Hand-Turned Pens - A Growing Passion
Eighteen months ago, during travels through Namibia, I watched a local carpenter transform rough Camelthorn wood into beautiful objects in his small workshop. That encounter sparked something that's become a genuine passion - the art of hand-turning pens from exotic and meaningful timbers.
I've recently joined the International Association of Penturners (IAP), and through their exceptional forums and resources, I'm actively developing the hand-turned pen side of my portfolio. The IAP is a brilliant global community where experienced craftspeople generously share their knowledge, from technical tutorials and material guidance to honest feedback that accelerates the learning process.
What draws me to penturning is the opportunity to work with woods that carry real stories. Through my photography travels worldwide, I source timber from remarkable places - Irish Bog Oak preserved for millennia, Jerusalem Olive from the Holy Land, Himalayan Yew from Bhutan, Apple Wood from historic Fulham Palace Gardens. Each pen connects its owner to a specific place, a piece of history, a meaningful narrative.
These aren't mass-produced objects. Each pen is individually hand-turned, crafted with attention to the wood's unique character, finished to bring out its natural beauty. They're designed to be used daily, to develop their own patina over years of handling, to become trusted companions for writing and thinking.
Hand-turned pens complement my photography beautifully - both require patience with process, attention to materials and composition, and commitment to quality over speed. They sit at the intersection of craftsmanship, storytelling, and connection to place - values that run through all my creative work.
I'm still early in this journey, still learning, still discovering how much there is to master. But with the support of the IAP community and ongoing practice, the hand-turned pen collection is becoming an increasingly significant part of what I create - small objects with meaningful weight, functional beauty, and stories worth telling.
Member, International Association of Penturners
Each pen a story, each story worth telling
