Hans Henning Pedersen
Danish Wood Artist & Maker
“THE ONLY THING I CAN DO TO INFLUENCE THE FORM IS TO MAKE THE DRYING PROCESS SHORTER OR LONGER. THE WOOD CONTAINS SO MUCH WATER & AS IT EVAPORATES THERE ARE A LOT OF STRESS CHANGES IN THE FORM. THIS CAN RESULT IN FANTASTIC SHAPES, IT ALLOWS THE GRAIN & THE BEAUTY OF THE WOOD TO TAKE PRECEDENCE. IT IS ONE THING TO SELECT A PIECE OF WOOD & TO EXPECT IT TO REACT IN A CERTAIN WAY. HOWEVER, WHEN I PROCESS IT, THAT FASCINATES ME, IT CHANGES & SOMETIMES WITH SUCCESS!”
Overall, I think Mother Nature is the greatest designer. But, as people, we love to get involved. therefore, I always try to show the material as much respect as possible. I always use fresh-cut wood, from trees sourced in my homeland, the island of Bornholm, Denmark. preferably old flawed trees, they have much more character than a straight tree. I turn the wood on my lathe, usually to a very simple shape. And now it gets exciting - the wood is drying and decides the shape it's going to take. Each piece is hand-carved drawing out the wood's unique grain and markings, the vessel is then finished with a natural oil both protecting and emanating the natural qualities of the material.
