Jim Parker, a highly regarded Perth woodturner, shared his personal journey from skilled tradesman to creative wood artist, focusing on how he developed his artistic thinking, design skills, and creativity.

Jim explained that he took up woodturning about ten years ago as a hobby and a way to meet new people. While he quickly developed his technical turning skills, he realised that producing successful work required much more than craftsmanship. Competitions taught him that good design, originality, and artistic expression often matter as much as technical excellence.

A central theme of Jim's talk was learning to understand why certain pieces are visually appealing and others are not. Rather than simply deciding whether he likes a piece, he analyses what elements of shape, proportion, and form create that reaction. This process has helped him improve his own designs and develop a stronger artistic instinct.

Jim described how carving and decorative turning expanded his creativity. He has explored techniques such as carving, texturing, resin work, and artistic embellishment, but emphasised that true growth came from developing original ideas rather than simply applying decorative features. He spoke about the challenge of translating ideas from his imagination into finished pieces, particularly when working with wood, where material can only be removed, not added back.

He encouraged makers to think "outside the box" and challenge traditional assumptions about objects such as vases, bowls, tables, and chairs. Many of his successful competition entries came from reimagining conventional forms, creating pieces that were distinctive while still meeting competition requirements.

Jim also discussed the value of:

• Entering competitions as a way to measure progress.

• Receiving honest feedback from trusted peers.

• Experimenting with new techniques and designs.

• Learning through both successes and failures.

• Continuing to make things that are personally enjoyable and meaningful.

Another significant aspect of his work is his use of green timber. He enjoys sourcing timber from local tree removals and has developed methods for drying and stabilising wood quickly, allowing him to work with fresh timber while minimising movement and cracking.

In concluding, Jim reflected on how woodworking has enriched his life. Beyond developing technical skills, it has provided creativity, community involvement, personal satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. He encouraged members to keep experimenting, embrace creativity, and not be afraid to try new approaches, even if the results are uncertain.