How did you get into working with wood?
I grew up in a small village where you made everything yourself if you possibly could. My favorite playgrounds were my dad's, my grandpa's, and my uncle's workshops, hammering my first nails with my grandfather, helping my dad fix cars, watching my uncle joint and mill wood. That never really stopped: roofing, floors, ceilings, whatever needed doing with family or friends, I was there. My first apartment got renovated by hand, and a small basement workshop slowly turned from repairs into building toys, then more. In 2018 I bought a house built in 1938 and renovated it with huge support from family and friends, finally building my own workshop in the yard. That's how the childhood hobby eventually turned into what I do today.
What inspires your creations?
Usually an idea or a thought, sometimes just a problem that needs solving. Or a corner that could use a little love. And pretty often, simply a nice piece of wood that deserves some attention.
What would you tell your younger self starting out on your artistic journey?
Just go for it. Try out your ideas, not much can go wrong.
What is your favourite Arbortech tool and why?
The Mini Grinder MG1000. Small and precise, exactly the tool you want for tricky spots. You always stay in control of shaping the piece into exactly what you had in mind.
If you were a type of wood, what would you be and why?
Ash. Simple and strong, yet flexible. And if you take the time to really look closely, you'll find plenty of character worth bringing out.