Ray Garnsey, Fine Woodcraft and Design (Studio Furniture 2018)

Coming from a family that was involved in the timber and hardware industries and working directly in the cutting, treatment, drying and finishing of Fijian timber in the 1960s, I was able to develop my interest and carpentry skills to the level of furniture for my family’s use. A move to Camden, NSW in 2001 enabled me to build my own workshop and extend my range of quality wood tools and machines. During 2003 I built a 16’ river rowing skiff, from an English design, and this increased my desire to gain further experience and formal woodworking skills. This boat can be seen most days being used in the Five Dock area on Sydney Harbour. In 2006 I attended the Sturt School for Wood in Mittagong for 12 months where I developed my skills further under the guidance of Tom Harrington and Stuart Faulkner, while completing a Certificate IV in Fine Woodworking Design & Technology. Since 2007 my range of designed wood products has grown and now can be found on display in several galleries in NSW as well as occasional joint exhibitions and direct commissions. Using mostly Australian and some Pacific Island timbers, my work usually involves hand cut veneers to create curves or visual patterns that give a warmer feel, look and lustre than commercial veneers, as a part of the finish. My philosophy is to allow either the design of the piece or the figure of the timber to be the focal point of a functional piece. Each piece is designed and made with quality products to enable it to last many generations. Website: www.rmgwoodcraft.com.au

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