The Heavy Life

Handmade furniture in the Chinese tradition, built in Australian hardwoods. Plus the kitchen that feeds it, the garden that feeds the kitchen, and the writing that binds it all together.


Start Here

Three ways in. The manifesto if you want the argument. An essay if you want the voice. A Bench Mark if you want to see what's on the bench.


Latest

Dispatch: Winter is here.

I'm in the office with cold rain beating on the windows tonight, and a saggy balding middle-aged man keeps staring back at me every time I look out the window. The àn tables are done. Or near enough:

8 May 2026 · 2 min read min read

Dispatch: Winter is here. Dispatch: Winter is here. Brush Notes: First coat of finish, àn table part 9 Brush Notes: First coat of finish, àn table part 9
The first time a chisel bit into a piece of timber the lie of the digital world was exposed.
Read the manifesto →

Bench Mark

Chinese furniture forms, from the bench.
Bench Mark: Eight Millimetres
17 Apr 2026 · 3 min read min read

Essays

The longer pieces — the ones worth forwarding.
Essay: The Anova Paradox
31 Mar 2026 · 7 min read min read
Essay: On Camping
13 Mar 2026 · 3 min read min read
Essay: The Boys Made the Pastry
23 Feb 2026 · 3 min read min read

Dispatches

Weekly letters from the workshop.
Dispatch: Winter is here.
8 May 2026
Dispatch: Three Days of Prep for Four Hours of Work
1 May 2026
Dispatch: Is This What Skill Feels Like?
24 Apr 2026

Brush Notes

Quick notes from the bench. Short, unpolished, honest.

Stay close to the work