Alice is a multi-skilled artist, designer and craftsperson from Scotland. She has been a potter, a printmaker, a textile designer and a sculptor, but of all the materials she’s had her hands on over the years, working with wood is where she feels most at home. She seeks to balance beauty and practicality in her furniture designs. Having worked for many years in immersive theatre and film as a prop-maker and set builder, Alice felt the strong desire to further explore her craft as a woodworker. Enrolling at the Centre for Fine Woodworking has provided her the space, time and guidance to realise her designs and visualise a future for herself as a full-time furniture maker.

low groove Cabinet

American Oak. Measures 92.5cm wide x 72.5cm high x 34.5cm deep.

curiosity box

American Ash & Ebonised American Ash. Measures 28cm wide x 15.5cm high x 17cm deep.

During my childhood in Brazil I had a few experiences with woodwork building roller karts and skin boards. My passion with the subject became stronger after 6 months of woodworking classes with Mr. Gregor at Logan Park High School in Dunedin. Already in love with woodworking I graduated as an Industrial Engineer specialising in wood process. After my graduation I set up a workshop making furniture, and designed and developed a few projects, but mostly conventional cabinets. At the Centre of Fine Woodworking I had the opportunity to learn and create with design freedom, and have enjoyed my time among wonderful teachers and students.

WATERS OF MARCH COFFEE TABLE

American White Ash, Kwila & Boulders. Measures 180cm wide x 46.5cm high x 55cm deep.

anakin vader chair

American Ash & American Walnut.

Kia Ora, my name is Cam Scott. I’ve always enjoyed building and working with my hands. At University I studied industrial design, but for a couple of reasons I had to make the decision to seek alternative education. I had previously studied with John Shaw through his mentorship programme and decided to put an application through for the full-time Furniture Makers’ Programme. In the year before I was able to start the programme I worked in furniture restoration. I am always looking for opportunities to expand my “toolbox”. Recently I have been accepted to study at the Williams & Cleal School of Fine Woodworking in England. I am pursuing a career in craftsmanship and have loved every minute of my time at CFW. I look forward to the future and can’t wait to see where my journey of woodworking takes me.

Tidal table

American White Ash, American Black Walnut & Glass. Measures 126cm wide x 53.5cm high x 49cm deep.

recluse’s throne

Sapele & Upholstery. Measures 57cm wide x 91cm high x 72cm deep.

Many moons ago I signed up for my first woodworking night classes in Gisborne. Losing the tip of my little finger during one of these sessions didn’t deter me from my love of the craft and my want to work with wood. The opportunity to learn at the Centre of Fine Woodworking has fuelled my desire to design and create functional furniture, I will continue to learn the craft and enjoy creating furniture well into my dotage. Whilst learning at CFW I’ve been fortunate to source beautiful timber, making the majority of my furniture from local New Zealand native Red Beech trees which have been milled from my husband’s family farm - Ridgeland Farm in Glenhope. To honour this special connection I have dedicated my work to members of the Midgley family.

the sammy chair

NZ Red Beech. Measures 90cm high x 42cm wide x 44cm deep.

CONNECTIONS TABLE

NZ Red Beech & American Walnut. Measures 41.5cm wide x 73cm high x 30cm deep.

the administration cabinet

Chestnut & American Walnut. Measures 76cm wide x 47cm high x 31cm deep.

The beech Bach boxes b3

BORA BOX | BOOZE BOX | BONKERS BOX

NZ Red Beech. Dimensions vary.

I was fascinated by wood from an early age but never followed this interest in my younger years. Life went by and I chose to do the “right” thing  and follow a career in the corporate world and for while forgot about my childhood passion.  I think this passion never left me completely, as I kept coming back to it by completing a few woodworking projects over the years . The last significant project was about three years ago when I converted a campervan. It was during this time  that I was reminded how much I loved working with wood and how it also feeds my soul. I had wanted to apply for this course about five years ago, so I knew I had to follow through this time and make this dream a reality. I have enjoyed and learnt lots during my journey over the last eight months. I plan to set up my own workshop at home in Raglan, to make furniture using the skills I have acquired during my time here at the Centre for Fine Woodworking.

Floating weave cabinet

American White Ash & Sapele. Measures 80cm wide x 140cm high x 35cm deep.

In the wind table

American White Ash & Sapele. Measures 134cm wide x 42cm high x 65cm deep.

DAN-ASH CHAIR

American White Ash & Danish Cord. Measures 47cm wide x 89cm high x 50cm deep.

For several decades I worked as a teacher, renovating houses and making pieces of furniture on the side. My materials were mainly recycled timbers and steel; modest pieces. Cabinetry time became increasingly scarce due to my schedule with Whitireia Polytech, so when that came to an end, I knew that it was now my time to do the course here. Thanks to the co-students, staff, teachers and the cohesion of the programme it’s been a collegial and transformative year. I feel very lucky. I especially respect the invisible design details and fine craft at the heart of furniture-making.

musician’s chair

Sapele, American Hard Maple & Leather Upholstery. Measures 35cm wide x 93cm high x 42cm deep.

CD and vinyl cabinet

American Hard Maple & Sapele. Measures 90cm wide x 96cm high x 46cm deep.

table

American Hard Maple, Wenge & Bird’s Eye Maple. Measures 61cm wide x 60cm high x 33cm deep.

I found out about the Centre for Fine Woodworking a few years ago and was keen to do the full time Furniture Makers’ Programme. Having worked in Telecommunications for 30+ years I felt that I needed to pursue something creative that taught me new skills, that produced something tangible and tactile that would last for many years. The tutors at the school have been incredible teachers, allowing me in a very short time to design and create some wonderful pieces that I’m personally proud of and that will hopefully lead to further woodworking projects.

matai chair

Matai & Upholstery. Measures 48cm wide x 91.5cm high x 49cm deep.

HALL TABLE

NZ Red Beech & American Hard Maple. Measures 130cm wide x 91.5cm high x 35cm deep.

drinks cabinet

American Cherry & American Walnut. Measures 97cm wide x 66cm high x 38cm deep.