BEN TINDALL

Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2022

I am an aspiring wood worker based here in Whakatū.

I am fascinated by wood and feel privileged to be able to explore the beauty and functionality of this material within the time honoured techniques of my craft. I enjoy using hand tools and machines to make my bespoke pieces.

My furniture making journey began working as a joiner, where I gained an apprenticeship through BCITO. After discovering James Krenov’s books, a strong pull to pursue furniture deeper led me in 2022 to the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s full time programme. In 2023, my Embrace cabinet was included in Australian Wood Review’s Top 100 Maker of the Year awards.

I hope to build pieces for people to enjoy for generations to come and to add a sense of warmth to their lives. I am mindful of our impact on the planet and try to use as many reclaimed materials as possible, while always seeking responsibly sourced timber.

A Pair of Corded Chairs - American Maple & Danish paper cord 540w x 840h x 560d

This chair is a progression from a recent design of a corded bench seat. I’m aiming for something simple and elegant, with maybe a touch of flair.

SAUL PARKINSON

Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2018 Recipient of the 2024

Scholarship for the Residency Programme

I'm a recently established full-time furniture maker based in Auckland. I work mostly on one-off and small run commissions, and am developing my own line of made to order furniture & lighting.

Earlier this year I was awarded the scholarship to attend the 6 week residency programme at the Centre for Fine Woodworking, with renowned Canadian furniture maker Michael Fortune. I focussed my time on developing this table's design and construction challenges, which was a fantastic growth experience.

My designs often contain simple geometric forms, patterns, progressive curves, and elegant shaping. I love working together with clients to create beautiful bespoke designs, fit for purpose, and built to last.

‘Moiré’ - Entrance / Display Table American Ash & Glass 760mm x 890mm x 370mm

This table is the second piece I have made based on this visual concept. The ideas emerged from an interest in pattern-based forms, combined with a desire to explore if I could create a dynamic moiré effect in a wooden piece of furniture. Moiré patterns are seen when sets of lines are overlaid and shapes emerge from the visual intersection of the different layers. All 36 legs on the table are steam bent, as is the frame holding the glass top. The overall structure is the combination of the progressively curved legs meeting multiple curves defining the opening at the top, the outline of the legs on the floor, and the curve formed as the legs cross over the centre line.

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by:

KEREN OERTLY

Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2022

Recipient of an Endowed Fellowship at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, ME with Nick Hardy 2024

Recipient of an Emerging Artist Residency at the Centre for Fine Woodworking 2024

Keren Oertly was born in Huiterangi Switzerland, and grew up between Switzerland and Aotearoa New Zealand. Her love of wood began at an early age, when her parents refurbished a sixteenth century flour mill in Neerach, which operated as a living museum and family home in the years that followed.

Keren’s training is in the visual arts, where she received a BFA (Hons) from Central St Martins (2011) in London, UK, followed by an MFA (Sculpture) from Ilam School of Fine Arts in Ōtautahi Christchurch (2018). Through Te Waipounamu South Island-based social enterprise Rekindle, Keren reconnected with wood working, and in 2022, she began training as a furniture maker at the Centre for Fine Woodworking.

In her object production, Keren seeks to structure her ideas of place, heritage, memory and identity, as a way of negotiating between different senses and experiences of home.

Keren’s Website and Instagram

‘Wrapped Table’ Sculptural table - Aotearoa New Zealand Red Oak, low iron toughened glass, floor linoleum 575mm x 575mm x 575mm

“Wrapped Table” is a sculptural table that follows a throughline from the tradition of the Stammtisch, or meeting table, which is a regular feature in community settings in eastern Switzerland. A Stammtisch offers a place for people to gather and discuss politics, philosophy and local matters, often debating and organising around important issues. Likewise, this table seeks to offer a welcome space for gathering and connection, around which new traditions might accumulate and develop. Like a small piece of architecture, this works seeks to cross different spatial thresholds, and proposes a kind of reorienting object. The corrugated exterior alludes to a preservation of the things we value in times of flux and transience.

Keren acknowledges the generous support provided by Arts Council Nelson, the Centre for Fine Woodworking, David Haig, Lou Fuller, Make Furniture, Kelvin Atkinson, Alison Oertly and Michael Ryan in the production of this work.

Tēnei te mihi ngākau ki a koutou katoa. Heartfelt thanks to you all.

