Brian has been a valued club member of the Ipswich Woodcrafts Club for over 7 years. Born in London in 1938 his family moved to Germany for a while when he was a child, they went back to England briefly before finally settling in South Africa. During his 48 years in South Africa he worked with Asbestos Cement (with no ill effects), he also worked in furniture making. Brian with his wife Dorothy moved to Australia in 1995.
What is your woodcraft discipline/s?
My general woodwork discipline consists of both woodwork/cabinet making, however now I prefer to do woodcarving and whittling.
How long have you been working with wood?
As far back as I can remember, however it was purely as an amateur, until I came to Australia in 1995, when I used my skills to earn a living.
What is your favourite wood?
My favourite wood comes from trees !! however I like carving Camphor Laurel, Jelatong and Jacaranda. There are many I still have to try.
What is your favourite wood to work with?
I must say so far, Jacaranda has been my favourite wood to work with.
What other woodworking discipline would you like to explore?
I would like to explore Scroll Sawing.
Do you have a favourite artist? Who is it and, and why?
Van Gogh is my favourite artist, mainly I think due to his persistence and I like the colour Yellow.
Tell us your best tip or trick?
My best tip to would-be carvers is to concentrate while carving, on the parts of the design to be left, and make sure that you leave wood for these.
What is the one tool you can’t live without?
The tool I value most is a good sharp pencil.
If money was no object, what tool would you buy?
I have been fortunate in having most of the tools I want, so there is nothing I would rush out and buy if money was no object.
What is your vision for the future of the club?
My vision for the club is to have as many members as we can cope with and have the club open for six days a week and some evenings and to have reasonable harmony between members and groups.
