Magdalene “Maddy” Marx is the co-founder of GHIFY, an Australian online furniture store based in the Sunshine State of Queensland. Over the years, this excommercial lawyer’s interest in International Trade developed into a passion to
build global partnerships base on dialogue, equity, transparency and respect in
order to grow a truly sustainable open economy. Where better to nurture this
passion than her Etsy store which started with her husband in 2012 which focuses
on bringing sustainable eco-friendly furniture that combines clean lines, modern
beauty and functionality to the global community.
The “Once Upon A Queenslander” collection which was recently currently on exhibit at the Queensland Museum was inspired
by a type of architecture unique to the harsh sub-tropical climate of the region. Dating back to the 1840’s
“Queenslander” houses were built primarily from
native hardwood and is a vernacular type of architecture distinct to Queensland as the houses
are raised on stumps above ground for practical
reasons in order to create cool ventilation pockets for the inhabitants as well as protect the
main structure against the seasonal torrential
downpours, floods, termites and pests common
to the region.
The “Once Upon A Queenslander” collection was created to celebrate this beloved state icon that many locals still remember growing up in. All the furniture in this
collection is made entirely from old floorboards, ceiling beams
and battens salvaged from old Queenslander houses. Each
piece of timber is lovingly sanded back and restored by hand
to once again reveal the timber’s naturally beautiful grain while
the original nail holes and characteristic knots are preserved as
a part of the history of the piece.
For me, the creative process is about leaving all judgments and
preconceptions at the door and being completely open to what
is waiting for us right at this moment. I love that saying, “Listen closely as opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.” We
are, each and every one of us, wonderfully gifted with creativity
in one form or the other. It could be with words, drawings or
something more physical like dance or furniture making. When
we free ourselves of the worries, stresses and demands of the immediate, we leave ourselves completely open to be creative from
our hearts and very being. It becomes so easy and so effortless.
Having travelled around all my life, Queensland is the only place that
has ever truly felt like what coming home to be. I love everything about this beautiful state I live in with my beautiful husband and children. I think we are so privileged to be able to live here. From the beautiful tropical rains, perpetually blue
skies to the thong and singlet larrikin natures of Queenslander spirit. This love
for our beautiful Queensland culture is apparent in the GHIFY furniture. I believe
in keeping the spirit of the Queenslander culture strong in our designs which is
apparent in the minimalist raw designs and the solidness of the material that will
weather generations to come. Just like the Queenslander spirit!
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