In the year 2000 I ventured into the world of Primary School teaching. After 15 years I was looking for something a bit different. The confines of the classroom were too restricting for me.
I was given the opportunity to take my classroom out into a wood within the school’s grounds. With no restrictions to space it was a fantastic environment to teach and learn through hands-on experience. I taught in the wood for five wonderful years before starting my company Oakey Bear.
Initially I was going to deliver Outdoor Learning and ‘one off’ Wow Days/Curriculum Enhancement Days full time to Primary Schools. Then COVID lockdown hit and this is where I accidentally found myself starting a career as a teacher and as a sculptor!
I divide my time between teaching in schools and making bespoke willow sculptures for homes and businesses. I have regular schools that I teach in weekly and also deliver ‘one off’ Curriculum Enhancement Days.
During the first lockdown I was aware that I wasn’t covered by furlough as I had just started the company. Whilst at home I decided to 'free my mind' by making a life sized human sculpture. I had always had a passion for sculpting since my A-levels. I had never used willow before but I placed the finished sculpture in my front garden. I started to get knocks on the door and letters posted through my letterbox asking for commissions. That was the start of Oakey Bear Sculptures!
Now in my fourth year, I have been fortunate enough to make hundreds of sculptures for homes, businesses, castles and even Royalty! One of the most exciting parts of my newfound career is that I never know where the sculpting may take me. I was always told that art was a 'hobby' and not a career. I am happy to say that this isn't true.
My company name Oakey Bear was formed due to my surname and a close encounter with a Black Bear in Pennsylvania, whilst working in America for a few years in my 20's.
In 1998 I was out walking through a forest. It was late evening and there had just been a mighty storm. The light was fading. As I turned a corner I came face to face with the biggest Black Bear I had even seen!
For what seemed like an eternity, we stared into each other’s eyes. The situation was strangely calm; it rose up on its back legs and then calmly walked away.
Although the encounter only lasted a couple of minutes, the event had a long lasting positive effect on me. My company name Oakey Bear was formed due to my surname and this close encounter.
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