Augusta Handmade Fair

RUA WOODCARVING

hand carved wood accessories & home goods

Meet The maker

WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Ben, and I’ve recently moved to the area from Ireland. I enjoy working with my hands and am currently renovating a house.

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
I try to avoid power tools as much as possible and like to focus on the feel of the hand tools as I work. I like to experiment with my own pigments and dyes, and prefer natural finishes on my works.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Nature is a huge influence on me. I have yet to settle on a theme since I arrived here, but in Ireland the ocean was a very large influence on my work.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
I’ve lived in four different countries, but it took someone local to this area to finally get me to settle down.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA.
I love the variety of shops, eateries, theatres, and events Augusta always seems to offer. It keeps me coming back for more.

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
Primarily, it’s the process of carving and whittling that I love. Frequently, I don’t have an actual design, instead allowing the wood to dictate what the eventual piece will be. Knots, grains, spalting, etc play a big role in the final appearance. The process itself is, for me, like a form of meditation.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
Be forgiving to yourself for mistakes you make. Your idea of a mistake is often someone else’s idea of beauty. And, don’t worry if creativity seems stifled at times. Go out and do something you enjoy and you’ll find that creativity comes back to you.