Rachel Ashcroft
- Work
- Biography
Studying fine art sculpture before training how to work with wood professionally, has given me a different perspective on the way in which I use this natural resource.
In my craft practice I go about the creative process in an unorthodox manner. Typically, a carpenter seeks wood for a particular project. Instead, I find the material first, get to know it and see where it leads me: each and every part of the wood can be utilised; the grain enhanced by both the shape and texture of the work I make.
In this sense I see everything that I make from wood as a one off, one of a kind individual sculpture – an item such as a chopping board can have this sculptural quality, even in it’s flatness, the shape and pattern of the wood, it's quality, adds another layer to the finished piece.
As I develop as an artist and craftsperson I try to deepen my connection to the place where I live and discover ways in which these elements can be combined to create new and interesting work.
In my craft practice I go about the creative process in an unorthodox manner. Typically, a carpenter seeks wood for a particular project. Instead, I find the material first, get to know it and see where it leads me: each and every part of the wood can be utilised; the grain enhanced by both the shape and texture of the work I make.
In this sense I see everything that I make from wood as a one off, one of a kind individual sculpture – an item such as a chopping board can have this sculptural quality, even in it’s flatness, the shape and pattern of the wood, it's quality, adds another layer to the finished piece.
As I develop as an artist and craftsperson I try to deepen my connection to the place where I live and discover ways in which these elements can be combined to create new and interesting work.
Under the moniker ‘Woman of the Woods’ I design, make and sell items for the home from locally sourced hardwoods, such as spoons, bowls, mirrors and shelves. I design all of my products with a modern aesthetic, taking care to highlight the beauty and grain of each piece.
Exhibitions:
Reflections - Arteria Gallery Lancaster May-Sept 2025
Upland: Decade - Kirkcudbright Galleries Jan 18th-March 8th 2025
Spring Fling - Regional Open Studios 2023/4/5
Awards:
Emerging Turners Programme- I am part of the current cohort, training a new generation of professional woodturners. Organised through the Register of Professional Turners.
VACMA- May 2024 awarded to develop my wood turning skills by having a mentor to come and provide support in my workshop.
Emerge- From Jan - August 2023 I was a recipient of ‘Emerge’ as an early career maker- a bursary scheme provided by Upland Arts CIC
VACMA- In 2021, I received a South West Scotland VACMA (Visual Artist Craft Maker Award) to complete a new body of sculptural collage work.
Qualifications:
Professional Development Award in Developing a Craft Practice SQCF Level 7, UHI, July 2022
Understanding Repair and Maintenance of Pre 1919 Buildings NVQ Level 3. Tywi Centre, 2016
Bench Joinery NVQ Level 2. South Devon College Sept 2014- August 2015
First class BA (Hons.) Fine Art: Sculpture Sept 2006-June 2009 Manchester School of Art
Foundation Diploma: Art and Design- distinction. Macclesfield College Sept 2005-June2006.
Exhibitions:
Reflections - Arteria Gallery Lancaster May-Sept 2025
Upland: Decade - Kirkcudbright Galleries Jan 18th-March 8th 2025
Spring Fling - Regional Open Studios 2023/4/5
Awards:
Emerging Turners Programme- I am part of the current cohort, training a new generation of professional woodturners. Organised through the Register of Professional Turners.
VACMA- May 2024 awarded to develop my wood turning skills by having a mentor to come and provide support in my workshop.
Emerge- From Jan - August 2023 I was a recipient of ‘Emerge’ as an early career maker- a bursary scheme provided by Upland Arts CIC
VACMA- In 2021, I received a South West Scotland VACMA (Visual Artist Craft Maker Award) to complete a new body of sculptural collage work.
Qualifications:
Professional Development Award in Developing a Craft Practice SQCF Level 7, UHI, July 2022
Understanding Repair and Maintenance of Pre 1919 Buildings NVQ Level 3. Tywi Centre, 2016
Bench Joinery NVQ Level 2. South Devon College Sept 2014- August 2015
First class BA (Hons.) Fine Art: Sculpture Sept 2006-June 2009 Manchester School of Art
Foundation Diploma: Art and Design- distinction. Macclesfield College Sept 2005-June2006.
- Rachel Ashcroft
- Goddess Vases
- Woodwork
- Rachel Ashcroft
- Shoreline Exchange #1 #2 #3
- Mixed Media
- Rachel Ashcroft
- Burry Oak Shelf with Mirror
- Furniture
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