Terry Preston

I got my start in carving beach driftwood or knots from rotted logs in the forest while observing our children at play on the beaches. I would select any piece of wood that seemed interesting or unusual and contemplate it for a while. Once an image or idea presented itself, I would commence whittling to enhance what I envisioned while preserving the rest in its natural state. With the knots, it invariably became an old bearded man with a hat. Eventually, these were referred to as my “knotty old men”.

Once retired and spending more time on Hornby, beach walks with my dog provide me with a dependable source of knots. Other unique driftwood pieces would occasionally catch my eye as a potential sculpture, most turning out to be birds, but eventually other life forms emerged as I allowed my imagination to engage in possibilities.

I have participated in the Hornby Farmers Market since 2006, in the Arts Council’s previous gallery locations and group art shows at the community hall.