Woodworker Oliver creates functional vessels and sculptures that celebrate the natural grain and gradients of wood. Using wood from fallen and trees felled due to disease within close proximity of his workshop, he hand-carves each piece and takes his lead from the distinctive characteristics of the wood, responding to its texture, hardness, hue, and innate patterns.
Oliver’s 2023 QEST Scholarship will provide training in bronze casting and patina artistry to develop his practice to work in metals. He will study with nationally acclaimed master founder Stephen Melton at SPACER – Interdisciplinary Studio, looking at silicone rubber mould-making, wax casting techniques, spruing and investment techniques, kiln and furnace technologies, bronze fettling, and patina application using different chemicals and techniques. Oliver is interested in exploring different and complex surfaces that cannot be achieved with wood alone and is also motivated by the tactile and sensory aspects of materials.
