Andrew Grant’s furniture can be identified by smooth curves sculpted from natural timbers. The organic forms are inspired by the landscape that the material is sourced from – the undulating terrain of Tasmania.
The furniture isn’t the only thing inspired by the place from where it came. It seems working with timber was inevitable for Andrew. You could say that it is in his blood. His grandfather was a boat builder, his father an avid maker, and his school encouraged the passion that he inherited.
Enrolling in the Bachelor of Environmental Design, majoring in Furniture Design, was a natural step for this aspiring designer.
Andrew recently graduated (his work can be viewed at the UTAS Furniture Design Grad Show in Launceston, closing February 22nd), but has already been working in furniture design for over a year.
Andrew was snapped up by renowned Tasmanian Furniture Designer Simon Ancher to work alongside him at Simon Ancher Studio. Simon was previously the Head of Furniture Design at the University of Tasmania.
“I’m learning so much from Simon. It’s great to be able to continue to learn and develop my skills. I create my own furniture in my time off.
“The dream is to start my own business one day where I can develop a range of furniture: made to order, one of commission pieces, public fit outs and corporate work. I’m a fan of organic forms, creating furniture that is not square edged.”
The pieces displayed in the graduate exhibition are made from Tasmanian Oak, a timber ideally suited to furniture that gets heavily used.
“I crafted a side board called ‘Contour’ with 3D curved drawers, and a table with bench seats called ‘Flow Table and Bench’. The flowing apron rails on the side of the table mirrored the same feature on the draw front of the sideboard.
“This type of furniture is well used, which makes Tasmanian Oak an ideal choice, because it is incredibly hard wearing.”
The other thing that Andrew loves about the native Tasmanian timber is its versatility.
“Tasmanian Oak is neutral in colour and consistent in grain. I tend to prefer a natural finish, adding Osmo Oil, but I sometimes like to stain in black, which emphasises the grain and structure of the timber.”
The inspiration for the two pieces struck when Andrew was mountain biking along the Derby trails of the north east coast.
“I was inspired by the terrain and artwork along the tracks. The artwork followed the contours of the terrain, was crafted with the rockwork, and flowed through the forest with minimal impact.”
Using local timbers that are sustainably sourced is a priority for Andrew, who saves the use of specialty timbers for smaller projects.
“We’re spoilt in Tasmania with such a broad range of beautiful species that are totally unique.”
Britton Timbers is a proud sponsor of the University of Tasmania Furniture Design Grad Show.