Manual Arts DEpt.

Life and work partners David Bunic and Carol Jackson share a common creative passion, which has resulted in a thriving business based in rural NSW.

What brought you together?

We met through mutual friends in 1992, and have long shared a passion for creative endeavours. Since leaving Sydney in 2002, this combined purpose has propelled us through a process of growing, learning and developing concepts. Our former business in Brisbane, Pipi Designs Espresso Store, which, as the name suggests, combined our resin homewares and jewellery label with a cafe, was a great inspiration for what came next.

When did you launch? What challenges did you face?

We launched Manual Arts DEpt. in 2014 from our regional base in Tenterfield. The rocky, high-altitude landscape and sometimes wild, remarkably beautiful environment are truly inspirational. Nothing can fully prepare you for the challenges of operating your own business, particularly a creative, designer/maker enterprise. Challenges have included sourcing quality materials locally, as well as ensuring the environmental impacts of our operation are kept to a minimum. You have to overcome the initial knockbacks as well as the difficulty in showcasing your creations to a wider audience, especially when based in a regional location. Financial strains are a given, as well as a gruelling schedule to meet your goals. But our unwavering commitment to this venture (or adventure!) is proving worthwhile, as we now start to see our dreams come alive. This business is a direct representation of who we are: it takes a lot from us, but it gives us back so much more.

Why the capital 'E' in DEpt?

When developing our business name, Manual Arts DEpt. just seemed to fit. Both the memory of the woodworking secondary school subject and the words themselves – ‘manual’ (working with our hands ) and ‘arts’ (hinting at the business’s creative edge). We then decided to capitalise the ‘E’ in DEpt. so we could use the acronym M.A.DE. The reverse side of each of our designs is scorched with a hot iron stamp featuring this abbreviation.

Why base yourselves in country NSW?

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to have lived in a variety of locations across Australia’s eastern seaboard – from suburb to city, coast to country. Our desire for a permanent rural existence came in 2011 when we decided to make a tree-change from central Brisbane to Tenterfield in country NSW to build our weatherboard home on four acres.

What drew you to working with Australian hardwood, and the idea for personalised pieces?

Building our home, utilising a lot of wood in the construction, primarily drew to us to this medium. David’s father worked as a cabinetmaker and shared his passion and perfectionism with him throughout his childhood. Also, we both had a strong yearning to work with our hands using a natural medium through which we would realise our product designs. Our personalised items were born out of a desire to create objects that are not only useful and durable, but also meaningful to the recipient. We are motivated by crafting a gift that is memorable and cherished, so authenticity and originality are always our focus when designing our products.

Your creative process: which comes first, the piece of timber or the shape?

The shape and form of the design usually comes first. However, there are some restrictions around the dimensions of our chosen material that can have an impact on some of our design decisions. Our creative process encompasses much discussion, sketching on paper or working directly onto the material itself. We often find inspiration in nature, but it’s always the user’s appreciation and connection with our products that drive us at the concept stage.

How do you combine new technology with traditional craftsmanship?

After the sketching stage of the design process, we incorporate CAD/CAM technology – this is where our products begin to take shape. Computer software linked with mechanised cutting technology enable us to both design and form the products initially. We complete the process by hand, painstakingly sculpting each piece to give it an authentic, organic finish.

Do you each bring different skills to this enterprise?

We take on different roles based on our strengths – the most effective way to achieve successful workflow and outcomes. David handles material preparation and machine operation, as well as stock monitoring and ordering. Carol’s responsibilities include workshop assistance and product photography, as well as business communications and social media. Together, we conceptualise product design, manage bookkeeping, complete all the hand-sculpting and packaging – and everything else in between!