There’s something grounding about stepping into Turned Around Studio at Minard Farm, Joadja. The first thing you notice is the scent: fresh sawdust, resin and warm timber. The second is the sight of wood shavings scattered across the floor, evidence of the work happening every day. This is where woodturner Michael Adamietz creates bowls, platters, jewellery, pens and sculptural forms, all crafted from reclaimed and locally sourced timbers.
Set in the middle of a Scottish Highland cattle stud, the studio combines the charm of a rural property with the energy of a working creative hub. The workshops and display spaces are open and welcoming, designed for visitors to wander, look closely, ask questions and see timber transformed right in front of them.
Crafting with Character
Michael’s practice at Turned Around Studio is built on a deep respect for the material. Each log or offcut is considered for its history – knots, spalting, mineral streaks, fire marks – and these features are celebrated rather than hidden. Using the lathe, he shapes forms that feel natural and balanced: bowls with lifted rims, platters that highlight dramatic grain and vessels finished with hand-rubbed oils and waxes that let the timber speak for itself.
Much of the timber he works with is reclaimed. Storm-fallen trees, pruning cuts, farm and building offcuts all find a second life in the studio. Nothing is wasted; even the smallest pieces are reimagined as scoops, spoons or test items. The result is a body of work that is sustainable, thoughtful and rich in character.
Beyond turning, Turned Around Studio is also home to Michael’s furniture restoration practice. Vintage and antique pieces are repaired, reupholstered and rejuvenated, carefully balancing traditional methods with contemporary techniques. Each restored piece honours its history while being made ready for daily use in modern homes. It’s another way Michael ensures timber is valued and preserved, rather than discarded.
A Hub of Timber Creativity
During the Southern Highlands Arts Trail 2025, Turned Around Studio becomes a hub of timber-based creativity, showcasing the work of three artists in one location. Michael will be joined by Steve from Styro Pyrography, whose burnings on wood transform the surface into detailed, personal artworks, and Jeremy from Lone Dog Workshop, who creates handmade sustainable wooden gifts and homewares. Together, they offer visitors a broad perspective on what timber can become in different hands.
Demonstrations and Hands-On Encounters
One of the highlights of visiting Turned Around Studio on the Arts Trail is the opportunity to see demonstrations. Michael will be at the lathe, showing how bowls and small wooden Christmas trees are shaped from raw timber. Steve will share pyrography techniques, while Jeremy demonstrates carving with the bandsaw. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, see the tools in action, and learn about the different approaches each artist takes.
It’s not just about looking at finished works on display – it’s about engaging with the process and gaining a better understanding of the patience, skill and imagination behind each piece.
Why Visit Turned Around Studio?
The Southern Highlands Arts Trail is about connection: with artists, with process and with the creative life of the region. Turned Around Studio offers all of that in one stop. Visitors can experience three timber-based practices side by side, enjoy live demonstrations, explore finished works and even meet the Highland cattle that graze just beyond the workshop.
It’s a studio that invites you to slow down. There’s time for a tea or coffee, time to watch shavings fly, and time to appreciate the small details that make each piece unique. Whether you’re drawn to the warmth of handcrafted bowls, the character of restored furniture, or the artistry of pyrography and fine woodworking, this is a destination that rewards curiosity and close looking.
At its core, Turned Around Studio is about giving timber a new life. From fallen branches to salvaged furniture, every piece is part of a cycle of use, renewal and transformation. Michael’s work captures this ethos – sustainable, crafted with care and designed to be cherished for years to come.
The Southern Highlands Arts Trail 2025 will be held across the first two weekends in November, the 1st & 2nd and 8th & 9th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Studios and creative spaces throughout the region will be open, offering visitors the chance to connect with local artists, discover unique works and enjoy the vibrant creative spirit of the Southern Highlands. Download your map here today!
