Courtney Petley

Hi Courtney, can you introduce yourself? 

My name is Courtney, and I am a woodworker. I hand carve kitchen utensils and make objects for the home using reclaimed native New Zealand timber, mainly Rimu, Kauri, Tōtara, and Mataī.

How did you come to work with wood?

My Father is a builder, and so were my Grandfathers. My Mother was, and still is, very creative around the home. I grew up in a home environment that encouraged resourcefulness and making, if you wanted something, you made it - or you asked Dad to make it for you. I love how calming and therapeutic working with wood is. I began working with wood as a meditation from an intense work environment, and because my house mate at the time had an electric sander. Over the past 8 years woodworking has evolved from furniture restoration, to kitchen utensils, to home objects, and to lighting. It has also evolved from a hobby to a full time job, which I am especially proud/in disbelief of.

You mainly create everyday objects, what place does wood take in your interior?

I love the warmth and texture wood brings into the home, again, it is a calming presence and feels so welcoming. Wood is the main event in my home, all natural fibres are. I do like contrasting the warmth of all the wood with stainless steel, and complimenting it with well placed lighting and textiles.

You also teach spoon making lessons. Is it important for you to pass on your knowledge?

Yes I do, I've enjoyed these classes very much. It has been great to see a collective enthusiasm for making, which maybe covid and the lockdowns have encouraged. I’ve been attending classes too, after our first lockdown ended I went to the small town of Te Awamutu and participated in a blacksmithing day course for my birthday. I made myself a kitchen knife. I believe it is important to share your skills, you never know what someone is going to take from it, and I wouldn't be where I am now without the skills that have been shared with me.

You are based in New Zealand, how does this country inspire you?

Yes I am, I love New Zealand. I love the native landscape here, especially on a wild winters day, it’s so beautiful and moody. There is also a very supportive makers community here, who are all so creative. its nice to be able to work alongside people who are in the same boat as you. 

Can you show us the pieces that we can find in the selection “On The Table” ?

First is my salad servers, like most pieces I had these in mind many months before they were realized in 2017. They have been made using Kauri that came from the supporting beams of a wrap-around verandah of a home in Auckland. I love the clean simplicity of the two salad server shapes, the lines and the geometry, and the ease and aesthetic joy in which they serve salad. The second is my Lemon Squeezer. This Lemon Squeezer has been made using Tōtara piles. The Tōtara piles came out of a railway shed in Morrinsville that was built completely out of local Kauri (ex. the Tōtara) in the late 1800's. The Lemon Squeezer began as a commission and collaboration with one of my wholesalers, Everyday Needs, in Auckland. It was a first attempt at making something new, and sculptural in the utensil department. I use mine every time citrus is called for, it is fun to use, and leaves no juice behind !