I first came across Lisa's work about 10+ years ago at an Automata Exhibition at Skipton Town Hall. She had some wonderful pieces including a Gardener in a Potting Shed and some beautiful Horses in Stables. All were beautifully handmade automata, all free to handle and play with during the exhibition and all absolutely superb! Her attention to detail, the quality and simplicity of the wood work, the characterisations and the humour she built into their respective movements meant I was pretty much a fan from day 1!
I found this Wooden Doll Automata of Lisa's in a local art gallery not long after. I loved the way she'd used an antique sewing machine drawer to showcase the turned walnut wooden doll and built in the simple automata mechanism as part of the piece rather than trying to conceal the movement. Very simple but very effective. The doll has jointed arms and legs which make a wonderful sound against the drawer as it spins. Every part of this has been thought through and made with care. A unique,quality piece of craftsmanship which I'm very proud to own.
I love the simplicity of this piece. Lisa has used reclaimed Blue Mahoe wood for the
frame, hand carved and painted a beautiful little owl peering out. The owl is full of character and spins round wonderfully as you turn the handle. Lisa has used glass eyes for the owl which really make him stand out in his little house! Lisa invited me over to her studio to collect the Owl and I was thrilled to have a tour round and see her in 'action'! She clearly makes what she loves herself as her studio is a treasure trove of old wooden dolls and antique pieces waiting to be brought back to life using her imagination and skill. This personal love of what she creates shines through in the quality and personality of her wonderful work.
Testimonial