Welcome to all that I create by hand with wood
No lasers, CNC, 3D printing or plywood here!
I am compelled to work with wood and I am at my most content when at my saw. In a world full of the mediocre and mass production masquerading as art and craft, I am determined to at least try to skillfully make something that’s beautiful and one of a kind.
I create art pieces suggested by the wood I find, the landscapes I love, their inhabitants, and their stories.
I don’t have a story of hardships overcome, or a quirky ‘brand Fiona’ to sell you, but if you want to know a little more..
I studied Industrial Design, Furniture Restoration and Craftsmanship in the 90s, but gave up my studies to get over some ill health and then bring up my lovely son. Then I took to working with young people with additional needs and behavioural difficulties.
All along, I took sanctuary in working wood. Making chairs, guitars and cajon drums on the side and finally decided that I needed to get back to making full time. After a lifetime working with wood, I found my own way with the scrollworking discipline. I am very grateful for my husband’s support in making this possible.
We live in a terrace, near a noisy dual carriageway, with distracting, saddening, seemingly constant antisocial behaviour around us where I work out of a draughty shed in the garden, with minimal kit. Not for me the epic studios and ‘interesting ‘lifestyles thats seem to pervade Artist’s statements ! I miss the spaces, clean air and quiet I was so lucky to grow up with , but I guess that’s where my head gets too whilst I work.
The lovely folks at The Heseltine Gallery did a meet the artist feature with little me - check it out here https://www.theheseltinegallery.org.uk/loveart/meet-the-artist-fiona-kingdon
Video - An introduction to me and my work and an experiment with resin