Nicholas Rowe
e: rowzo@tiscali.co.uk | w.cuckoofarmstudios.org.uk/nicholas-rowe | bsky. @artist-woodturner | Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Road, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5HH.
Based at his studio Nicholas continues to develop his artistic woodturning practice drawing inspiration from the bark, grain, imperfections and distinctive features in green/wet, seasoned and reclaimed wood he sources locally. Uninterested in copying contemporary trends he continues to progress his material sensitive philosophy he began during his BA (Hons) 3D Design and Craft Degree at the Colchester School of Art, graduating in 2015.
Deciding initially what form enables the best appreciation of the natural material’s visual and tactile qualities, Nicholas is often induced to alter the final form to respect hidden voids, cracks, Spalting lines or grain ripples that reveal themselves whilst turning. These features may pose challenges that others shy away from but he continues to hone the skills required to incorporate them as they are true to the material’s character and uniqueness.
Nicholas hopes to imbue additional longevity to a piece by permanently marking the name of the wood and its growing place underneath. Turning a client’s treasured wood brings additional responsibilities as the piece resonates stronger and is valued greater. He is generating work with increasing aesthetic impact while refining his already highly acknowledged surface finishes.
Nicholas is also a member of the Colchester Art Society, Cuckoo Farm Studios, Society of Designer Craftsmen, Suffolk, Essex & Cambs Borders (SECB) & Colchester Woodturning Clubs and Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB).
Interview with Nicholas Rowe
Life in the Studio
There’s no such thing as a typical day in Nicholas’s world. Like many creatives, his work follows the rhythm of sales, commissions, exhibitions, and opportunities. He splits his time between making, managing his business, and contributing to the vibrant community at Cuckoo Farm Studios, where he is both a Studio Holder and Committee member.
Challenges and Craftsmanship
As Nicholas moves toward creating larger, more technically complex pieces, space and time are his biggest constraints. His 4x3m studio, while generous, is slowly filling up with upgraded equipment and stacks of wood waiting to dry. Winter and early spring bring a welcome lull in outside demands—perfect for harvesting and rough turning wet wood, when the sap is down and drying is quicker (and considerably less messy at the lathe!).
Inspiration in Form and Nature
Nicholas draws inspiration from the 3D world around him. With time and practice, forms now come to him organically shapes that honour the natural features in the wood, from cracks and voids to ripples in the grain.
Learning and Evolving
Woodturning is a demanding craft. It calls for a mix of technical skill, artistic vision, and patience. No two pieces of wood are ever the same—each demands its own approach. But for Nicholas, that challenge is exactly what keeps the craft alive and rewarding.
Advice for Beginners
For those curious about woodturning, Nicholas recommends starting with a local club or society. Many are welcoming communities where experienced turners are happy to share their knowledge and even their workshops.
What’s Next?
After a decade of perfecting sets of nested bowls, Nicholas has recently turned his focus to hollowed forms—a technically demanding but deeply satisfying challenge. With the tools and basic skills now in hand, he’s ready to push this area of his work further. He’s also passionate about sharing what he’s learned. Over the past four years, he’s been demonstrating for local woodturning clubs, and hopes to begin offering individual lessons from his studio soon.
