Originally a hairdresser by trade, Carl has honed his craft skills over the years and his work now straddles the line between art and furniture making, with the creation of abstract contemporary works combining leatherwork and veneer marquetry. His process is heavily influenced by mid-century and brutalist architecture, as well as modernist design. He is passionate about using existing materials wherever possible and favours unused, surplus leather from the luxury fashion industry.
With his 2023 QEST Scholarship, Carl is looking to introduce traditional steam bending techniques, learn advanced veneering methods, and explore wood finishing and patination procedures. He will learn with Williams & Cleal, Abdollah Nafisi, Kevin Stamper and Barnaby Ash of Ash & Plumb. This will enable him to move into a 3D format, creating fluid and tactile sculptural forms. By combining these complementary heritage skills, Carl aims to give them a more contemporary image and introduce them to new and wider audiences.
