Mathieu Jones is a craftsperson specialised in making unique and functional hand-crafted wooden objects. Mat lives and works in East London. He learned his craft at London Green Wood, a cooperative workshop run out of Hackney City Farm. Woodworking started for him as a creative outlet from his career in finance, but that eventually became an all-consuming passion. He largely uses hand tools, employing a mix of traditional and contemporary techniques. Working in this manner allows him to enter a meditative flow state that connects him with the natural materials he uses. He works with green, locally grown timber which is sourced from the by-products of London’s tree management system. The transformation of wood that would otherwise go to waste into beautiful objects is a large motivational force for him. Once he has finished shaping the piece, it is carefully allowed to dry. As all the remaining moisture from the tree leaves the timber, the piece will shift and warp in a predictable, but uncontrollable manner. Pieces that were originally turned perfectly round will become slightly oval shaped. Lines that were carved dead straight will curve. The interaction between this natural process and the maker is beautiful and freeing. Mat leaves a tool finish on his work that he believes conveys the characters of the timber as well as the maker.
