Be transported back to a time when the art of handmade was an essential skill.
Meet the makers as they demonstrate their traditional arts, forgotten crafts and rare trades.
A silversmith, tool maker, artist, woodworker, jewellery maker, stonemason and leatherworker will immerse Steamfest audiences in the skills and crafts of yesteryear, by allowing audiences to engage, interact and be educated by ‘The Maker and Merchant’.
MEET OUR MAKERS
BLADESMITHING - JOEL DAVEY
Joel started exploring his interest in bladesmithing while working at an industrial heat treat facility, where he learned metallurgy and the processes involved in hardening steel. Joel was always fascinated by the history of metal work, how it has developed over time and the way it shapes cultures. His experiments in forging with his drive to refine his skills and techniques naturally evolved into knife making. Joel founded Adamas Forge and immersed himself into his practice fulltime, striving to learn and create.
Joel worked in and around the restaurant industry in the Hunter Valley region throughout his younger years and now enjoys crafting blades and cutlery for many well-established restaurants and chefs. He is passionate about the intricacies of a beautifully crafted Chef knife, in all its varieties and forms, and strives to create something both functional and unique.
FAE MORGAINE LEATHER
Morgaine Grey is an award winning leather craftswoman based in Sydney. She draws inspiration from her love of history and the Australian bush to create a wide range of products from delicate jewellery to heavy armour.
She believes you can learn from and use techniques from many different crafts to create objects that are both art and functional. Be sure to check out her colourful belts, hand carved books, bags, homewares and accessories.
Try your hand at leatherwork and inspire yourself to create!
BLACKSMITH - NIGEL STOKES
For Nigel, blacksmithing came out of the blue when it was time to start making my way in life. It was an apprenticeship offered in the mining industry in the UK in the late 70s and was more of an industrial upbringing, but it taught me how hot steel could be shaped by both hand and machine. Most of my time was spent making tools and other mining related items, with just minimal time allowed to focus on decorative work.
Move forward several years, a change of industry and a new country but I never lost the urge to work with hot steel.
A chance meeting with a local blacksmith and the fire was restarted, but this time, based more on decorative and artistic work and “Phoenix Forge” emerged.
Since re awakening, I have been busy showcasing the craft at many different shows, fairs, and events, along with the sale of various items through local galleries and commissions as well as exhibitions throughout Australia.
Based at Glen Oak, a small country town between Maitland and the Barrington Tops, the forge is fully equipped for minor industrial and decorative work.
WOOL CRAFT - Linda Liversidge
Ettielynn Creations is the passion project and brainchild of local woman Linda Liversidge. Her business was developed in 2018 as a creative outlet to pursue her passion for wool craft.
Linda is a speed spinner and knitter, among the fastest in the world. She has held a deep love for all things wool craft since her very first project as a child – a knitted horse named Suzie, created at age 9. Growing up on a small farm in New Zealand, her first job as a roustabout on her brother’s sheering gang helped cement her love for the natural world and a simpler way of doing things; values she carries through into her business today.
Linda was a key member of Maitland’s very own Spinning Knitwits, a local spinning and knitting group who were crowned world champions of the International Back to Back Competition in 2017. The team raced the clock and other teams from around the globe to shear a sheep, spin it’s wool and knit a jumper from scratch in record time. All while raising funds for cancer research.
Ettielyn creations’ wares include hand spun wool, a variety of knitted item and soft toys, including a range of Rudolf Steiner inspired dolls. Her items are created with sustainability and ethical sourcing of materials in mind.
Traditional signwriter and gilder - Lance Corlett
Lance Corlett is a passionate and versatile artist and operates Steady Hand Studio, a successful traditional sign painting and mural business known for its high end craftsmanship. Lance has been fortunate enough to study with many national and international leaders in the industry. His expertise includes skills such as glass gilding, hand lettering, mural painting and more. He takes pride in continuing the art of drawing well formed lettering alongside pleasing, well designed layouts with a masterful execution. Come and have a look at a range of traditional Australian signage and see how the signs are made in real life.
