In late 2015 Greg was approached by the American Hardwood Export Council to design “something to sit on” a one off piece of furniture that would explore how sustainability can still embody substance.

Keeping good company, fellow designers also engaged in the inaugural Seed to Seat project are Adam Goodrum, David Trubridge, Todd Hammond, Anne-Claire Petre and Ben Percy - each tasked with using American cherry, tulipwood, red oak or American ash, with the full environmental impact of each completed design being calculated from seed-to-seat.

Greg’s bench piece – Stripped - was unveiled in June 2016 at Den Fair in Melbourne, Australia.

Stripped explores the inherent textural and tactile characteristics of Tulipwood and Red Oak. Employing a wire brushing technique to expose the grain of the Red Oak, the lumber is then charred and blackened through a process of controlled torching. Offering a brilliant contrast the smoothness of the Tulipwood is accentuated with white dust giving the timber a milkiness to touch.

Adding just a hint of Greg Natale glamour to the composition are three brass strips set modestly between the black and white striations - two running through the bench’s vertical elements, the other running horizontally.

Portrait: Tom Ferguson