“The first port of call with a design is to collect images from various angles showing the anatomical structure of the pet, then confirm the relative height and width. The size and detail of each pet will determine how many laminations are required. Currently, I am making a full-size koala. 

Once I established the overall size and proportion, I laminated 13 layers of 12mm plywood together for each half of the pet. I make the pets in halves which enables me to generate a cavity in the center to make them lighter and to help reduce stress caused by temperature change. The pets can be roughed out while in two pieces. 

That also makes access to various parts like arm pits easier. When the two halves are eventually joined and balanced, the carving continues until something resembling a pet evolves.”