a very satisfying outlet to my creative needs in the past, I wanted to do something a bit different in addition, so when someone mentioned doing portrait drawings on wood, I began to think in a different direction. Instead of just drawing on wood, I began to bring the wood to life by actually making the wood the portrait! This was not a brand new technique; similar ideas had been around prior to that, (not all of them complimentary to the subject) but I have now taken it to a different level, and my clients will happily agree!

Everyone loves wood. It is one of the most versatile plants around and has been used for everything from building homes, bridges, stunningly beautiful furniture and ocean-going ships, to musical instruments and kids toys for centuries. There are hundreds of different types of wood world wide, some rare and endangered and some very common and in everyday use such as pine and oak.

Baltic Birch, my preferred wood for all Scottish Wood Art  portrait work, is a relatively plentiful wood and is used in many areas including cabinet making, panelling, quality modelling etc. and is much favored by artists and craftsmen due to its clean look and freedom from knots and blemishes. As it is a light wood, it contrasts extremely well with a black background, showing the image at its very best. A truly unique but inexpensive piece of art with a truly personal touch in any home or office.

I set very high standards for my work and until I am 100% happy with the result, it simply doesn't leave my workshop.

You are therefore assured of accuracy and attention to detail and I have no fear in telling my customers that the quality and accuracy of my portrait work will NOT be bettered.

Please note that ALL my portrait work is done by hand and is not laser assisted.

For all you lovers of beautiful items, hand made in sustainable woods
and for all of the terrific people who have already become my customers:
YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET! KEEP THIS SITE IN YOUR FAVORITES! 

Folks, the world of arts and crafts needs your support, now, as never before - if it is going to survive. 

Countries with massive production abilities can produce a huge number of items to enhance your home and are sold by large, - very large companies for an often much smaller amount than I, and every other small business artist/crafter can possibly offer you, the buyer.

However, the exporting country has to receive payment for the goods it ships, the importer gets his cut, the wholesaler and retailer get theirs and you get cheaply made, cheap looking product.

SOME tax goes into the U.S. economy, but very little compared to those taxes which would have remained here if the product had been made and sold in the United States.

The U.S. needs your $$$$ in order to get out of this recession we are in. Spend wisely. PLEASE, spend in America.