I am very much self-taught, with little contact with other turners. Starting in my late 20's I made my own small lathe and some basic tools in order to make my own tool handles, occasional bits for boats and other small decorative items such as clock cases, candle sticks, small bowls, etc. About 20 years ago I acquired an old Myford ML8 lathe and gradually developed my own style which sold well and became a very enjoyable sideline. Since purchasing my latest lathe, a Nova 3000, I have been able to expand my repertoire and creativity to produce some very spectacular pieces which provide as much pleasure to me in the making as to my customers in owning and cherishing the finished article.

My 'freestyle' work has developed from using all those knotted, gnarled, twisted confused grain pieces left on the firewood pile after the woodburning stove had consumed all the nice logs that split easily. These pieces always fascinated me and from an early age I often planed up a side or polished up an end just to reveal the hidden beauty of the grain and colour. The finished articles are not planned with a certain shape or design in mind, but evolve on the lathe into whatever shape works best for each individual chunk of wood. Much of the wood I turn is still in a wet or green state and will often 'wobble' or distort as it drys out. I like to think that this is the wood having its last say in what it would like to be.

I have recently developed a series of turnings titled "Beakers and Barrels". This has been inspired by my fascination for ancient pottery.I love the simplicity of form and the unique marks and imprints left by its maker hundreds of years ago . I have tried to recreate a texture and colour on the outside in order to entice the observer to hold and feel the surface and look into the clean, polished natural wood interior.

Most of the wood that I work with comes from fallen trees on the Morvern Peninsula and I can provide information about exact location of the tree and any relevant history connected with the area.

Commissions/Presentation Gifts
I would be delighted to talk to anyone looking for a special gift or a turning from your own particular piece of wood that might have personal significance. Please telephone for further information.

Shown here are some sample objects made by John Hodgson at Fiunary. The stock is ever-changing and of course each and every one is unique, so please contact John if you have any special requirements or want to know more.