ALICE KNIGHT

Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2023 & Workshop Assistant

Alice is a multi-skilled artist, designer and craftsperson from Scotland. She has been a potter, 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 desire to further explore her craft as a woodworker. Enrolling at the Centre for Fine Woodworking in 2023 provided her the space, time and guidance to realise her designs and visualise a future for herself as a furniture maker. Currently Alice is continuing her woodworking adventure at the Centre as a technician and workshop assistant.

‘Mirage’ - Wall Hung Cabinet - 656mm x 344mm x 232mm

A dovetailed cabinet made from locally grown Elm and Red Oak. The tambour sliding doors open to reveal a central drawer and a familiar feeling landscape made from spalted Red Oak and framed by ebonised Elm.

Inspired by the idea of being in one place physically and another place far away in your mind, real or imagined. Let this cabinet draw you in and transport you somewhere else.

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by:

HAPE KIDDLE

Centre for Fine Woodworking Tutor

As a sculptor and jeweller I have been working for many years refining a language in shape and form that reflects my deep connection to the natural world. Our relationship to it is at the heart of all my enquiries and my work is a reflection on the spiritual connection humans have to all of ecology.

My work demonstrates the development of this language through the mediums of wood, stone and precious metals.

For more than a decade I have also shared my love of making things by hand. There is a slowing down and reconnection to self that happens in this process that is something that really resonates for my students. I conduct both in person and online carving workshops via zoom which have been very well received.

‘Holding Memories’ - Hand Carved Sculpture 500mm x 230mm x 230 mm Huon Pine

‘Falls Like Rain’ - Hand Carved Sculpture 430mm x 170mm x 170 mm Huon Pine, Steel

JOSEPHINE JELICICH

Furniture Makers’ Programme graduate of 2018

Recipient of the 2020 Scholarship for the Michael Fortune Apprenticeship Programme

I first studied at art school at Massey University in Wellington. After trying out being an artist for a year I realised I was craving more practical knowledge and found my calling in furniture. I was able to complete the full time Furniture Makers’ programme in Nelson at the Centre for Fine Woodworking in 2018.

Since then I have been designing and making furniture in Auckland, mostly commission work as well as some creative projects with more freedom. Recent exhibits include ‘Out of Kare Kare’ a group show at Season Gallery alongside other participating artists from a 2022 residency, and a collaborative show with my partner Claudia Kogachi at Laree Payne gallery in Hamilton called ‘Nina for Flowers’. Alongside furniture I have been working as a technician in art galleries installing artworks and at the Auckland University School of Architecture. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to be a fellow for two months at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine, USA.

Article in Homestyle Magazine

Triangle Cabinet - American Cherry & Pearwood - 410mm x 485mm x 375mm

This triangle cabinet came about during my recent time spent as a fellow at the. Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine , USA. I spent one week out of my eight weeks making lots of models for cabinets in a relaxed way, trying to explore as many ideas as possible and break a little out of the usual square form I am usually drawn too.

When shaping a piece of the Cherry timber I came across this curved triangle shape and decided to explore it further in full size with a frame and panel construction. I began making this piece in Maine and took it home in parts in my check-in luggage to complete for this show. It might be considered that this cabinet isn’t the most practical shape but I like to think it could hold special items like a trophy or a prized whisky and be appreciated in an object of itself.

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by:

Gloria Hildred

Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2023

Workshop Assistant

Gloria Hildred (Taranaki) is a furniture-maker and occasional musician (bass). Based most of her adult life in Paekakariki she also worked at Whitireia School of Music, renovated several houses and made furniture for the local cafes and deli. In Whakatū she studied in the 2023 fulltime course at the Centre of Fine Woodworking, and currently works part-time as the Workshop Assistant.

Coffee Table - American Maple and Sapele 970m x 440 x 435

The legs were inspired by the Miyazu Japanese Gardens here in Nelson.

THORKILD HANSEN

3/6/1969 - 6/11/2021 Student, Tutor, Mentor & Maker

Thorkild was born into a creative family environment - his father Jens Hansen was the renowned Danish silversmith and much of Thorkild's former working life was spent designing and creating jewellery in the family business.

After a change in career to furniture making and teaching, Thorkild's furniture design was an amalgam of Danish modernist design, exploring functional simplicity with a focus on materiality within the tradition of fine woodworking.

Thorkild inspired so many, many of our past and existing students and was a vital part in the success of the school throughout the twelve years he taught.

