The past few months have been wonderfully colourful here in my Kerikeri studio. The river is busy with swimmers, the town is warming up for Christmas, and I’m chipping away on my final project for the year.. more on that later.
KOAST Art Exhibition
Often, as a maker, drilling into commission after commission, I start to long for a bit of community contact. Lately, I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to a few local goings ons.
This year was my first time taking part in the KOAST Art Trail, and what a pleasure it was. Over the four day Labour Weekend, I had a constant stream of visitors wandering through the workshop. While I don’t have a gallery, everything I build is made to order, it was refreshing to open the doors, talk through my design process, and share what excites me about the craft.
Working with Schools – Garden to Table Trust
Vanessa works for Garden to Table, a charity whose mission is to teach children how to grow, cook, and enjoy their own food. Setting up vegetable growing on school grounds, cooking and “learning!” how to eat vegetables is their specialty.
I love their ethos and enjoy hearing of the positive changes Garden to Table implements across the country.
Our local school, Riverview Primary, needed a hand teaching the children how to build growing frames so I was delighted to spend the morning connecting with the kiddies via the language of making.
Collection Destined for Waiheke Island
Last week, a collection of three pieces headed off to their new home on Waiheke Island. The clients had recently moved into a beautiful, minimalist, Japanese inspired home and were after handmade pieces that would complement the space with simple, considered lines.
The pieces we chose were the Vaeda dining table, Elaine bench seat and a custom design, a deep cabinet for the gym.
Introducing a new design is always a challenge, but this cabinet was a delight to build. The end grain feature was influenced by my Parkins and Sheffield seats and sits beautifully alongside the handcut dovetails. The piece has a grand yet welcoming feel.
Keepsake Box
From time to time I’m asked to celebrate a new baby’s entry to the world. To have a special box where the baby’s first memories are kept is a real treasure. This was a commission from a grandmother, and now her second box for her second grandchild. We chose a particularly beautiful piece of Walnut which I’d set aside for a bookmatched panel.
Audio Shelf
As many of you know, audio is one of my great passions. Creating furniture that enhances a listening experience is something I find deeply enjoyable.
My friend Chris (a highly skilled metalworker) and I have been collaborating on an upcoming audio rack design.
The problem with most audio racks is they are dull and utilitarian. The idea with this piece is to create a compact, cantilevered shelf that can support audiophile equipment, manage cables effectively, all whilst looking crafted and handmade.
Too much to ask? We would love your feedback on these renders.
The End of Locally Grown Walnut?
Looking ahead to next year, I had a sobering chat with my supplier of locally grown Walnut. Alan’s timber stores are running low. I have one final load pencilled in for early next year, and it may be the last from his farm.
This timber has been an extraordinary resource, full of character, warmth, and story. It brings me real satisfaction knowing his plantation has been honoured in pieces that will be passed down through generations.
If you’ve been considering a piece in locally grown Walnut, this may be the final opportunity for some time.
Thanks everyone for your support this year. Have an extraordinary Christmas and I’ll be in touch early next year with some exciting new pieces, holiday adventures and more stories from the shop.