doll maker

Let me introduce you to an amazing individual, one who has removed himself from what we would call 'normal' or 'average' and who lives a life dictated by the seasons and the generosity of strangers. He is unique and talented and marches to the beat of a different drummer.

Mathew lives in a very old army tent by the banks of a willow edged stream. He has a small wood heater and a bed tucked in there, along with an antique chest of drawers and a handmade wooden chair. Its tiny and cosy and the floor is made of old packing crates just so that he is a bit above the damp ground.  

Mathew has turned his hand to many creative endeavours but at the moment he is a hand carved wooden doll maker. He harvests branches from the willow trees and after cutting them into short lengths, leaves them to dry before carving the rough chunks into female forms. Head and body, legs and arms, then he paints facial features, skin and shoes. 

And he doesn't stop there - in another makeshift tent workshop, he sews up pretty gowns on his old hand driven sewing machine, using fabrics from our local op shop! 

He's also completely self sufficient...... by that I mean he doesn't rely on any government assistance. In summer he busks in a local cafe with his hand made parlour pipes (a small version of bagpipes), during winter he carves sews and paints and sells his creations in local shops. He doesn't pay rent or own land, has no phone, internet or overheads and doesn't drive or own a car, preferring his trusty old pushbike. 

The rustic chair above and the wooden trug (basket) below are also his handiwork. He tells me he just goes with the flow of a piece of wood and has no preconceived thoughts when he is creating, letting the timber show him instead. I just love the trug and after looking at this pic while I'm typing, have decided I must have one!!! 

Mathew also paints beautiful oil paintings in the naive style and, with friends, has self published two small books using his paintings and a self written story. I forgot to take a pic of his books but they are very sweet stories about a funny fellow called Mackle Pickle.

It sounds like this is an advert for his wares but truly, I'm just impressed with his creativity and way of life! So simple and yet for most of us unattainable. 

This coming weekend, the 6th and 7th of October, we are having a stall at the Westbury Community Pioneer and Skills Fair. Mathew is also having a stand and will be demonstrating his carving skills and selling his dolls, hence the photo shoot for the promotional website. If you live in Tasmania, it would be great to see you there - Tassie Barrels, site 16.

Wir sind vor ein paar tage auf besuch gewesen zu einen sehr interessanten mann, der holz puppen schnitzt. Mathew ist ein Künstler - ehr malt, schreibt Geschichte, näht sein eigenes gewannt und spielt Musik in ein cafe in unser Dorf. 
Ehr wohnt in ein ganz kleines, altes Bundesherr Zelt und scheint ganz glücklich zu sein. Seine Werkstatt ist auch nur ein Zelt, sondern auch sein näh Zimmer, wo ehr süsse Kittel näht für die puppen. Wir waren auf besuch bei ihn zum Foto nehmen von seine Kunstarbeit....und jetzt möchte ich so ein schönen holzenen Korb!!