the miniature boat builder

The creative northern Illawarra community now has another outlet for artistic expression thanks to the launch of a series of wood sculpting workshops being hosted by well-known local sculptor Elise Cameron-Smith at her Helensburgh bush studio.

Words Penny Keogh @oursliceofpie Images Billie Aye @billielikes

Elise Cameron-Smith is best known for her miniature wooden boats which are sold worldwide, adorning mantelpieces in homes across Australia, the U.S.A., The Bahamas and Singapore.

It’s not hard to see why Elise’s miniature boats are so popular, each beautifully sleek and curvaceous with their own unique name and entirely one of a kind.

Elise now shares her skills in day-long workshops being hosted on weekends, with the new year starting these off from Saturday the 16th of January. Guests can retreat into Elise’s magical bushland setting to learn bowl and bangle carving.

Elise takes just two students at a time, offering an exclusive treat for those who want to share a special day with a friend, a partner or their mum or dad.

Here Elise shares her inspiration for her artwork, her workshops and how she’s embraced the natural calmness of her bushland oasis.

Where do you find inspiration for your popular miniature boats?
For me, a Miniature Boat is a symbol of a new journey across life, or an exciting opportunity awaiting you. Being the captain of your own ship and sailing in any direction which you set your mind to.

I gain so much positive energy and creative inspiration from the coastline we have here on our doorstep. I love being out on the water and I always get new ideas when I go fishing with my dad.

Tell us about your Helensburgh workshop.
I've converted a 20ft shipping container into a mini woodworking studio which is off-grid and powered by solar and a little generator.

The container is surrounded by gumtrees and situated on a really beautiful bush block in Helensburgh. I get regular visits from a wallaby in the afternoons and I often camp up there with friends on the weekends.

What has inspired your bangle and bowl making workshops
When I started furniture-making I had never picked up a tool in my life and I remember being soooo scared of the big noisy machines.

I wanted to create workshops that were fun and less intimidating for beginners. Where we could laugh, learn, and share experiences and stories together whilst making bangles and bowls in the bush.

Students will leave feeling confident using their own creativity as well as chisels, drills, rasps and saws.

Learning with hand tools is awesome because students can invest in a couple of simple and cheap tools from the local hardware store and continue making fun wooden things at home.

Elise is offering an early bird discount til the end of the year on her 2021 workshops and be quick if you were hoping to purchase a miniature boat this Christmas as they are selling fast.

For more info head to www.elisecameron-smith.com.au