Carve a spoon

Carol Russell is a self-taught timber artist who has been working in wood for most of her adult life. Beginning in 1987 with small furniture projects and antique restoration, she spent much time in the workshops of craftspeople who were prepared to share their knowledge with her. She spent several years working on small commission projects, exhibiting her work in galleries in Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney. 

Carol became interested in teaching, and in 1997 began teaching woodwork at Carbatec, a Brisbane supplier of woodworking tools who employed her to create a woodworking school. The Australian Wood Review has published several of her articles on tools and woodworking techniques. 

She now works full time teaching and creating unique pieces of tableware from Australia’s forest timbers. 

“When I make my pieces, I’m aware that each piece of timber carries with it the story of the tree it came from. The character of the grain speaks to me of diverse landscapes, from high mountain country in Tasmania to harsh desert regions and dry river beds in Western Queensland.

I’ve always loved being in the bush, collecting sticks and natural objects with interesting shapes and textures. I try to use these elements in my work by choosing shapes that follow the natural lines of the timber. Every tiny piece of wood is unique and its’ figure determines the curves and twists that I carve. No two works can ever be identical, just as no two pieces of wood can be.  The grain is like finger prints – almost the same but never exactly. 

I love spoons because of their sensuous, smooth shapes. To me they represent giving, sharing and hospitality. A spoon can be used to serve food to others or given as a gift. They are both sculptural and utilitarian.

Working slowly by hand gives you the time to read the timber and use the ‘features’ contained within. I’ve found it a gentler, more considered way to work. Where possible I try to use salvaged material or offcuts from furniture makers. I have no desire to see a tree cut down on my behalf, there is so much material available.”