Biography John O'Leary gained a degree in Fine Art: Sculpture   from the University of Staffordshire, UK, and after graduating began to develop his skills as a woodworker. In 1999, he continued with further training at the University of Birmingham, UK, completing a Higher Education Certificate in The History and Practice of Woodcarving, under the tutelage of Master Carver Michael Painter. Established in Birmingham in 2001, John the Wood   operated from a workshop in North London for 3 years, before moving to Victoria Point, Queensland in October 2008. John and Jessica O'Leary were married on the 14th of July 2006