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14 Cottage St
Blackburn, VIC, 3130
Australia

0413 537 490

The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills. 

The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation of
craftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.

People

Wanda Gillespie

Jacqueline Boell

Wanda Gillespie is a contemporary artist working in woodcarving, sculpture and installation. She began carving in 2011 at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking, inspired by earlier experiences with Javanese carving traditions in Indonesia.

Wanda Gillespie is a contemporary artist working in woodcarving, sculpture and installation. Her journey into woodcarving began during an artist residency in Indonesia (2007–2009), where she was inspired by the intricate ornamental carving traditions of Java. In 2011, she began carving lessons at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking, and has continued to refine her skills ever since.

Wanda’s practice spans figurative sculpture, conceptual craft, and storytelling through wood. She has exhibited widely across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and internationally. In 2022, she completed full-time study in traditional whakairo (Māori carving) at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, deepening her understanding of carving’s historical, mythical, and spiritual foundations in Aotearoa. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the Victorian College of the Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts.

Currently, Wanda is undertaking a three-year artist residency at the Victorian Woodworkers Association, developing new sculptural works for exhibitions. Her recent achievements include winning the Timbecon Against the Grain Prize for figurative woodcarving.

As a teacher, Wanda is warm and encouraging, bringing a rich understanding of sculpture and form to her students. Her experience across diverse carving styles allows her to support projects ranging from ornamental reliefs and chip carving to figurative sculpture and contemporary forms.

 
categories Instructors, Maker, Staff
tags Wanda Gillespie