Celtic Tinker- Marieke (MJ) Treloar
Presenting Marieke J Treloar, the “Celtic Tinker” at Steamfest! An accomplished artisan jeweller, author, and creative force, Marieke infuses her work with a sustainable spirit. Drawing inspiration from extensive research and personal experiences, she delves into the transformative power of Runic symbols. Marieke’s creations seamlessly blend clarity and depth, making intricate concepts accessible to both novices and seasoned practitioners. At Steamfest, witness her crafting elegance through a variety of jewelry techniques, showcasing pieces designed with a captivating Steamfest theme. From steam train silhouette-adorned accessories to personalized binding runes engraved on recycled materials, Marieke’s demonstrations promise a journey into the enchanting realm of Celtic artistry. Join us and be captivated by the finesse of the “Celtic Tinker” at Steamfest!
The Tailor- Margaret Givan
Introducing Margaret Givan, “The Tailor” at Steamfest! With decades of expertise, Margaret brings a wealth of knowledge in traditional sewing and crochet techniques. Her talent and practical approach shine through every creation, earning her the endearing title of Eco-Granny. Margaret’s unique touch focuses on crafting beautiful, useful, and washable items, embodying sustainability with a dash of Steampunk elegance. Join us at Steamfest and witness the magic as Margaret stitches together a world where craftsmanship meets eco-conscious creativity.
Hugh Reedman of Stone Heritage and Jason Huntley the Stonemason
With over 50 years of combined experience in Stonemasonry, Hugh Reedman of Stone Heritage, and Jason Huntley of Jason the Stonemason have travelled Australia and the world practicing their craft. They first met 12 years ago while working on the restoration of Sydney Central Station and have worked together on various heritage and construction jobs since. Both are qualified Stonemasons, specialising in heritage restoration and banker masonry.
After completing his studies in Industrial Design, Hugh worked in various design consultancies within Sydney, covering product and furniture design, as well as 3D special effects for film and television. With a desire to work with new materials, he took an interest in the restoration of marble antiques and antiquities. He started his own business and was quickly contracted to fabricate reproduction, federation, victorian and french marble fire surrounds. Drawing on his previous experience as an Industrial Designer, he created a range of product castings including gargoyles, griffins and lions which can be seen on “The Abbey”and “The Witches Houses”, Johnston Street, Annandale. Further restoration projects include, the Gowings Building and The State Theatre, El-Alamein Memorial Fountain, and more recently the clock tower of Maitland Town Hall.
Similarly to Hugh, Jason’s creative endeavours started elsewhere when he successfully studied Ceramic, Sculpture and Visual Arts. This later sparked an interest in stone work and he went on to complete his trade here and abroad. Jason was chosen to replicate the Ariana Star monument in Tatura, Victoria and his other works have included commissioned headstones, large scale fireplaces in luxury, country estates, and being apart of the Royal Museum of Scotland restoration in Edinburgh.
At Hunter Valley Steamfest 2024 – Maker and Merchants Market, Hugh and Jason will be working on a steam inspired sculpture. The stone you will see being “banked”, is an original pinnacle stone retrieved during the restoration of St. John’s College bell tower at Sydney University.
BAtik oetoro - textile artist and dyer
Lynne Britten is a textile artist. She specialises in the application of dyes and paints to fabrics – using such techniques as Shibori, the traditional Japanese resist dyeing art.
Lynne was taught the ladylike skills of knitting, crochet, and hand embroidery at an early age & then went off on a tangent – dyeing fabric pieces with mulberries !
After completing her Diploma of Applied Art (majoring in Textiles) and Graduate Diploma of Education (Art), Lynne began her professional career in textiles as a Textile Designer in 1985, creating original print designs for the fashion industry, and producing the technical artwork for screen printers. Her designs featured on fabric made in to dresses and swimwear, on garments for Avon and even men’s underwear ! Lynne worked with some of the names of Australian fashion such as Ken Done and Linda Jackson; helping them realise their ideas, from paper on to the printed fabric.
In 1994 Lynne left the fashion industry, moved to Newcastle, and concentrated on being a Textile Artist in her own right.
