Dougie Colvin
Dougie has been woodturning since 2001. He got into woodturning when a member of the Sligo Chapter called to Dougie’s house to look at walking sticks that he collected. The monthly Chapter competition was a walking stick and he wanted to see Dougies collection. He discovered whilst talking that he was interested in it and decided to give it a try. It started out as a hobby and pastime but has recently developed into something more than that now. Dougie recently retired from business so the woodturning is now a full time ‘hobby’.
His initial training was at the Anghmore Woodturning School in Co. Mayo, which is run by Mr. Willie Creighton. After which he had further training with Tobias Kaye in the UK, and with Glen Lucas in Carlingford Co. Louth. Most recently he had a period of training with Nick Agar also in the UK. Dougies influences in turning are turners Liam O’Neill, Nick Agar Danny McGeever
Dougie works from his own workshop beside his house where he turns on his Vicmarc 300 with (which he say’s he’s very happy with and has no intention to change), a band saw, bench saw and all the other pieces of equipment required running a woodturning workshop. His favourite woodturning chisel is a 3/8-bowl gouge and his favourite woods are Elm/Sycamore. He is a member of the Irish Woodturners Guild and is presently chairman of the Sligo Woodturning Chapter. He is also registered with the Crafts Council of Ireland.
Dougie turns traditional as well as contemporary pieces and these pieces are both functional and also decorative.
He uses native hardwoods such as yew, beech, sycamore etc. all are sourced in managed way. Often he will incorporate metal and carving into his pieces thereby enhancing the natural beauty of the wood itself.
