​Reflections of a traditional woodworker

About

The concept of Wisdom Through Wood, and the original workshop, emerged from the Tasmanian forest in 2012. It's now the go to place to learn  green woodworking in Australia.

Alex Jerrim, a traditional wood worker, founded Wisdom Through Wood to preserve woodworking techniques that pre-dated the industrial age. Alex also knew that the forest, green wood and little more than a sharp blade could engage people in a deeply human experience—people could gain wisdom through woodworking. 

In recent times, Matt Holden another Tasmanian traditional woodworker, has joined Alex to help run the school and has now taken over as principle teacher.

In 2019 we moved the school to Neika on the southern slopes of Kunanyi Mt Wellington. The school, and open air workshop, is surrounded by tall timbers and a fern-lined creek and nestles naturally into the forest. It's about a 25 minute drive from Hobart.

Our outdoor workshop

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Alex Jerrim
​‘I see my life as a journey of continuing education into the nature of wood and woodworking. When I work wood solely with my mind, body and heart—using tools that predate the industrial revolution—I have an opportunity to come to understand the blade and grain, the tree’s story and through that my own.'

Matt Holden
'The love of wood, respect for the natural world and quest for an ethical life led me on a rich woodworking path to Wisdom Through Wood. In this space my learning continues as I share with students their desire to create.'

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Our services

We offer one to two woodworking courses each month, year-round, ranging from one to nine days. We also coach people through woodworking projects (in the workshop or at their place) and undertake commissions. We also have school groups through the workshop, facilitate team building and professional development programs and demonstrate at shows.

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Our approach to learning

 We believe every human has vast potential to learn, is deeply clever, holds boundless creativity and can do wonders with their mind, heart and hands. We also know many learners have not had teachers who listen to them and act lovingly towards them. Thus, many people do not know what great things they are capable of. Like creating a beautiful three legged stool from a log of wood in two days with no prior woodworking experience. 

We'd welcome the opportunity to help you uncover and embrace your learning potential.