The Otter Project: Week 1 – Selecting the Olive Wood

1 July 2026 /

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The Otter – From the Layia Grove to the Workbench

The Origins This project begins with a 300-year-old piece of olive wood, sourced locally from the groves here in Layia. At approximately 7 inches in diameter and 2 feet in length, this 5kg block carries centuries of Mediterranean history, and today I am beginning the process of revealing the story hidden within.

The Daily Rhythm Working in the DoodLynn Den follows the rhythm of the Cyprus climate. My days start early in the cool of the morning to manage the temperature, continuing into the quiet of the late evenings once the heat has subsided.

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The Process

  • The first phase involved stripping away the old, weathered bark to reveal the raw heartwood beneath, as seen in the top image

  • Once the surface was clean, I began the marking-out process, carefully mapping the otter’s form based on how the wood’s grain flows, which you can see beginning to take shape.

Looking Ahead Working with olive wood is a challenge of patience and precision. As the carving progresses, I plan to address the natural character of the wood by filling the deep cracks with a blend of burnt olive wood and specialised glues, ensuring the final piece remains a seamless, unified story which will follow very soon.