Form and function
Tom Beattie
When I heard that Robert Howard Brisbane-based woodworker, sculptor and teacher would be at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking for a two-day spoon carving workshop I jumped at the opportunity to register for the class. I’d heard Robert speak at the MGFW open day, and was captivated by the range of interesting chisels and knives he used to craft beautiful spoons. I wanted to give it a go and am so glad I did. Robert is an inspiring teacher, and over the two days he led a keen group of ten of us through the stages involved in carving a walnut spatula, long-handled round spoons, dessert and serving spoons. The Walnut (beautifully figured and shaded) was dry, but on day two we choose a length of green Sycamore, Apple or Linden wood to create an item from the raw material. Form and function coalesced beautifully as the natural bend in the wood created an elegant spoon shape carved with the help of a small axe, drawing knife and smaller knives. Robert blended practical demonstrations with advice on wood grain, growth patterns, useful books, techniques for safely holding the work and sharpening the knives. It was a rare opportunity to learn from someone as skilled and knowledgeable as Robert. Don’t miss out if MGFW schedules another two-day course with him in 2019.
Lucy Callaghan