MS Woodturning began in 1992 in a little shed in the back garden. Since then the partnership run by Michael & Caroline
Sinclair has come a long way and they now produce many things from wooden handles for silver coffee scoops to large wall hangings.
Michael was born and brought up in the beautiful archipelago of the Orkney Islands. He finds great inspiration from the surrounding land & seascape, as well as the archaeology and the local folklore.
He enjoys working with timber and is most happy when manipulating a large trunk or bole into manageable sized pieces with his chainsaw.
The timber used is mostly Scottish hardwood which is freighted into the islands as there is a shortage of local timber available. However, there is some local wood which becomes available and is used as often as possible. The only power tools used are the lathe, an electric drill and angle grinder and a chain saw. The finishes are, unless stated otherwise, food safe. Some dyes are used and these are usually water based. Other pieces are complimented with the addition of hallmarked Sterling silver, silver steel or twine.
All the pieces produced had their own unique features as no two pieces of wood are alike. However, there will be pieces with a similar style running through them.
Michael works out of two workshops which have been built by the family the first a concrete garage style workshop in 1997 and then a chalet style timber workshop built in 2002.
Michael exhibits in the Pier Arts Gallery & the Waterfront Gallery in Stromness also in the Loft Gallery in St Margarets Hope.
He has also had work commissioned from the United States of America.
There is a small gallery at the front of the newest workshop at the home address.