Peter Jones - Wood & Bone Artist

I was born overlooking the sea and developed "sea fever" at an early age after crossing the world on an ocean liner. As a child I was fascinated by my grandmother's tales of seafaring ancestors, Jacques Cousteau, ships in bottles and all things nautical.

My grandfather was a professional Wood Carver and I have early memories of him in his workshop, chap chapping with mallet and chisel, the smell of wood shavings, shellac, Navy Cut cigarettes and glue made from boiling down horses hooves. I still use furniture he made, as well as some of his old tools.

In a long career as a commercial Diver, I travelled to numerous exotic locations (and some not so exotic) around the world working on a huge variety of projects and sea going craft. This put more salt in my veins and has been where I have found inspiration for many of my creations later in life.

The graceful curves of a yacht under full sail, the spirals inside a seashell, cogs in a gearbox, the stars at night, African and Pacific indigenous art, as well as Tai Chi and Yoga have been significant influences in my designs, which tend to develop organically as work progresses.

Each piece is made almost entirely from recycled materials sourced from skips, op shops and recycling centres. Native and exotic hardwoods, beef bone, Paua shell and Mother of Pearl, even old knitting needles and pieces of wire are given a new lease of life, where their natural beauty can shine and make each piece unique.