Meet Ash Pales, Sculptural Woodworker, London, UK
Ash Pales is a woodworker creating sculptures and functional works in wood, including products, freestanding furniture, and architectural millwork. Practicing under her own name since 2020, her work is informed by a background in architecture and a hands-on approach to material experimentation.
Based primarily in the UK, Ash works out of her workshop in London while maintaining strong ties to Colorado, where she is originally from. This connection continues to influence her approach to material, particularly in her use of locally sourced timber and her interest in natural forms.
In this Maker Feature, Ash shares how her architectural background shaped her approach to making, what guides her material and finishing decisions, and what she is currently focused on in her workshop.
Who are you and what do you specialize in?
My name is Ash Pales and I create sculptures and functional works in wood. My projects include products, freestanding furniture, and architectural millwork.
How long have you been practicing? How did you get started?
I’ve been practicing since 2020. I studied architecture, and my education was very hands-on in material experimentation. I began to think of architecture more broadly than just the spaces we inhabit, but also all of the materials and objects within that space.
I had always been drawn to wood as a material, and as my formal education progressed so did my love for making. I got my first commission in 2020 and have continued to push myself from there.
What inspires your designs and choice of materials?
I primarily work with local timber, especially that which has been felled due to natural causes. I seek to bring new life to these materials which might otherwise be deemed as ‘waste’. Therefore, my designs are often most inspired by the qualities of the wood itself. Features and forms that might be difficult to work with become guiding forces.
When I carve, I am inspired by the motifs and movement of nature, particularly wind and water, and I continually return to the landscape for inspiration, especially where I am from in the American West.
A few people who have served as long-time inspirations of mine are JB Blunk, Leroy Setziol, and Zanine Caldas.
What part of the process do you get the most satisfaction from?
For me, the most satisfying part of the woodworking process is often right at the beginning. I’ve worked with a lot of green wood and raw timber, and there is something magical about peeling away the bark or removing a top layer of dirt to get a first look at the wood grain!
What’s your favourite type of project to work on?
My favourite projects are those which combine different scales of details and techniques. For example, combining traditional joinery with freeform, hand-carved elements. From far away, the work communicates one thing, but up close, new details begin to reveal themselves.
What do you value most in a wood finish?
Eco-friendliness is always important in my work. Beyond that I would say durability.
We’ve asked you to share some of your favourite pieces finished with Osmo, can you tell us what makes them special to you?
The projects that I’ve shared are at different scales and feature different wood species and techniques of making. Some part of each piece was an experiment. Cumulatively, these are all special to me in that they reflect the effort, learning, and growth leading to end products that I am proud of.
How do you feel about maintaining Osmo-finished pieces?
I feel that woodworking is a labor of love, and upkeep and maintenance are extensions of that labor. Maintaining a finished piece allows me to return to the work and to remain connected to the living material.
How do you choose your wood finishes?
What I choose to finish my wood projects depends on both the type of wood and the desired outcome. For example, I’ve found that walnut responds better to some finishes than others. And lately, I’ve been experimenting with wood bleach and wood lye, which look beautiful when finished with something neutral or white-pigmented. Overall, I would say finding the right finish is a (fun) process of trial and error!
Do you have any advice for someone entering woodworking?
My advice would be to not fear making mistakes and to set aside time for experimenting, especially with ideas or methods that you haven’t seen done before.
What woodworking tool can you not live without?
Right now, it’s got to be my Arbortech ball gouge!
What is something you wish you knew sooner in your woodworking career?
I wish I knew more about working with green wood. The first piece of wood I ever carved was very green. I left it out overnight and came back the next day to find it had completely cracked. Since then, I’ve grown to love working with green wood, but I now know that it requires patience, care, and specific conditions to dry properly. I also appreciate that these cracks can be part of the beauty of working with a ‘living’ material.
Where do you shop for finishes and materials?
I search for materials by asking local tree surgeons and visiting timber merchants who sell local wood. I’ve also found some great pieces of wood from independent sellers on Facebook Marketplace!
In the UK, I shop for finishes online at Wood Finishes Direct and in person at my local Brewers Decorators Centre. In the US, I shop in person at my local Woodcraft.
What are you most excited about this year?
This year comes with some big changes, including moving my workshop from London up to Oxford. I have two upcoming commissions that I’m excited about, both working with local trees which hold significance to the clients. Overall, I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my carving techniques and setting aside more time for experimentation in the workshop!
Do you follow makers or brands online for inspiration? If yes, which ones?
Yes! I follow and am continually inspired by the work of Eleanor Lakelin, Julian Watts, Ernst Gamperl, Nic Webb, Caleb Woodard, and Kito Kurashi.
What is your favourite Osmo product?
My favourite Osmo product is the Wood Wax Finish Clear Extra Thin. I love how it absorbs into darker woods, magnifying the tones – especially in walnut. It’s the kind of finish that feels effortless.
Where can people find you?
I’m primarily based out of my workshop in London, UK. You will occasionally catch me back home in Colorado as well.
Instagram: @ash.pales
Website: https://ashpales.com/
