Duke Christie

Utilising the fruits of my 35 years working with wood, both as a furniture maker and sculptor, I strive to create objects which reflect the simple things that enrich our lives and remind us of our essential relationship with nature. In the last decade my work has gradually shifted away from the functional constraints and precision of traditional cabinet making to more sculptural pieces carved from green (unseasoned) timber, giving me the freedom to work in close dialogue with wood and allowing it to directly influence my work. With the aid of power and traditional hand tools, including spokeshaves, gouges, and rifflers, adapted, or purpose made, I use local responsibly sourced timber to make sculpted forms with hand carved textures. The pieces are often sand blasted, scorched, and scrubbed to enhance the grain, creating a fascinating play of light on highly tactile surfaces. The mountains, rivers, and sea surrounding my home and studio in the north-east of Scotland are a constant source of my inspiration. My work aspires to capture their essence and spirit whilst celebrating the magical gift of wood, one of the closest connections we have with the natural world.