Shaleen O'keeffe

Beautiful and functional timber products, showcasing the magnificent and varied grain of southwest timbers.

The desire to create things with my hands has always been a core part of me. I pursued a Minor in Fine Arts while completing a BSc, and then changed gears to become a log home builder, and later trained as a carpenter. Since becoming a mum I have discovered the artistic side of woodworking, and have also returned to painting.

I have had the pleasure of working with many different types of timber, but nowhere have I found such diverse and beautifully intriguing hardwoods as we have in the South West. I began making earrings and necklace pendants as a way to highlight the natural beauty of pieces of timber I found. All of my timber is sustainably sourced.

With the addition of some specialty tools in my workshop I have been able to play with larger pieces of timber, creating bowls, spice grinders, and cheese boards.

I am delighted to open my studio during Margaret River Region Open Studios. The landscapes that greet me each day from my home on a farm just south of Witchcliffe have woven themselves into every aspect of my art.