Biography

Originally from Ireland, Des has been a resident of Canada for over 50 years. For many years, he taught geology at Douglas College before retiring as the Dean of Science. He has spent his retirement in Belcarra where he turns a variety of pieces from mainly local woods. He is a long-time member of the Greater Vancouver Woodturners Guild where he has benefitted from the inspiration and skill of many guild members. His work can be seen in galleries and private collections throughout BC, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.

Artist Statement

Des has a long history of working in wood, originally building furniture and wooden boats. Over the last number of years, he has focused on turning wood, largely from fallen trees in his garden in Belcarra. The difference between woodturning and other types of woodwork is that as most of his pieces are turned from green wood, the character of the grain, texture and figure in the wood is only revealed when the bark is removed.

In this exhibition, there are a series of weedpots and small perfume vials both with glass inserts and each made with local wood.

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