From tide to timber
- Rob creates sculptural furniture, including chairs, benches and tables
- His lifelong connection to the sea shapes his way of making
- For him, creation is a slow conversation with place and material
After spending years on boats, Rob Street Carter learned dedication, intuition and the importance of understanding materials, such as wood, fabric and metal. These lessons, shaped by wind and water, now define his work as a sculptural furniture maker in North Wales. “By the sea, I feel closest to nature,” says Rob. “Out on open water, I can truly immerse myself in it.” That pursuit of closeness became a compass for his life and his entire approach to making. Rob's objects reflect the natural world’s shifting geometry, suggesting the roll of waves, the contours of eroded wood and the traces left by ebbing tide. Through handwork, traditional methods, imaginative vision and a finely tuned sense of proportion, he allows the movements of nature to settle into stillness and enduring form.
Interview
- How did you develop your skills?
- I have always trusted curiosity to guide my hands. Early fascination with boats and timber led to me tree surgery and set design, each teaching me something new. I learned a lot from books and spent some time studying fine art and sculpture, mostly enjoying the freedom to try things.
- What does your furniture making process look like?
- I always get ideas, but they need time to grow. The rural landscape around me provides a constant stream of inspiration that often pushes me forward. I refine these ideas in my mind and research structure and technique. When the plan feels fully formed, I carry out the physical work.
- When do you consider that a piece is finalised?
- I allow the right moment to arrive organically. I take the furniture home, live with it a little, and only when the time feels right I add the final touches. It is a long process, but this is how I know that a piece is finally complete.
- How do collaborations fit into your work?
- I have worked with a wide range of materials over the years and developed a strong interest in other crafts, especially those that use resources from my local area. I am fascinated by how well wood combines with leather or Welsh wool. I enjoy experimenting on my own, but I am also keen to collaborate with other artisans and learn from their expertise.
Rob Street Carter is a rising star: he began his career in 2017
Where
Rob Street Carter
