Courtney Petley is a self-taught woodworker based in Auckland, New Zealand, who found her passion for woodworking in 2014. Originally from the fashion industry, Courtney began carving with an axe, a knife and an old piece of Rimu floorboard, making her first kitchen utensil one winter evening. What started as a hobby grew into a full-time practice by 2017, expanding beyond kitchen utensils to include chopping boards, furniture, lighting and sculptural objects.
Working predominantly with reclaimed native New Zealand timbers, Courtney’s practice is grounded in an appreciation for functional design and the natural character of the wood. Each piece is made by hand, allowing the grain, colour, age and imperfections of the timber to remain an integral part of the finished object.
Courtney also shares her knowledge through spoon-making workshops, teaching others the hand-carving techniques that first began her own woodworking practice.
process Courtney Petley
Courtney works predominantly with reclaimed native New Zealand timbers, including Swamp Kauri, Rimu, Tōtara and Mataī, each selected for its individual grain, colour and character.
Working by hand, Courtney responds to the timber as she carves and shapes each piece, allowing the grain and natural qualities of the wood to inform the final form.
Knots, cracks and other traces of the timber’s history are intentionally preserved, celebrating the age and natural character of each piece of wood.