Mark Hanvey

Mark Hanvey has been working with wood for over 25 years at both the lathe and the bench, producing innovatively turned objects in a variety of specially chosen woods. His work embodies a deep respect for his material and he strives to connect with its purest elements. This is evident in his ‘Pith vessel’ work. The pith is the soft cellular material at the centre of the tree which is usually discarded. Hanvey carves around the pith, exposing and celebrating this vital part of the tree.

Hanvey explores conceptions of space by following the undulations of the chosen wood. In many of his pieces, the openings playfully interact with one another, creating new volumes and perspectives.

Because of Hanvey’s unique approach to the medium, his output is limited and his vessels are rare, in line with the time spent searching for particular pieces of wood that can accommodate the rigours and demands of his technique. This is particularly true of his pith vessel work, in that it is rare to find wood with a pith that can be successfully exploited to show the true nature of the wood.

Hanvey is based in Newtownards, Co. Down. Hanvey is largely self-taught and served a traditional apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker after leaving school. He works mainly to commission.