Meet the Artist
I have always had a deep appreciation for natural materials and wood in particular. I find myself compelled to work with my hands to create art pieces suggested by the wood I find and the landscapes I love.
I am at my most content when with my tools. In a world full of the mediocre and mass production masquerading as art and craft, I am determined to skillfully create something beautiful that someone thoughtful will appreciate.
I don’t have a story of hardships overcome, or a quirky ‘brand Fiona’ to sell you, but if you want to know a little more...
I studied Industrial Design, Furniture Restoration and Craftsmanship in the 90s, but gave up my studies to get over some ill health and then bring up my son. Then, I took to working with young people with additional needs and behavioural difficulties.
All along, I took sanctuary in working wood. Making chairs, guitars and cajon drums on the side and finally decided that I needed to get back to making full time in 2012.
The Process
No lasers, CNC or 3D printing here!
I use chisels, knives, a Hegner single speed scrollsaw and many hours of skill and patience to bring my ideas to life.
Working in native and rescued timbers, I create intricate landscapes, silhouettes and keepsakes. Pieces emerge over many hours of by cutting by hand with a scrollsaw. Skill and attention to the material is required, nothing is perfect, nor is it able to be reproduced endlessly at the push of a button. All works are unique, one off pieces.
I explore what imagery the timber offers up in the grain pattern, the contrasts within the wood itself, or simply weave the beauty of the wood into my designs.
People have had some nice things to say over the years and some have been kind enough to allow me to talk about my work, below are some links and articles.
Interview with The Heseltine Gallery - check it out here
Scrollsaw & Woodworking Magazine Article Winter 2020
Testimonials from customers and fellow woodworkers.
Steve G
“ When I saw Fiona's work I told my wife I needed a new hobby. I have been scrolling for many years and honestly don't know how she achieves all of that veining and small internal cuts without breaking more pieces than she could repair. I know people who I consider the best in the world and I genuinely believe she surpasses them”
“Sometimes artists are so talented that their work just makes you stop and take a breath. I am surprised that I had not come across her work before now. You would think people would be screaming her name”
Bill W I had never heard of Fiona Kingdon before. She is an amazing talent, blending creative artistry with impressive craftsmanship to create these unique and beautiful works of art. In the 20+ years or so that I've been scrolling, I've been blessed and humbled to see traditional scrolling branch off into so many different directions. It truly has been a site to behold and Ms. Kingdon's work just takes it up another notch. I wonder if her work/patterns will ever make it into the scrolling mainstream? She deserves recognition for what she has accomplished.
Steve "I just can't seem to find the right word to describe the beauty and grace of those works
http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/forums/topic/32652-truly-humbled/
“None of us has ever seen anything to compare, and like myself, all are humbled after seeing your work”
I was truly stunned when I saw her work. And the more I looked into her, the more I kept coming across. Truly world class!
Tamsin R
Absolutely stunning. These are beautiful, wonderful things, full of life and energy, and created with extraordinary skill.
Geoff W -I have just taken delivery of an exquisite Three Hares piece - beautiful fretwork in an oak plaque - how DO you do this Fiona? It is impossibly fine! If anyone out there is thinking about buying a piece from Fiona - stop thinking about it and do it. You will be glad you did.
Best Made Local - Stony Stratfod visitor comments:
‘beautiful pieces and quality precision work’ ‘exquisite work ’ ‘very artistic’ ‘stunning’ ‘never seen anything like it before almost lace like’ ‘clever & creative”
David S “Thanks again, I cannot fault your product or service and would be delighted to purchase more artwork from you in the future”
Cheryl D “I love it - thank you so much! The good news is I love the work even more 'in the wood' - many thanks! “The detail involved in your work is incredible and the colour and detail in the oak really compliment the piece”
Bug Bear - Weird and Wonderful Wood visitor – “My favourite works of the whole show was this lady Fiona Kingdon was showing some jaw dropping stuff for all that wonderful creativity skill and effort what she was charging struck me as very reasonable “ . “Some of her pieces entailed blind hole blade changing numbered in the hundreds
UK workshop forum CHJ / powertools," There was a young lady there showing some brilliant examples of her scroll work, I spent some time discussing the details of how she worked and complimenting her on the fine detail of her work. Some of her work was astounding for its complexity and fine cutting detail. But alongside that dense detail work were other very subtle pieces such as this (link) Which to me shouts Art as much as Craft”.
Re: “Wow! I can see why you were engrossed, spectacular skill involved and a great artistic ability too”