JOHN HOBBS
- WELSH WOODCARVER

As a Craftsman, I have taught a wide range of people. My skills have not been developed from a traditional carpentry background and I have no formal training qualifications from a College or University Degree. To a large extent, I am a self taught artist and at the age of 38, I was diagnosed as having dyslexia. With my approach to work, I have the ability to communicate with all people and at all levels. As a result, I can empathise with the less accademically able. I enjoy working with people, especially children, and always welcome the opportunity to pass on the skills that I have developed. As an artist and craftsman, I enjoy working outside and with the environment. Most of my work involves working with Oak as it is a relatively easy material to work with, enjoys longevity and is less prone to damage. My sculptures are based on a very varied, broad subject matter and I enjoy working on a range of work. The majority of my inspiration comes straight from the environment itself or from writings as diverse as Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas and The Mabinogion.

"Puck" is among one of my work for the Westonburt Arboretum 1999. "Puck" is one of the last characters that I have taken from "Mid-Summers Night Dream" Part of the inspiration has been taken from the following passage: "...If we shadows have offended, think but this and all is mended. that you have slumbered here while those visions disappear." This individual piece of work was part of Sculptory 1999.

My current workshop and gallery can be found at the Dutch Garden Centre. Junction 30 off the M4 corridor (UK). The display consists of a selection of my most recent work. My daytime contact number is
Tel: +44 (0)2920 777050.

e-mail: john.hobbs@ntlworld.com