Thorkild & Helen worked tirelessly together and were major contributors to the school’s success. Think of Batman & Robin; Good Cop/Bad Cop; annoying brother & sister – the workshop is a quieter place without you friend.

Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā, e hoa We hold you in our hearts

Bench Seat - Sapele - 540mm x 392mm x 410mm

This was the last piece of furniture made by Thorkild designed to be taught as a future 2-week course

The memorial tree is a native Red Beech. One of Thorkild’s favourite timber species.

It will be planted in the grounds of the wood school.

DAVID HAIG

Centre for Fine Woodworking Co-founder, Tutor, Mentor & Trustee

David Haig has been a full time furniture designer and maker for over 40 years. He works from a studio workshop at his home in Cable Bay, where he has lived with his family since 1980. He married his English girlfriend, Clare in 1977, and they have three sons and 6 grandchildren. He is strongly influenced by the intense beauty of his surroundings, and a Platonic philosophy that places a high value on connecting with creative archetypes. His work is an attempt to bring some of those qualities into the material world. He grew up in the UK. and moved to New Zealand to join his family here in 1976 after completing a BA in History from Oxford university, and retains a strong interest in politics, social and cultural interests. He has also taught extensively in design and wood construction both at the CFW here in Nelson and overseas for the past 20 years. He was awarded an MNZM for services to woodworking in the King's coronation honours list last year.

Monogram Rocking Chair English Sycamore

A Monogram rocker, the latest built by David Haig, in white English sycamore. The timber was milled and seasoned by David, from a tree grown in the Orinoco valley, a tributary off the Motueka river where in the deeply ravined sandstone valleys, sheltered from wind and with high rainfall and rich soils, grow the best sycamore timber he has found in 40 years. This rocking chair is one of just two that David has built this year, and now that he is approaching his 7th decade, he feels he is getting towards the last ones that he will be building. It is a design classic that has stood the test of time, and versions in various timbers, especially New Zealand grown English walnut, are now found all over the world, especially in the USA, the UK, and Australia. The National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, has one too in its permanent collection.

Bench Seat - Locally grown Red Oak 1159mm x700mm x 400mm

The bench in locally grown Red Oak, is a departure from David's usual style, and a response to a design brief for a bench for a classic Nelson house in the early Arts and Crafts style, with Art Nouveau flourishes. It attempts to harmonise a few simple curved elements in the horizontal plane within a frame of strongly tapered verticals. The Red oak was from a huge old tree milled off the property some five years ago, and stacked and seasoned out on the Hope plains at the foot of the Richmond hills. The owners have kindly donated the rest of the timber to the Centre for Fine Woodworking.

BEN GRANT

Centre for Fine Woodworking Tutor

Participant in 2020 Artist in Residency Programme

Ben Grant is a designer and maker based in Whaingaroa, Raglan. Ben’s Website.

Ben’s work focuses on crafting sculptural, functional pieces that are both conversation starters and integral elements of their environments. He combines innovative woodworking techniques with a focus on form and stance, resulting in furniture and objects that blend aesthetic appeal with practicality.

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Ben works from a purpose-built workshop at his home, designing and building cabinetry for the residential market. In addition to his craftsmanship, he shares his expertise by teaching part-time at the Centre for Fine Woodworking. Between these commitments, Ben dedicates focused periods to creating his own unique designs, blending creativity with skill to produce works that reflect his passion for woodworking.

‘Tépu Tipu’ - Seedling Table, Rewarewa & Puriri 500mm x 800mm x 450mm

Tēpu Tipu derives its name from its shape, inspired by the new growth of a kawakawa seedling. It serves as either an occasional writing table positioned in front of a sofa or chair or simply as a side table that is visually appealing from all angles. Its "stem" functions as a handle, allowing it to be moved with ease, making it a highly versatile piece of furniture.

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by:

PETER COWPER

Furniture Makers’ Programme graduate 2014

Nelson based furniture maker, Peter Cowper of Bespoke by Design has been working with wood most of his life in parallel to a corporate career. Until around 2013, he had been relatively self-taught so completed an Introduction to Furniture Making at The Centre for Fine Woodworking. He realised there was so much more to learn and so then completed the full-time Furniture Makers Programme in 2014. The skills he gained throughout the year enabled him to embark on exploring more complex projects and designs. Fine furniture making soon became a full-time activity.

