About
KARV by Gary Mann
Gary Mann is a wood artist creating unique, hand carved wooden vessels and ornaments with a focus on the traditional Japanese wood charring techniques of yakisugi and aburi. Working mainly with green wood his work is a fusion of traditional and modern wood carving techniques and the unpredictable nature of fire. These pieces exude a timeless quality, equally at home in a contemporary setting as a rustic one.
“How did it become my passion? A few years ago I was commissioned to make a large, black wooden centrepiece and decided to use fire to blacken it rather than stains or dyes. I was fascinated by the transformative effect fire had on wood. There’s something magical about how profoundly fire alters the wood’s appearance and texture, imbuing the pieces with a deep, rich, almost ancient-like patina. Working with green wood has led me to embrace the philosophy of wabi sabi and I have learned to enjoy the cracks and splits that occur during the making processes and welcome their appearance.”
Gary comes from a truly multidisciplinary background which includes interior, graphic, product and furniture design. He has been involved in a wide range of diverse projects from the design and build of a Thai style timber beach house in southern Thailand to stage sets for a famous burlesque club in London’s Soho district.
He is also trained in specialist decorating and restoration and has worked on numerous prestigious projects such as the penthouse suites at Claridge’s, Mayfair and a refurbishment of a Kensington townhouse where Winston Churchill once lived and died.
Wood is the ultimate sustainable material to work with and all the pieces are created from locally sourced, storm-fallen trees or from local arboriculturists. This breathes new life into timber whichwould otherwise be chipped or used for firewood.
Gary is an accredited member of the prestigious Crafts Council Directory where his work is showcased.
Karv Video's
All pieces are shipped in their own bespoke, fully recyclable crates.