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: Is This What Skill Feels Like?

The tops for the àn tables are done, save the last 20%*. I was very, very nervous about the dovetailed cross brace. This embedded cross member provides immense strength and support to the so-thin-it's-almost-see-through panel. And it has

24 April 2026 · 2 min read min read

Dispatch: Is This What Skill Feels Like? Dispatch: Is This What Skill Feels Like? Brush Notes: 7 hours to cut a single line.
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: Is This What Skill Feels Like?
24 Apr 2026
Dispatch: Roy's Micrometer
11 Apr 2026
Delayed Dispatch: Death of a Chicken
5 Apr 2026

Brush Notes

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

Stay close to the work