With years of enjoying woodwork as a hobby, Pete Rix took the leap into a new full-time labour of love meticulously making rocking horses. Using traditional methods in his workshop Pete explains he enjoys “making things with my hands” and stresses the importance of moving away from the computer in these times.

In a pandemic world where Zoom calls and webinars have become the norm, it’s great to be reminded of the physicality of manual work and the joy it can eventually bring to families. And the film highlights these attributes well.

His passion also comes across with a keenness to make something that lasts through time. And the documentary delivers a tender portrait of the techniques and traditional hand-crafted work that goes into creating these life-like fillies. 

In a number of talking head interviews, the considerate designer explains that his creativity is enhanced by the knowledge that further creativity comes from children’s imaginations who enjoy the end result.

From carving and sanding, the playthings are brought to life and Rix shares a sculpture of his dog’s head which is as realistic as anything you’re likely to see on an historical marble statue.

With insight into the little-known aspects of the processes Pete uses, the documentary explains how the horses are created from start to finish and the painstaking efforts it takes to finally finish them.

Although it doesn’t throw anything truly new into the documentary format, director Dean Harris takes you along for a gentle and satisfying ride with this fascinating portrait. And “Shape, Refine” ends by showing the filmmaker can also sculpt his own skilful short by providing a measured look at a lost art.