Peter doesn’t subscribe to a given design ethic, although primarily prefers modern, simple and contemporary styles. Recent years have seen a strong focus in designing installation lighting with ‘The Curl’ lighting range being developed.

Peter also creates a variety of bespoke commissions and regularly collaborates with his wife Janet, an Interior Designer, to provide creative furniture and lighting pieces for clients.

Peter’s lighting range has had an ongoing presence in the Parker Gallery as he is an existing represented artist by gallery owner Leonie Allen.

‘Undulation’ - Large Pendant Light

Tasmanian Blackwood with Halcyon Neon Flex LED 1750mm x 80mm x 520mm

The “Undulation” pendant light reflects the natural flow and rhythm of the sigmoid curve. Designed for a diverse range of interior spaces; both residential and commercial. Created in Tasmanian Blackwood, the pendant has a warm, dimmable light source that emphasises the elegant curves and wood tones.

www.bespokebydesign.nz

Instagram: @bespoke_by_design

NATASHA COURTNEY

Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2012

Having studied at The Centre for Fine Woodworking in 2012, Natasha is now based on the Coromandel Peninsula, taking inspiration from the natural surrounds.

Natasha likes to design and make furniture and art with a purpose, and also enjoys exploring abstract forms and working in collaboration with other artists. She likes to use locally sourced timber when possible, searching out new, reclaimed and recycled supplies.

Natasha’s work has been in galleries on Waiheke Island, The Coromandel, Waikato and Nelson, and various pieces have found homes around the world. Natasha welcomes the opportunity to work by commission.

‘Coromandel’ - Oak Valet Shelf, Drawer & Hanger Oak, Black Maire & Velvet - 617mm x 187mm x 89mm

The Coromandel Shelf is made with Hahei grown oak, which was milled on site and air dried at my workshop for several years. This oak yielded some particularly beautiful quarter sawn boards which give the striking grain pattern. Small details are made with Black Maire (drawer handle, pegs, inners of the drawer). The drawer and additional lift out tray are lined with silk velvet.

I have used a home-made bees wax polish to finish.

TONY CLARK

Centre for Fine Woodworking Tutor & Furniture Makers’ Programme Graduate of 2009

One of the joys of woodworking is to create pieces that bring joy to their owner, and effectively make the tree live again in the piece. I prefer to work with the timber and get the most from its grain and colour.

My furniture making began in 2009 when I spent a full time year at the Centre for Fine Woodworking, regaining my love of making things from wood.

In 2010 my partner and I created JointWorks Studio to make and sell weaving and woodwork. I have been making my living producing commissioned pieces and for sale in JointWorks Studio. Most of my work is commissioned.

One major commission was the contemplation benches for the Suter Art Gallery during its redevelopment.

In 2019 I started teaching at the Centre for Fine Woodworking. I continue to teach and also mentor people at my workshop. The process of sharing the love of woodworking is an amazing experience and fulfilling.

I have been a member of the Ruby Coast Arts group since it came into existence a number of years ago.

Tony’s Website

‘A Bench Seat for Two’ - American Walnut & Australian Blackwood 1095mm x 400mm x 470mm

Exhibitions:

Centre for Fine Woodworking Student Exhibition 2009

Centre for Fine Woodworking – COCA Exhibition - Christchurch 2010

Fibre Spectrum – with Jane Clark 2011

Whole of house reuse project – Christchurch Museum 2014

Art Expo – Nelson 2015

Centre for Fine Woodworking – End of year exhibition 2021

NSAS – Ruby Coast Exhibition 2022

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by:

WILL BAYLISS

14/10/1998 – 10/11/2024

Recipient of the 2020 Scholarship for the Michael Fortune Residency Programme

Technician & Teaching Assistant 2024 Residency Programme

With a very heavy heart we share in our sadness that we have lost one of the most talented and brightest stars in the world of furniture making and fine woodworking here in the southern hemisphere.

Will was a truly gifted maker and achieved more in his short life than other makers would hope to achieve in a lifetime.

Will’s first visit to us here in 2020 was when he was awarded the prestigious and inaugural scholarship to attend Michael Fortune’s residency programme beating over fifty other applicants for the place and was by far the youngest.

Within the first few days we could all clearly see that although quiet and humble Will was a gifted craftsman with immense natural talent and without a doubt was born to make.

Will returned earlier this year to be an integral part of the 2024 Michael Fortune Residency - still humble but clearly his rare talent for making, the way he so willingly shared his knowledge and encouraged his fellow students was all part of what made Will such a well-respected young man.

