A WEST Devon painter and sculptor who creates pieces from recycled materials is exhibiting his work for the first time this weekend as part of Devon Open Studios.

Dave Woodhouse, 53 from Mary Tavy, started doing water colour painting after somebody bought him lessons with his favourite artist for his 50th birthday. He has been enjoying using the media ever since.

Dave, who is a self-employed builder, also creates large sculptures out of recycled materials and scraps he gets from his job.

He said he has been sculpting for quite some time now: 'I taught myself sculpting, as a builder I usually have scraps leftover from my everyday jobs.

'I have made a giant sunflower made of old hinges and a copper tank,

'I have a huge chain that came from a ferry with a copper feather that makes it look like it's floating and the newest one I have made is a thirty inch square cube made of lead. It is a dice that is stitched together with lead thread and stands to look as if it is rolling.'

Dave said it usually took him several months to finish a sculpture but he 'absolutely enjoys it'.

'I usually get a general idea of what I want to make, then I look for the materials and it takes several months to construct.'

His paintings take significantly less time in comparison, starting with a two minute charcoal sketch and taking him between one and two hours to complete.

Dave and his wife Pat have been supporters of the Devon Open Studios for many years and this year Dave decided to take part himself: 'We've been going to Devon Open Studios events for many years, visiting other people's studios.

'People kept saying I should join so this time I am.'

Dave will be opening his studio at St Raphael, Mary Tavy from Saturday until September 23.

The studio will be open everyday for the first week and then open for the three weekends after. It will not be open during the day in the second week. Pat will be providing guests with refreshments.

For more information contact Dave on 01822 810439.