artists
every piece has a story, and every story begins with an artist
HELENSVILLE, AUCKLAND · DESIGNER & MAKER
Andrew Eccles - furnACE
Andrew Eccles is the designer and maker behind furnACE, a Helensville-based studio creating original wall art, homewares and gifts inspired by Aotearoa. Combining engineering precision with creative experimentation, Andrew transforms timber, acrylic, metal and other materials into contemporary pieces with genuine depth and character.
about
Andrew Eccles has always been a maker at heart.
Growing up in a family of artists, he developed an early appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. His background in engineering, design, technical communication and photography added a practical understanding of how objects are conceived, constructed and refined.
Andrew’s natural curiosity has always led him to pull things apart, understand how they work and then build something of his own.
furnACE grew from this combination of creative and technical interests—and from Andrew’s frustration with supposedly New Zealand-inspired décor that was imported, generic or simply decorated with a familiar Kiwi symbol.
He wanted to create something different: original designs made locally from authentic materials, with real dimension and a meaningful connection to Aotearoa.
From his workshop in Helensville, northwest of Auckland, Andrew designs, cuts, assembles and finishes every piece himself. Nothing is mass-produced or sourced as imported stock, and the imagery used to present his work reflects the genuine finished pieces.
Andrew works across a broad range of materials rather than restricting himself to one medium. Depending on the design, a work may combine solid timber, plywood, acrylic, metal, resin or engraved elements.
This material freedom allows each idea to determine its own form. Natural grain, colour and small variations remain visible within the finished work, ensuring that no two handmade pieces are ever exactly alike.
Much of Andrew’s work is inspired by New Zealand—particularly its native birds and landscapes. Familiar subjects are reinterpreted through layered construction, contemporary design and considered material combinations, creating pieces that feel recognisably connected to this place without relying on convention.
Recent works have extended into larger wall pieces incorporating black galvanised corrugated metal and kwila frames. These works bring together detailed imagery, dimensional construction and materials with a rugged connection to New Zealand’s built and natural environments.
Andrew’s partner, Diane, works alongside him, assisting with assembly, markets and the development of new ideas. She also provides the invaluable second opinion when a design has not quite reached its final form.
Together, they have grown furnACE from a small workshop practice into a distinctive collection of locally designed and made objects.
Andrew’s work reflects the pleasure of making something properly—taking an idea through every stage until it becomes an object that is thoughtful, tangible and made to last.
Because a meaningful connection to New Zealand should run deeper than an image on the surface.


furnACE — Andrew Eccles
A kererū rests among flowering branches, its broad white breast contrasting with warm timber and finely patterned wings.
In New Zealand Wood Pigeon / Kererū 3D Layered Silhouette Timber Wall Art, the bird’s rounded body and long tail give it a calm presence. White accents reveal feather details, curved claws and small blossoms against a dark grey woodgrain background.
Designed, made and finished in Andrew’s Helensville workshop, the piece combines a walnut-stained birch plywood overlay, white cast-acrylic middle layer and stained timber backing. The three layers create depth and shadow around the bird and delicate botanical cutwork.
Its compact size would bring natural warmth to an entryway, dining room or living room, complementing timber furniture, ceramics and soft neutral colours. Presented in a protective gift box, it also makes a thoughtful gift.
Calm · Detailed · Layered
Stained birch plywood, white acrylic and stained timber backing · A4 range
21.5 cm wide × 32 cm high, including frame
Visible artwork area: 19.5 cm wide × 30.5 cm high
Macrocarpa frame finished with hard wax oil
Protective presentation box included.
Natural timber grain and hand finishing vary slightly between pieces.
Some room images show this piece alongside other furnACE works. Each is sold individually.
For each Native Bird Wall Art piece sold, furnACE sets aside NZ$2 for quarterly donations supporting New Zealand native bird conservation.