David Rodgers. Wood turning, 2023
Wood turning by David Rodgers
Wood turning
Artist statement: My name is David, I'm 49 years old, and for at least 30 years have had Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), Mast Cell (MCAS) & Gastroparesis - fortunately after a long battle I got diagnosis starting when I was 42. All these conditions are serious health conditions that have significant impacts on my life.
Wood turning may seem an unsuitable process with these conditions - however I've worked with wood for about 14 years, and am passionate about it, it adds to my sense of purpose, and is good exercise for me.
It isn't possible to stand using my tools for any length of time, so I've converted my lathe so I can sit at it, using a long bench so I can move around the work. It's taken a lot of adapting and getting used to, and getting the health and safety right, but, it works. Calmness is needed when working with these tools, particularly with the conditions I have.
From this, I make some bowls and a few pendants. I hope the bowls show a strength, endurance and consistency that my conditions don't allow us to have - I certainly enjoy making them, even though at times it is hard.
My passion with wood is finding characterful wood that speaks for it's self - I don't create lots of wood turned detail - I let the wood have it's own voice. This means finding the right piece of wood for the job, and letting it sing. Where the wood comes from is important to me too - some is from the National Trust, some is from friends etc.
Due to my conditions I make a small quantity of work - taking time to make each item.
Follow David on Instagram at @dr.wood.turner
David Rodgers. Wood turning, 2023
Wood turning by David Rodgers
Wood turning
Artist statement: My name is David, I'm 49 years old, and for at least 30 years have had Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), Mast Cell (MCAS) & Gastroparesis - fortunately after a long battle I got diagnosis starting when I was 42. All these conditions are serious health conditions that have significant impacts on my life.
Wood turning may seem an unsuitable process with these conditions - however I've worked with wood for about 14 years, and am passionate about it, it adds to my sense of purpose, and is good exercise for me.
It isn't possible to stand using my tools for any length of time, so I've converted my lathe so I can sit at it, using a long bench so I can move around the work. It's taken a lot of adapting and getting used to, and getting the health and safety right, but, it works. Calmness is needed when working with these tools, particularly with the conditions I have.
From this, I make some bowls and a few pendants. I hope the bowls show a strength, endurance and consistency that my conditions don't allow us to have - I certainly enjoy making them, even though at times it is hard.
My passion with wood is finding characterful wood that speaks for it's self - I don't create lots of wood turned detail - I let the wood have it's own voice. This means finding the right piece of wood for the job, and letting it sing. Where the wood comes from is important to me too - some is from the National Trust, some is from friends etc.
Due to my conditions I make a small quantity of work - taking time to make each item.
Follow David on Instagram at @dr.wood.turner
