Education
Christopher graduated from Sturt School for Wood in 2015 after completing the flagship Fine Furniture Making and Design course that has produced some of the finest woodworkers and furniture makers now working in Australia.
Experience
Since graduating from Sturt Christopher has been expanding his knowledge and gaining experience working with renowned woodworkers Leon Sadubin and Thirston Morris. He has also started working on his own range of contemporary furniture.
Awards
Awarded the Studio Woodworkers Australia ‘Emerging Professional Award’ in recognition of high levels of excellence in designing, making and creativity in woodworking. Judged by David Upfill-Brown and Neil Erasmus.
The Story so far…
In 2015 we embarked on A Wood Adventure – a journey through life, learning and a career change. Leaving behind the familiar Chris took his future into his own hands starting with a Fine Woodworking qualification at Sturt School for Wood – a centre of excellence for contemporary craft and design education. The intention was to take a passion for wood work and embrace everything about it, learning, designing and making – all of which Chris now enjoys doing full-time. Based in Wollongong and working out of a workshop in Nowra, NSW, original pieces from Chris’ collection can be found on display at the prestigious Bungendore Wood Works Gallery and also in the Sturt Gallery in Mittagong.
Christopher Neal
Owner, Designer and Maker
I aspire to create pieces that challenge me both as a designer and a maker. I want to craft furniture that transcends practicality, create functional works of art to be admired and considered, pieces that combine simplicity of design with elaborate and precise detailing that will provoke thought and discussion. Every piece I make embodies the journey from concept to completion – the hours of dedication, the challenges and the moments of elation. My hope is that the pieces I make will live on in the heart of people’s homes and lives for generations.