COLLABORATIONS
James The Woodman | McMullin Journal
James Azzerrat, a dedicated local woodworker, welcomed us into his workshop, where we spent the morning discussing his passion for craftsmanship and the beauty of working with natural materials. His approach to woodworking is both intuitive and precise, guided by the unique character of each piece of timber. During our visit, James shared how he carefully selects and shapes his handcrafted chopping boards, blending function with artistry to create timeless, heirloom-quality pieces. He also spoke about his journey from Rakino Island to Australia, his deep appreciation for the natural grain of wood, and the joy he finds in creating pieces that will be used and loved for generations.
Tell us a little about yourself—who you are and what you do.
I am retired, and I spend my days doing what I am most passionate about, which is woodworking. When I first retired in 2014, I moved to Rakino Island, New Zealand for the beautiful views and fishing on my doorstep. But soon I found I needed something more like a challenge to wake up to. I started carving wood I found around my house, just experimenting at first. Then one day I create myself a cutting board. I loved the cutting board because it was beautiful, practical and something I create with my own hands.
After the pandemic, I moved to Australia to be closer to my children and grandchildren, and my passion for woodworking continue to grow.
What first drew you to working with wood? Was there a moment that sparked your passion?
I have always been attracted to wood as a raw material. It has a lot of character, I can make things I imagine. When I was younger, I would build tables and toys for my children, but I never have the time to dedicate myself to it. Retirement allow me to slow down and carefully look at the wood in a different way.
How do you select the wood for your chopping boards? Do you have a favourite type of timber to work with?
The first thing I look for is the quality. The wood has to be hard and properly dried. Then I choose based on colour. My favourite timber to work with is American walnut, Maple, Oak and Cherry because they each have their own unique shade. When I play with the colours I can create light and shadow in my design.
Your pieces have a unique, handcrafted quality. Can you walk us through your creative process?
I am inspired by the wood; the wood tells me where to go. Every piece of wood has its own grain and its own story. I can imagine the connection between the wood and what I can do with it. My work can also be very mathematical. I carefully calculate how the grain will align and how each piece will fit together to make my design. It’s both spontaneous and precise.
What do you think makes a truly great chopping board?
A truly great chopping board is when everything come together perfectly. The angles are precise, when the colour combinations work, and the surface is smooth to touch. When I run my hand over a finished board, I can feel if its ready for a customer. It should be both beautiful and functional, something that lasts forever.
Do you have any tips on how to care for and maintain wooden chopping boards so they last a lifetime?
When I build the cutting board, its enemy is not the knife, its water. If you regularly seal it with oil or beeswax then you keep the wood protected. Also avoid the direct sunlight, and never put it in the dishwasher. Hand wash it and dry it immediately is the best way to clean it.
Your work blends function with artistry. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
A lot of my work is created from experimenting with different ideas and seeing how the wood responds. Sometimes a piece of wood creates an idea and I continue from there. Sometimes I continue working on a design over and over with trial and error until I get it right. I enjoy my process and discovering what each piece of wood can become.
