Bodrighy

Introducing:

Pete M-Jury: Cornwall England. Otherwise known as Bodrighy Wood

What’s your story? What do you do and how did it start? How long have you been doing what you do?

I turn wood which I find, for myself mostly and include hedge trimmings, wood from storm damaged trees, recycled from old furniture and so forth. I use very little exotic wood unless it is recycled or occasionally a few pieces from other woodworkers that are of little use to them.

I did some turning at school but then didn’t really do any until a few years ago when I was given a drill attachment that soon became frustrating and prompted me to move on and get a full sized lathe.

Please describe a typical (or atypical) day in your life.

For me a day starts by checking up on any commissions that I have and ensuring that they are up to date. Work falls into two categories, commissions which take priority and the experimental, more personal work which allows me to do what I want to do and try new techniques, styles etc. I am probably not as organised as I should be and so tend to flit from one to the other as the mood takes me so I have to discipline myself to get any orders out. If someone is willing to pay for my work and ask me to make something I feel that that should always be a priority.

As I am not a full time turner I also need to make sure that I give an appropriate amount of time to the things that I make. There can be a sense of instant gratification with turning and I will make sure that at least part of my day is spent going back over work I have done that is due to be sent out and that it is in fact suitable and good enough.

What is an important part of your business or creative process?

Researching other turners work is always a source of inspiration as there are so many really gifted artists whose work is astounding. The wood itself often dictates what I will make as much of it is green and often has grain patterns and ‘defect’ that will create ideas.

Making sure that customers are happy with what they purchase off me is very important. I feel this especially selling via the Internet as so often what looks incredible in a picture could be a different matter when it is in your hands so I always try and follow up and ask fro personal feedback regarding the items I sell. I can’t expect everyone to have the same taste as me so when commissioned to do a piece I will try and make sure that I know exactly what the customer wants and is looking for.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently making quite a lot of haberdashery items for want of a better way of putting it. I have been asked to make some medieval style drop spindles for someone involved in re-enactment and also crochet hooks . I am also investigating and experimenting with colouring wood leaving the grain still visible.

What is the work you’re most proud of?

The work I am most proud of is always the last piece I did, until I make another one. I think in any craft time shows up the defects and weaknesses in one’s work and I look back at some of the things that I made in the past and would reject them now.

How do you get the word about about your hustle?

Marketing is my weak point. I sell via Internet shops and a couple of small galleries down here in Cornwall and also sell a few pieces via some craft forums supplying other craft people with work to be enhanced.

Where do you find your inspiration and/or motivation?

Inspiration comes as said from other turners, from people’s critiques, from other crafts especially pottery and sculpture and also from the wood itself.

Are there any people or organizations you look up to? Why?

There are inevitably certain other turners whose work I admire, some with no intention of emulating and some whose work inspires me to have a go myself. Copying is not an option but ideas and styles can be very inspiring.

What are some resources you’ve found invaluable to your work?

Sustainably sourced wood obviously but also access to other turners via a forum and a local club where the generosity in sharing knowledge has been invaluable

What is your dream project? Where do you plan on going with your business/hustle?

My dream project is usually to do the next one perfectly. I don’t have some dream of an incredible creation in the future. My ambition would be to be reasonably well recognised and to sell my work through a decent gallery or two and perhaps have a good reputation as a turner. I would also like to get involved in the teaching side but the possibilities of that are remoter due to legislation and the need for much better premises.

What do you find difficult on your path to your dreams? How do you deal with these challenges?

Strangely enough it is the fact that most people will enthuse over wood turning then move on and not buy. At a show many people will pick things up to feel the different textures and then remark how wonderful it is before putting it back and moving on.

How has this so-called recession affected the way you conduct business?

As I have only started really selling things in the last few months seriously it has been all I know so it hasn’t really affected me that much.

How has your dedication to your hustle affected your personal life (family, friends, school, relationships, faith, etc.)

My wife is grateful that I have a hobby that allows her to get on with hers with fabrics and my children like the source of cheap Christmas and birthday gifts as do some of my friends but apart from that no. I think that having others willing to pay for my work is a real confidence boost though and I still get a real kick out of the thought that someone thinks that highly of it whether it is a $8 honey dipper or a $60 bowl.

What is something you know now that you wish you’d known before?

I both love and can turn beautiful things and if I had know this would have started years ago and perhaps gone full time professional by now.

Many people are trying to reach and achieve their dreams. What is something you’ve learned that you would share with anyone just starting out?

Never lose sight of the fact that craft work should first and foremost be something you love. There will be times when you don’t feel it but the moment you lose the love for it you lose the inspiration and become just another tradesman doing a job.