A celebration of creativity in natural wood
ABOUT
John Snelling
Artofworks is a journey of creativity into natural wood. The creator is the sculptor and artist John Snelling.
From his hideaway west of Aberdeen John distils his intuitive ideas into wood curvature which forms the basis of his art.
Through life-affirming projects in contemporary house construction, to minimalist furniture design, John has now established a creative world of distinctive wood sculpture.
Sculpture design
My sculptured pieces, set in a frame, are designed for any contemporary space.
Each piece emanates from my original concept carved in wood and epitomised by 'Follow the Grain' (currently exhibiting at Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum).
2026
Follow the Grain
His latest sculpture submission is currently showing at Aberdeen Art Gallery as part of the Aberdeen Artists’ Society’s exhibition Response - ‘Into the Light’.
This artwork entitled ‘Follow the Grain’ pays homage to Keith Rand and his renowned works ‘Into the Light Blue’ and ‘Into the Light Crimson’.
The exhibition runs from 24 January to 24 May 2026.
Commissions
Commissions based on close iterations of this artwork are now available!
Each is an original in its own right. Each is crafted and sculpted to produce its own unique image.
I love this work. It excites and delivers joy.
Join the creative process by commissioning your own original wood sculpture.
2024
Strata E/W and
Strata N/S
In 2024 John’s entries - two sculpted pieces - Strata E/W and Strata N/S - were both shown at the Heinzel Gallery, Aberdeen as part of the Aberdeen Artists’ Society’s ‘Squaring Up’ exhibition.
Furniture design
Limited editions of the TYOTO coffee table are now available. TYOTO TWO is by commission only.
2020-2024
TYOTO Table
Minimal components and simplicity are key to this interpretation of the ubiquitous coffee table. The sole ingredients are Scandinavian birch ply and glass.
The crafted legs are coated in a medium-oak stain and supplied in 10 mm toughened glass.
TYOTO Table
Standard at 800 mm diameter - £400
Small at 500 mm diameter - £300
TYOTO TWO
Commission only
2019
Ottoman
Using European oak he created a modern twist to an essential household storage item - the Ottoman.
INSIGHT
Insight into Artofworks
“In working with the wood, I am always impressed by the way it yields up its secrets to me and allows me to hone my craft. Timber has its own beauty.
“I work to a few original plans and rough sketches - nothing too rigid. As I work with the wood it reveals its own natural design and distinctive features.”
Enquiries
For commission requests, enquiries regarding available works or for additional information about existing pieces, please feel free to get in touch.