In 2007 she became the owner of “Batik Oetoro” and has been busy supplying the dyes, fabric paints, technical advice, and so much more to other textile artists inc the costume department of the Australian Opera, the production company that made Lord of the Rings, and fashion labels such as Easton Pearson
RedZObjects - Metalsmith
I have had a varied arts practice with interests including architecture, furniture, lighting ocean life and landscapes.
My working life has comprised employment in retail as a merchandiser and buyer, interior designer teacher, jeweller and avid collector of oddities.
I relocated to Newcastle, NSW during 2017 with the intent of reinvigorating my creativity and arts making practice after having had a few years absence in the field.
I now devote my spare time aside from full time work in the court system, to developing works through upcycling of both natural and discarded materials.
Informed by my initial training in ‘Gold and Silversmithing’, my methods of construction and lateral thinking continue to be a major means of investigation.
Intrigued by the Newcastle region of stunning sea and landscapes, I now am re applying those past skills to making wearable objects.
I am available for consultation and regularly use social media to express my interests and demonstrate new objects.
Szuszy Timar
Dunes Pottery – Ceramic Artist and Potter
Joel Kuhn has been working in clay since 2011. He uses Raku and wood firing to produce vessels that explore figurative representation, and is primarily interested in the relationship between self perception and how others see us. He uses Raku firing to manipulate surface colour and texture to contrast how the vessels present.
He uses bright colours to grab and hold the viewers attention allowing him to subvert the form with subtle unpredictable meaning. Currently he is exploring issues of tribalism, class, hero worship, religion and theism which are explored using form and symbolism aided by the immediacy of Raku firing.
Mark Ray - Chainsaw woodcarving
A chainsaw sculptor, Mark Ray will be carving it up at Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest this April.
Head to the Rally Ground for live chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, as Mark carves a range of wooden objects with his chainsaw.
There will be a wooden chainsaw sculpted train on display and a variety of sculptures and artworks available to see and some available for purchase.
Make sure you make time to check out Mark’s work over the weekend with live demonstrations at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm each day
Anna's Glass - Anna Fuglestad
Anna works with borosilicate glass to create unique pieces of jewellery and sculptures.
Anna specializes in flameworking meaning that instead of using a big furnace to melt the glass, everything is created on small torches in her Sydney studio. By melting rods and tubes of glass in hot flame, Anna skillfully shapes the glass into the desired forms. A great deal of Anna’s inspiration comes from her love of nature, leading her to specialize in flowers and animals.
Anna will be doing live demonstrations throughout the weekend. Stop by to see her creating everything from Aussie animals to miniature vases and baubles.
Australian Lace Guild NSW Branch
The Australian Lace Guild is a community dedicated to preserving and
promoting the art of lace-making in Australia. The guild provides resources,
workshops, and support for lace enthusiasts across the country. Through
exhibitions, demonstrations, and educational programs, the guild fosters
appreciation for this intricate craft, preserving its heritage while inspiring
new generations of lace-makers.
Rays Rustic Signs
My Interest in becoming a Traditional Signwriter started in primary school with Art classes, and later on in high school, where I did Signwriting as my choice for work experience.
We could select a trade/job and spend a week working in an established business. I did mine in a Sign Shop in Penrith NSW in 1977 that was it, I was hooked, I’ve been signwriting ever since.
Even though traditional signwriting has been overtaken with modern digital cutting & printing equipment, I still do a lot of traditional signwriting lining & scrolling trucks and still enjoy hand painting signs
Mark Wallis- Maitland Woodworkers Guild
Prior to retiring in 2005 after a career in the Painting & Decorating I completed the Woodturning Trade course at Newcastle TAFE. My interest in woodturning became more challenging when I began entering my woodwork in local agricultural shows at Gresford, Singleton and Maitland requiring the creation of better and more complex projects each year.
I joined the Maitland Woodworkers Guild about 10 years ago and enjoy the comaradie of like-minded people who share similar interests and skills.
During the COVID 19 lockdown I researched and constructed a modern day version of a Saxon period pole-lathe. These were used to make wooden cups and bowls as well as tool handles 1,000 years ago in Britain.
Please visit our Facebook page for more information about the Guild and photos of members work.
