Alexei Sawyer is a Gloucestershire-based wood artist creating one-off sculptural vessels rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. Self-taught, he has been turning wood since 2009, drawing on green woodworking, chair making and a background in visual design.
Working exclusively with locally sourced timber, much of it salvaged from disease, storm damage or woodland management, Alexei begins each piece by studying the grain, knots and bark inclusions before any tool touches the wood. Using the once-turned method, he achieves very fine walls, sometimes only 2–3mm, and lets the wood move as it dries, celebrating cracks, warping and natural growth marks rather than correcting them.
His practice is guided by sustainability: no epoxy or plastics, natural plant-based finishes, second-hand tools and minimal waste. Alexei contributes to contemporary craft by showing that considered, low-impact making can produce work with a strong sculptural presence.
Alexei joined Design-Nation in 2026.
