
|
Brian Dumper, is the creator
behind Brian's Designer Offcuts Unique Woodwork. Brian was a tree faller in
the bush for many years. Then one day he picked up a piece of wood from
the forest floor, and found that by just looking at it, he could visualize
different characters, and formations emerging from the wood. This then
motivated him to try his hand at carving the things he could visualize.
Carvings of dolphins, birds, snakes, lizards and possums would come to
life. In 1994 Brian and his wife opened a gallery for his work, and Brian swapped his chainsaw for wood carving tools. Brian then went on to make lamps, mirrors, bowls, clocks, and a variety of other things. Also things that we call 'Uglies', they are pieces of driftwood, with faces carved into them, craft eyes placed on them and some with little wooden mushrooms protruding out of them. They have been very popular, a lot of people who have come into the gallery over the years, have looked at them and said, Oh that one looks like my uncle, or my friend. The pictures you see on this site, are of work that Brian has created, either for the gallery and has sold, or a request from someone wanting a special 'one off' gift. Brian has a love of motorbikes, so one day he decided to have a go at building a miniature motorbike. The first bike he made was a custom built Harley. These bikes aren't just carved out of one piece of wood, they are built from the wheels up, with all the detail of a real motorbike. A mate of Brian's who was admiring his work, suggested that he build a life size motorbike, he had heard that one had been produced in the USA. They both thought it would be great to have one in Australia, made from Australian timber. So not wanting to knock back a challenge, Brian spent many hours designing and planning. His knowledge of the wonderful designs and tones which the grain produces in various species of timber, has been used to carefully select the correct piece of timber to give warmth, and depth to the finished product. Species such as, Blackwood, Alpine Ash, Redgum, and Birdseye Stringy, have all been used to enhance the overall effect of the motorbike. Like the miniature bikes, this
one was built from the wheels up. Each individual part had to be cut and
shaped, either by turning, machining, or hand carved, then assembled,
which has taken hundreds of hours. So then became the creation of 'Woodstock
one'! The photos on
this site, don't do any justice to the real thing. |