Johnny Woodford, a master wood carver, transforms raw timber into large yet intricate works of art that celebrate the natural beauty and inherent character of wood.
Woodford draws inspiration from the organic forms found in nature, imbuing each sculpture with a sense of life and movement. His craftsmanship blends traditional techniques with contemporary design, creating pieces that are both timeless and modern, for example the timber for the ‘Concertina’ came from a stand of oak that had been felled and left for many years. Air-dried and stable ‘bone oak' is an ideal wood for this work. Woodford believes it is important to note that “the process of cutting and burning the wood demands a sharp saw, clarity of thought and a bucket of water”.
Woodford has received a few commissions linked to The Chelsea Flower show. In 2019, the British Garden designer and Author, Andy Sturgeon, commissioned Woodford to create monumental burnt oak walls for his show garden, and more recently in 2023, the artist was commissioned to produce bird boxes made from cedar wood with a variety of different textures for The Centre Point Garden, designed by Cleve West and burnt oak seating for Alan Williams at Landform Consultants.