Studio Visit with GREG KENT

As part of our current exhibition, Omega

Omega – the end of the line, and a transition to something new.

In his show at Flow Gallery, Greg Kent presents his oak sculptures, which capture the dichotomy of nature’s fragility and strength. His technique of turning and sandblasting oak, a process first developed by French woodturner Pascal Oudet, reveals the intricate, organic patterns formed by the tree’s growth.

“Turning wood is like uncovering buried treasure as the wood reveals its history, and its struggles. This is manifest in the growth rings, grain patterns and colours. I am interested in the beauty of the wood and by working with wood I want to tell its story and use it to explore narratives.”

- Greg Kent

“For me, wood and trees are a fundamental part of our existence. They have sustained us in so many ways including: fire, building materials, tools, water storage, furniture and paper. Crucially, they provide us with oxygen and remove carbon from the atmosphere. Woodturning provides an opportunity to give wood another existence rather than being turned into firewood.

I work hard to collect wood from local tree surgeons that would have been used as fire wood.  The wood is then 'turned green', this means whilst it is still wet. The wood is turned to a thickness of 2mm and allowed to dry. When dry the wood is sandblasted. This process removes the softer spring growth, revealing fine, textured patterns unique to each piece. This can only be done with oak which has medullary rays which go across the growth rings. This involves combining both wood turning and sculpting. What is produced, in my view, is fine art created by nature, and revealed by a craftsman.”

- Greg Kent

“The Omega exhibition represents a major turning point in my craft journey as I start to explore and make the most of the opportunities offered to me as a result of my QEST Scholarship.”

- Greg Kent