West Australian timber artisans Peter Cook and Ian Collishaw at Scarab Studio Wood are giving timber a modern make-over, and gaining a global reputation for quality design and fine craftsmanship

Scarab Studio Wood bring the warmth, life and energy of timber to their creations to produce unique artworks that are both practical and enchanting.

Launched in 1998, Scarab develops contemporary products for both the domestic and corporate markets. Their fabulous and functional designs are lovingly crafted by hand with quality and longevity the highest priority.

Since launching in 1998, each Scarab Studio Wood piece carries a distinctive maker's mark - a sterling silver Scarab beetle, chosen because it is both highly esteemed and humble. It is found in Western Australia as well as in many other places around the world. In Egyptian mythology the Scarab was used to symbolize the cycle of life. In its roll of tilling and fertilizing the soil, it is linked to the growth of the mighty trees whose wood we prize so much. Ultimately the Scarab beetle is a symbol of good luck.

Peter and Ian have an eye for style as well as a drive to embrace sustainability. With a strong ethical stance on the preservation of old-growth forest ecosystems, much of their carefully sourced timber is salvaged from local historic building sites. With sensitivity and the highest standards of craftsmanship, Scarab transforms these precious timber resources into works of art and beauty

"As artists we respond to the rich environment surrounding us," explains Peter Cook.

"In nature we often find inspiration, even spiritual elevation within natural forms. When we make and create, we find ourselves guided, mentored, informed, educated by nature.

"As inspired craftsmen and artists, we study natures' methodologies in order to become better creators."

Mr Cook's latest addition to the Scarab collection is a container called Krysalis, which is part of his evolving Stratum series.

"Its sharp, metallic tip - a punctuation point - suggests ideas of organic skin on rigid core. Krysalis as a container suggests the keeper of innocence, the protector of vulnerable genesis. Its contrasting layers represent duality and hints at nature's method of building complex forms from many small parts."

The second new addition is a piece of wood art called Cell which combines many small pieces, once again wondering at nature's amazing forms.

"The particles that are built up over time to give rise to the trees that we so revere are its individual cells. We pay homage to these humble building blocks with Cell."