I am a skilled woodturner and pen maker, dedicated to the art of crafting a diverse array of handcrafted, sustainable wooden products with an emphasis on both form and function. Each item is meticulously hand-turned on the lathe using locally sourced timber, followed by a thorough sanding and smoothing process. The final touch involves applying a finish of food-safe oil and beeswax paste, ensuring that each piece is not only functional but also distinctive.

I reside with my partner, Nora Mai, and our extensive family of pets—which includes five dogs—in the picturesque Ballintleave Commons, Glenbeigh, situated along the Ring of Kerry. Together, we raise and care for cattle, sheep, ducks, hens, and donkeys, further enriching our commitment to sustainable living.

All wood utilised in my work is sourced locally, primarily from storm-felled trees or from local tree surgeons who have responsibly removed hazardous trees or limbs due to storm damage or in the interest of public safety. Additionally, I incorporate reclaimed wood from discarded or damaged furniture and pallets, as well as waste offcuts from local enterprises. Furthermore, I collect driftwood and plastics from the numerous local beaches in the region.

I am committed to maximising the use of each tree, ensuring that nothing is wasted. The tree or limbs are meticulously cut into large slabs for the creation of bowls, while any offcuts are repurposed into bud vases, pens, salad servers, and various smaller items. Even wood shavings are utilised effectively; they first serve as litter for the hens and ducks, before being combined with farmyard manure for distribution on the land or for composting purposes in both the vegetable and flower gardens.

Most of the bowls crafted in my workshop are produced using a lathe while the wood remains in its wet or unseasoned state. Following this initial turning process, the bowls are placed in a drying kiln for several weeks, allowing for a gradual drying process. Alternatively, they may be enclosed in their own shavings, which further slows the drying rate to mitigate the risk of cracking.

Once the drying process is complete, the bowls are remounted on the lathe for final turning and sanding. To ensure their suitability for culinary applications, I employ a food-safe oil and beeswax paste as a finishing treatment. This combination not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the bowls but also renders them ideal for serving salads, fruits, and for everyday use.

The food-safe oil and beeswax mixture serves to moisturise, condition, and protect the wood. It can be reapplied periodically to maintain the wood’s appearance and integrity, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for years to come.

My passion for woodworking commenced at an early age. I have consistently found fulfilment in engaging with my hands and expressing creativity. Consequently, I made the decision to leave school at the age of 16 to undertake an apprenticeship with my Uncle Mike at his joinery shop.

I dedicated numerous years to this establishment, specialising in the fabrication of windows, doors, and cabinetry. However, my particular interest lay in the construction of staircases; we produced hundreds of them, and the process remained perpetually engaging. Eventually, I transitioned to a position within a factory, a decision I now recognise as a misstep. A large-scale multinational organisation is ill-suited for a creative individual.

In early 2011, I repurposed one of our underutilised outbuildings into a modest workshop measuring 8 feet by 13 feet, thus establishing The Old Raven Woodshop. I began by repairing furniture, constructing hen coops, and addressing various needs around the farm.

One day, I discovered one of our puppies, Brandy, contentedly chewing the handle of my grandfather's old cabinet screwdriver. This prompted me to craft a new one using the drill press. I shared the result on my Facebook page, where a friend expressed interest in my work and mentioned that he had an old lathe and some tools available. I acquired these tools and quickly became enamoured with the craft.

Currently, at The Old Raven Woodshop, I take immense pride in producing unique, bespoke wood turnings of heirloom quality. My inspiration is drawn from nature, the surrounding environment, and often from the characteristics of the wood itself.

Each piece I create is a one-of-a-kind, hand-turned work, meticulously handcrafted using traditional tools and finishes within my workshop.