After falling in love with the lathe he bought for his wife more than 40 years ago, Stratford woodworker Tony Waterson has never looked back.
Stratford woodworker Tony Waterson
Waterson joins New Zealand’s finest woodcrafters taking part in this weekend’s Taranaki Woodcraft Festival at Pukeiti.
The competition organised by the Stratford Woodturners Club & Taranaki Woodworkers Guild is the only one of its kind in New Zealand this year.
Waterson has been chipping away at his sculptures for this year's competition and says coming up with the idea is the best part of the process.
“I enjoy working things out in my head and putting it into practice. I don’t draw plans so sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t.
“You often see something around, like maybe a flower and think if that can be made of wood.”
A large number of entries is expected across 10 categories, including woodturning, carving, furniture, wall art, toys and models, computer numerical control (CNC), novice, student and macrocarpa or pinus radiata, ensuring a broad range of woodwork will be on display.
Waterson, who has entered four categories, is not giving too much away ahead of the prestigious event.
“I want to keep it quiet, I think it will surprise everyone on the day, some of it is different and some of it is stuff I have done before.”
The festival is another chance for locals to enjoy beautiful art while taking in the scenic surroundings of Pukeiti.
Taranaki Regional Council Gardens Manager Stuart Robertson is looking forward to hosting the festival, one of many events to be held at Pukeiti over the summer.
“This weekend is a great chance for locals to come and see the work of some of the best woodcrafters in the country, soak up the magic of Pukeiti and get a feel of what else is to come this summer.”
The Taranaki Woodcraft Festival entries will be on display in the Rata Room Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free.
Pukeiti is at 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth – a 30-minute drive from central New Plymouth.