Former film and TV set decorator Peter Trott has turned his hobby of making spoons into a career
PETER Trott has been making wooden spoons ever since he was a child, and he’s managed to turn his hobby into a successful career.
NATURALLY, there are no silver spoons for Peter Trott
Peter Trott doesn’t mind being the one left holding the wooden spoon. In fact the former film and television set decorator wouldn’t have it any other way.
Since turning his back on his show business career last year Peter has ensconced himself in a workshop in Lauriston, Victoria, and dedicated himself turning out exquisite, handmade wooden spoons.
“I’ve always made spoons — ever since I was a little kid,” says Peter, whose industry credits include decorating sets for the Channel 10 series Offspring, the Kate Winslet feature film The Dressmaker and the Nicole Kidman’s upcoming movie Lion.
“It didn’t matter what sort of work I’ve been doing over the years I’ve kept up making spoons if I have a free day up in the shed, just as a bit of a hobby and a sideline thing.”
Today, it’s a fulltime gig for the 36-year-old father of one. Far from just churning them out, Peter crafts his signature utensils “the old way” using just an axe, a straight-bladed knife and a hook knife. “I use local green wood because it’s the best to work with and it’s how early Australians did things,” says Peter, who also makes assorted knick-knacks and furniture. “I reckon keeping these traditions alive is really important.”
Nowadays he’s teaching others the art of traditional woodworking. “It’s an amazing sort of hobby to have; it comes quite naturally after a while and its quite relaxing and everyone leaves at the end of the class and they’re all sort of blown away by what they’ve managed to achieve,” says today’s Australian of the Day.
“I really enjoy teaching people what I consider to be the absolute base, sort of soul way to do it. I think there’s a huge misconception that power tools are the answer to making quality items when it’s really just about improving your skill level and using the right tools — and the right tools for spoon carving just happen to be an axe and two knives.” And a large spoonful of passion.
CommBank has partnered with News Corp Australia to champion the Australian of the Day initiative which celebrates people in our neighbourhoods and communities who really make a difference to how we live and who we are. You can read all their stories at australianoftheday.com.au, where you can also nominate someone you know.
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