Since childhood I have always enjoyed making things with whatever is to hand. Making automata feels a lot like that time – playing around with the materials, ideas popping up and problems being solved as I work. Each piece is a natural progression from the one before – when one piece is finished another automatically begins.

Creating a new and engaging object from the recycled, discarded wood I collect is it's own inspiration along with a love of quirky objects and folk art.

I use very simple cams, cranks, and string pulling mechanisms to give life to each piece and it's great to see people's reaction when they engage with the work and enjoy a moment of play.