Archive for July, 2025

Form, Shape and Finish

Posted: July 25, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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It’s all about the story.

I love making these five minute videos. I love the filming process, the editing and the audio but most of all it’s about the story.

I knew Howard Heerey had a great story to tell about his time in British motor racing in the 60’s and 70’s, but I didn’t know what to expect when he asked to meet me at a pottery workshop.

It turned out that these days Howard spends most of his time at the workshop as the kiln manager and enjoys the artistic side of clay work. But it also turned out that there are some great similarities between pottery and car design, something that was once a part of Howard’s motor racing experience.

I loved making this video and watching the way the concept of form, shape and finish brought together what most people would think are vastly different disciplines: Motor racing and pottery. And for that, I say, thankyou Howard Heerey.

Miniature Mariners

Posted: July 11, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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This month Albany is celebrating the Mariner’s Festival, so it seemed appropriate to talk to a boat builder. Norm McQuade has been making model boats on and off since childhood, so it was great to spend time hearing his story and looking at his collection of model boats.

I was fascinated at the degree of intricacy that was evident in these model boats, testament to Norm’s patience and commitment to the task. It is also a walk back in history to see boats from the 19th and early 20th century and to hear their story.

Norm’s model of the Brig Amity, a boat with special links to Albany, is one of a kind. He undertook extensive research, including doing measurements from the replica that stands near Albany port. Then there’s the Endeavour, a Newfoundland Whaling Boat, and the amazing ornate hull of the frigate, HMS Fly.

This video tells the story of one man’s personal hobby, but it also opens up a wealth of maritime history.

Pyro at work

Posted: July 8, 2025 in Uncategorized
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For a little while, I’ve been experimenting with Pyrography (woodburning). I found some of my earlier projects were on dark wood and when I varnished them, they disappeared. I loved the old Holden, but was a bit disappointed that it was hard to see.

I really liked this one with Western Australian wildflowers.

My latest project was on a piece of very light wood. I’m not sure what type of wood it is.Since there were four sides to this block, it seemed appropriate to draw a picture that would completely encircle the block. Then, when it was done, it was an opportunity to try a bit of video magic to show it off.

Hope you enjoy this project.

A little bit of video magic to show off my latest pyrography project