I discovered my ability to make things on a micro-scale at the age of 5 or 6. I had a very difficult time at school due to unrecognised dyslexia and I used to spend hours in my own little micro-world studying insects, ants in particular, which I regarded as my little friends. From there I started making microscopic houses and playgrounds for them using matchsticks and splinters of wood. To encourage the ants to ‘use’ them, I coated them with sugar or honey. As I grew up, I progressed from carving matchsticks to twigs, to branches and eventually to tree trunks. Micro-sculpture remains my great passion – ‘little things really can mean a lot’! As a by-product of this work, I also taught myself to produce the delicate aircraft seen in the programme, which can fly for up to an hour powered by elastic.

Who has inspired your work?

Inspiration comes primarily from individuals both past and present who have achieved great things in life or overcome what might have seemed insurmountable obstacles or adversity to reach their goals.

What particular skills are needed to become a specialist in your field?

Patience, dedication, concentration and persistence. Physically my work requires A1 eyesight, breath control and steadiness of hand – I have never drunk alcohol nor have I drunk tea or coffee for years as any stimulant could upset the steadiness of my hands and general nervous system which would make it impossible to create micro-sculptures.

What do you particularly enjoy about your work?

Firstly finishing a piece! The work is so painstaking, and physically and mentally demanding, that I do not really enjoy the actual process of creating it. Secondly I enjoy the reactions of shock, pleasure and bewilderment that take place when people see my micro-miniatures. In contrast, carving large sculpture and making microfilm aircraft is very relaxing and relatively easy.

What is the most difficult aspect of the work?

Creating a piece, without breaking it, which is invisible to the naked eye and unbelievably delicate (many of my sculptures can only be measured in thousandths of an inch or fractions of a millimetre).

What do you mainly use as a source of ideas for your work?

Nature, great individuals, significant events and major landmarks – eg the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore – which I enjoy recreating in microscopic form. In some strange way these minute versions seem to have an even greater impact on people than the original.

For whom do you make the microfilm aircraft?

For my own enjoyment and relaxation in flying them or for friends.

For how long do you normally work each day?

My days rarely have a set pattern. Like most people I tend to work hardest and longest when I feel inspired. At other times I may go for many days doing very little. During these periods my mind and body have time to recover from the intense physical and mental draining process I go through when producing my micro-miniatures.

Are all your creations based on your knowledge of the properties of wood?

Many of them are, but in my micro-miniature work I also use many other materials from gold to eyelashes to specks of dust, fibres, plastics, paints and glues – I’m constantly searching for new materials that will allow me to create ever smaller and more intricate work.

Is there a particular piece of work you would like to make in the future?

Many! I’m already known for creating the smallest sculptures on earth but I’m the sort of person who is never satisfied with their work and always striving to achieve greater heights. My ultimate goal would have to be to carve atoms!