Meet Masuma.

Masuma Rahim didn't start her career as a wood turner, but she has always had a strong interest in working with her hands. Starting with metalwork at school, her interest in wood developed later at home, where she took on various DIY projects. This eventually led her to buy a lathe and teach herself how to turn wood.

As she improved her skills, Masuma established her brand, Urban Wood. Her work is influenced by her East African and Indian heritage and she focuses on creating practical, everyday pieces. She often uses rare woods such as mango wood, afromosia, padauk and beli to create her pieces.

Masuma is particularly interested in the way form, texture and the process of turning come together in her work. Her pieces are designed to reflect the connection between human and nature, showing how the natural variations of wood can be similar to the unpredictability of life.

Masuma's work has been exhibited at various galleries and festivals, including Handmade Oxford and Handmade Chelsea, where her pieces have gained attention and appreciation.