Will, we will miss you enormously - it was a privilege to have known you. Moe mai, moe mai, moe mai rā, e hoa - We hold you in our hearts

‘Bunyjul’

Occasional Table Ebonised American Cherry 1190mm x 405mmx 837mm NFS

This was the last piece of work Will made The memorial tree is a Matai.

Will’s favourite New Zealand native timber. It will be planted in the grounds of the wood school.

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by

‘Bunyjul’ Occasional Table Ebonised American Cherry 1190mm x 405mmx 837mm

LLOYD BROOKE

Centre for Fine Woodworking tutor.

Lloyd Brooke Anderson is a New Zealand-based artisan specializing in sustainable, handcrafted furniture. Initially drawn to music and songwriting, he later turned his focus to woodworking when his young family needed quality, durable furniture.

Starting with a small workshop in Melbourne, Lloyd embraced hand tools for their precision and connection to the craft. With support from his wife, Vanessa, he founded Lloyd Brooke Furniture, dedicated to creating unique, lasting pieces from premium timbers.

Now back in New Zealand, Lloyd oversees each stage of production, crafting furniture designed to endure for generations.

Lloyd’s Website and Instagram

‘Elodie’ Side Table - Northland locally grown Walnut 415mm x 415mm x 550mm

The Elodie side table is to be used beside your bed, against a wall, next to the couch... whenever the need or inspiration arises. Our Elodie tables tend to move around the house as our needs change.

I originally designed this table shortly before leaving Melbourne in 2020. We spent 13 years in Melbourne and had three children over there.

The last one is our young Elodie. She is free spirited, playful, and with a detailed personality!

This piece is made using locally grown Walnut timber from a farm in the Bay of Plenty. The textural elements on the top of the legs are carved with a delicate little gouge.

Participant in the Centre for Fine Woodworking’s Emerging Tutor Mentoring Project generously funded by

VALENTIN BOTCAZOU

2023/24 Erasmus Internship Programme / Workshop Technician & Teaching Assistant

I am a 24-year-old cabinetmaker from France. I started my career in this field in 2020, retraining after an engineering master’s degree in materials science. I studied and worked as an apprentice in France for 3 years. Fully dedicating my weeks to furniture making. I worked for my company from Monday to Friday and created for my own work at the weekends.

In 2022 I received a French award recognizing me as a “deserving apprentice” and in 2023 I was awarded second place in the regional arts and crafts competition organized by the National French Institute of Craftsmanship (INMA).

In September 2023, after completing a second diploma in furniture making, I arrived in Nelson to start a post-graduation exchange program at the Center for Fine Woodworking. I worked as a workshop technician/teaching assistant, and it was during these first months that I began working on the Golf side table. In January 2024, I was invited to join the 2024 Artist in Residency programme led by Michael Fortune & Lou Fuller where I developed the Kumiko Hi-Fi cabinet.

Both of my pieces were entered into the Australian Wood Review’s 2024 Maker of the Year competition.

Kumiko Cabinet - American Walnut & American Maple 900mm x 550mm x 540mm

The Kumiko Cabinet is a Japanese-inspired hi-fi unit combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It features a kerf bent-laminated carcass made of American Walnut, with see through doors with Kumiko panels made of American Maple.

Golf Table - American White Oak, Ash & European Beech 430mm x 480mm x 430mm

The Golf Table is a design attempt that seeks to blend angular geometric shapes with soft curves. It features a solid oak carcass assembled using half-mitred dovetails. The unit is supported by four curved legs inspired by 18th-century French design, reinforced with curved lacquered pieces. The piece is completed with a traditional ash drawer, assembled with dovetails and a textured lacquered European Beech front. To add lightness and a touch of colour, the front and leg reinforcements have been finished in light blue lacquer.

ROB BENTLEY

Rob Bentley is a part-time luthier who originally designed and taught the first guitar making courses offered here at the Centre for Fine Woodworking.

Currently living in Richmond, he takes commission for custom built guitars and repairs.

His students had a marvellous opportunity to create a custom made guitar of their dreams – an electric guitar in two weeks and a bespoke acoustic guitar in three weeks.

This electric guitar was built by Rob as a teaching aid during one of his courses.

Electric Guitar - Fender Stratocaster design

Ash, Maple, Bubinga & Rosewood Rob Bentley