Studio Woodworkers Australia (SWA) is an association of makers of fine furniture, art, sculpture and objects using predominantly wood.
We are a professional community who come together to celebrate fine craftsmanship and cultivate excellence in the field of woodworking. We embrace a life dedicated to studio practice and personal achievement.
Our members come from all parts of Australia and the association provides the opportunity for furthering professional development, the sharing of knowledge, a lifetime of learning and feedback from our peers.
SWA supports sustainability through the sensitive use of quality timbers. We aim to create work that seeks to explore all the beauty and challenges of working in wood. The functional and meaningful objects our members craft are designed to last a lifetime and be passed through generations.
“Craftsmanship is a way of thinking and doing where humanity is in tune with nature, not working against it.”- Gaynor Strachan Chun, Craftsmanship Quarterly
SWA supports The World Craft Council Australia
Exhibitions
Each year, SWA holds an exhibition to showcase the very best of our Accredited Members’ work and highlight the unique qualities of Australian timbers. The quality, skill and technique on display represents the finest craftsmanship, design skills and professional accomplishment of our contemporary makers.
Our members are invited to push their creative and technical abilities to the next level when crafting a piece for exhibition.
During each exhibition we offer events for the public and our members, including ‘Meet the Maker’ events, floor talks with guest speakers, and exhibition guided tours. These events are a great opportunity to meet our members, view and purchase their work, and learn about their craft.
Commissioning one of our makers
Commissioning a piece of contemporary Australian wood craft offers an engaging and rewarding collaboration between you and the maker.
Discussing and refining your requirements with someone who is passionate and committed to their work is a journey much greater than the realisation of a physical object.
Joining our organisation as a Maker
Studio Woodworkers Australia Limited (SWA) was established to promote Australia’s finest designer makers and artists working in wood. We embrace a life dedicated to studio practice and high craft that seeks to express the qualities of a living material. Makers can join as either Members or Accredited Members.
