Chris Clay

Demetriou Studios_Portrait 2 - Christopher Clay_edited.png

Chris is a self-taught wood craftsman who loves trying out different ways of working with wood to create everything from one-of-a-kind art pieces to home décor and kitchenware.

After moving to Scotland just over two years ago, Chris found not only a new place to call home but also a fresh direction for his skills. Drawing on his background in traditional timber construction, he discovered a deep appreciation for woodturning after purchasing a lathe, and has been turning bowls and crafting distinctive pieces ever since. From his Perth workshop, Chris creates under the name Demetriou Studios - a name inspired by his wife, who’s also part of the business, helping keep everything running smoothly.

Aesthetic

Chris enjoys working in a wide range of styles, sometimes angular and detailed, other times soft and organic. Some pieces are sleek and polished, while others proudly show off natural cracks, live edges, and the raw character of the wood. He embraces it all, letting the material speak for itself.

Inspired by ceramicists work, Chris often uses texture and paint to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. His ideas come from shapes in the world around him or from letting the wood itself guide the form. Sometimes the wood chooses the project, other times, the project finds the right piece. It’s not uncommon for timber to sit on the shelf until the perfect idea emerges.

Practice

Chris combines traditional and modern techniques, working primarily with locally sourced wood, often windfallen when available. Most pieces begin on the lathe, shaped using a mix of chisels, rasps, and other tools, with additional shaping done using both power and hand tools as needed.

He uses carving and painting to add texture and colour, sometimes guided by the wood’s natural features, other times by a defined design or purpose. Each piece is carefully sanded and finished with a homemade oil and wax blend, then hand-buffed to achieve a rich, lasting sheen.