I do believe that you have to follow a passion at some point in your life. After nearly 20 years in the military I made the switch to follow my passion and make furniture, primarily in timber and timber products. I could have been naïve and launched myself with no formal training and without the opportunity to explore the discipline of furniture design and making I would have simply been one of those “wannabe makers”.

My choice of the ASFF as the agent of transition and training has been inspired. The School has opened my eyes to the discipline of being a craftsman but, importantly, it is equipping me with the skills required to design furniture and also to understand where we have been and where we are going in the future. These aspects- design and making – are interlocked so this comprehensive course is preparing me for what may follow.

Furniture with clean and uncluttered lines inspires me. My furniture will serve a purpose and I strive to let the pieces speak for themselves. If they make you stop and say “Ahh….”, I have achieved something.

Mahesha dan Philpot (graduate)

I have been a carpenter for many years but, when I moved to Tasmania, I felt it was time to be more precise and to address my desire to make furniture.

I was working making coffee when someone handed me an article on the Australian School of Fine Furniture, UTAS and, as they say, the rest is history.

The ASFF has taught me more than furniture making alone. In fact, I have to say that being at the ASFF has changed how I look at life and how I approach most things. It has also enriched my delight in the designs and designers of the world.

Fiona Perry (graduate)

I decided to study at the ASFF after two years as a cabinet maker's assistant. I realised how much I enjoyed the workshop atmosphere but knew I also wanted to start developing my making and designing skills further.

During my time at the ASFF I have learnt a lot, especially that the process of designing and making always takes longer than you think! I am most proud of my jewellery designs and I am keen to explore this area further. I hope to launch a full range early in 2009!

The Associate Degree has given me the skills to design and make at a very high standard but, more than that, it provided a creative and supportive atmosphere that allowed me to explore areas of design that have always been of interest to me.

Kaleo K. Kala (graduate)

My love of furniture runs deep.  My father was a carpenter with great skills in furniture making.  His father was an exquisite wood carver.  Since I can remember I have been influenced by wood and furniture.

If there were a few words that would describe my designs those words would be clean, minimal, strong and bold.  I have always been attracted to simple things, subtle beauties.  I look to use those influences in my designs.

Thanks to the Associate Degree in Furniture Design I am now a designer maker that looks to challenge the preconceived notions of furniture making and woodworking.  Testing the limits of joinery and people’s beliefs.  Designing pieces of furniture that make strong bold statements, yet are beautiful, elegant and functional.

Email: kalafinefurniture@gmail.com 
Website: www.kalafinefurniture.com