How do you like to start your weekend?
The weekday/weekend divide has been somewhat of a foreign concept for me since I started the workshop – it’s more of a continuum really. But I like to scrap around with my three-year-old son Iggy.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Saunter straight out of bed and next door to Scout cafe, where I sip a smooth coffee and exchange banter with the lovely girls behind the counter. I am a sucker for the Saturday horoscope also.
How do you like to unwind?
I am lucky enough to lead a stress-free, constant-release kind of existence, so I find little need to unwind. But the odd guitar trance/singalong is good for that, as is shaking it to an old record.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
I suppose the most important thing would be to stop thinking about work and other practical concerns and just see which way the wind blows.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Swimming in a creek while it’s still warm.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
The ideal scenario would be a night at the Brisbane Jazz Club – not that I get there very often.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I really have no idea.
What are you reading at the moment?
Admittedly, I haven’t read a book in more than a year. I’m not an idiot, it’s just nothing particularly relevant has come my way and I enjoy my own narrative too much, which sounds self-obsessed and lacking in empathy. I think the last book was by Haruki Murakami – you know, where each chapter is in a different dimension and eventually they meet in the mind of the primary character.
What inspires you?
The natural beauty of timber. Getting to the essential nature of an object. Lately, I’ve been inspired by the life and work of a Siberian woodworker called James Krenov, the ‘impractical cabinetmaker’.
What was your childhood dream?
There have been multifarious and fleeting dreams, which I suppose is to be expected given that as a child you are growing all the time. The dream was to become a pilot or soldier or firefighter, work in heritage and environmental protection or become a carpenter. Elevation to start with, then looking for something to fight against, then creation. I got distracted for a long time but a finally came back to the last one.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My son and business in equal measure.
What is success to you?
Doing what you’re best at.
What are your words of wisdom?
People who know me would probably say that I try to give those out far too freely and regularly. I have filled my head with so many mantras over the years it’s ridiculous. How about: the one who gives most is the strongest one.
Only a local would know … the hills in the western suburbs are really steep, but make for a beautiful and layered view, particularly at sunset.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Scout, Petrie Terrace.
Relax … a secret sandy cove at Moreton Bay.
Dine … The Burrow, West End.
Indulge … I try to avoid it, probably getting some dirty Indian or fish ‘n’ chips.
Shop … Lewin Street Store, Bardon.
Catch-up … someone’s house.
Be inspired … my workshop in Red Hill or The Waiting Room in West End for music.