Drawing upon more than three decades of experience working with wood as both a furniture maker and sculptor, Duke creates objects that reflect the simple things that enrich everyday life and remind us of our essential relationship with nature. Over the past ten years, his work has gradually shifted away from the functional constraints and precision of traditional cabinet making with stable, kiln-dried timber toward more sculptural pieces hewn from large sections of green unseasoned wood. As he describes it, this change in direction has given him “the freedom to engage in a close dialogue with wood, embracing the movement and imperfections that emerge during the drying process.”

"My sculptures and vessels are crafted over a period of several months using a combination of traditional hand and power tools to shape forms and hollow out vessels. Fire also plays a vital role in my work. The intense heat causes the green timber to warp and buckle, with cracks and voids appearing, that illuminate the internal landscapes of my vessels. Experimental techniques including sandblasting, more scorching, bleaching, brushing, and burnishing highlight the grain, creating an intriguing interplay of light on highly tactile surfaces.

The timber used for my sculptures is sourced from local trees that have been windblown or felled due to instability or disease. Through my work I aspire to capture the essence and spirit of these trees and celebrate the magical gift of wood, one of the closest connections we have with the natural world."