Green Wood Chairs
Handmade by Alison Ospina
“The bark of the hazel is sometimes coloured with lichens, other times it’s shiny and silver. It is always smooth and beautiful, as is the stripped and polished wood beneath. The stems grow so tall and straight, it’s as if nature intended them for chair making!”
Alison's work is currently on display and available to purchase in the following locations:
Blue House Gallery, Schull, Christmas Show, until December 23rd
Cnoc Buí, Union Hall, Christmas Members Show, until December 17th
The Craft Shop, Bantry
Kilcoe Studios, Ballydehob
From my home to yours
Over the last 25 years Alison Ospina has developed her own distinct approach to chair design and construction.
Her green wood designs begin with the materials.
“Working with the natural shapes and curves of the hazel is a dynamic process - like a conversation between the tree and the chair maker.”
In West Cork she found a special energy in the landscape that stirs the spirit and stimulates creativity.
She lives just outside the small town of Skibbereen with her husband, their dog and pony, and is happiest when making chairs, teaching, and sharing her passion for craft with other artists, craftspeople, customers and students.
"Making chairs makes people smile"
Alison is a skilled and experienced teacher and has been sharing her unique approach and philosophy with a wide variety of students for over 20 years. She also hopes to inspire a larger audience to ‘have a go’ at making their own green wood chairs and stools through her books, which include step-by-step instructions on how to make your own beautiful furniture at home.
