What’s on at Wood Dust

Wood Dust Australia is coming up soon in around six weeks time. We asked the organisers about the focus and format of the event.

AWR: What is the theme of this year’s Wood Dust event?

WD: During the AWR L!VE event in 2018, I was really taken by Adam Markowitz’s talk regarding the need for more emphasis on design for woodworking in the Australian woodworking space. It was during that talk that the concept of Wood Dust Designer Maker was forged, a woodworking event focused on assisting in the development of design for woodworking.

AWR: Can you tell us a little about the format?

WD: The Masterclasses and Marketplace were very popular at Wood Dust 2018 so they were definitely in the show this year. The Weekend at Wood Dust Makers Conference is a new edition, designed to give the visiting woodworker a comprehensive design and woodworking learning experience from a broad range of leaders of the craft, all under one roof. Key is the massive range of demonstrations you can choose from, 48 x 90 minute demos over two days, and you get lunch and a show bag of goodies as well..!

AWR: Who can we expect to see headlining this year’s event?

WD: Interesting lineup of presenters .. the Masterclasses are led by our friend Vic Tesolin from Canada, designer maker Reed Hansuld from New York, master craftsman David Haig from New Zealand and Carol Russell from Brisbane. The Weekend at Wood Dust feature guests include US craftsman Matt Kenney, and Australian makers Ross Annels, Alastair Boell and Will Matthysen.

AWR: Where will it be held and what’s the venue like?

WD: Wood Dust Designer Maker is being held at Melbourne’s newest maker space FAB9, 90 Maribyrnong Street in Footscray. FAB9 is a beautiful, heritage listed, old world factory building that has been converted into a contemporary workshop and function space. Even if you don’t come to Wood Dust its worth checking out FAB9 at www.fab9.com.au

AWR: Why should people make a point of attending?

WD: For a very long time people have wanted a new type of woodworking event and here it is. This is not a large product demonstration – this is an authentic learning experience led by masters of the craft. At Wood Dust Designer Maker you can spend all day doing design and woodworking stuff, meet and talk to all the presenters and ask the questions you want to ask all in one place. So, if you what to build your skills and have a huge amount of fun hanging out with likeminded woodworkers – this is the event for you.

Learn more about Wood Dust Designer Maker at wooddustaustralia.com