Introducing our second Dad in our Homecamp Fathers Series – Melbourne based furniture maker, Ben Baldwin.

Ben makes his furniture by hand with a simple mantra in mind; simple, sustainable and strong. Using 100% recycled timber that he sources locally, Ben’s designs combine functionality and sustainability.

Outside the workshop, Ben is the Southern Operations Base Manager and occasional Ship Manager at Sea Shepherd Australia, an organisation that takes action to protect the world’s oceans and marine life from destruction. At home, Ben is father to Sonny.

For most people, Sea Shepherd and furniture making aren’t often associated with one another – how did you end up doing both?

From a very early age I have been fascinated with the natural world. My attempts to understand it better led me to botanical and scientific illustration and progressed to design and engineering. It wasn’t until university that my eyes were opened to the massive environmental impacts of the design industry and I vowed to take a more direct stance. Before long I was onboard an anti-whaling ship heading for Antarctica. After more than a decade working on Sea Shepherd ships, I never lost my desire to produce truly sustainable products, and a couple of years ago I was lucky enough to get this business off the ground in my spare time.

Finding the balance between the two jobs hasn’t been easy, but I think they definitely compliment each other. In fact, I don’t think environmentalism and product design/manufacturing industries should ever be considered separately.

To give up your time at home to go on Sea Shepherd expeditions, you must have a strong passion for fighting environmental destruction – what type of world do you want Sonny to grow up in?

I would love for Sonny to grow up in a world that we no longer took for granted, but I have to be realistic, so I just hope Sonny grows up in a world where more people are willing to fight to defend it. This is going to become more important as the environmental problems we face continue to grow, particularly for our oceans.

How does your passion for the environment feature in your furniture making?

All of my furniture is designed as sustainably as possible. From the functionality and aesthetics of the products, to the choice of materials, joinery and finishes. It all comes together to minimise the environmental impact of that product and determine how long the piece will last.

Being out on a Sea Shepherd expedition, you must’ve seen both the best and worst of nature and humanity – how do you think these experiences will shape how you teach your son about life and the world?

I have definitely seen some confronting truths about humanity in my time at sea. I have also been lucky enough to see some of the world’s most incredible places, animals and ecosystems, and the lengths people are willing to go to protect them. I don’t know what I will be able to teach Sonny, but I hope that he learns to be compassionate and to not be afraid to stand up for what he believes in.

You’re obviously a man up for a challenge, what have been the most challenging parts of becoming a dad?

Press studs.

Favourite part of the world that you can’t wait to take Sonny to?

There are plenty of places I hope to take Sonny, but I think I am most looking forward to taking him out to sea. I wish everyone had the opportunity to go out and experience the wonders of life in our oceans.  

What does an ideal Father’s Day look like?

I will be happy as long as I get to spend the day with Sonny. A cup of tea and a walk in the bush might be nice too.

You can find Ben’s furniture at www.benjaminbaldwin.com.au or on Instagram (@benjamin_baldwin).

And visit www.seashepherd.org.au for more information on their efforts to protect our oceans.

Big thanks to Ben’s wife, Hilary Walker, for capturing these photos and many others for Homecamp. You can see more of Hilary’s work at www.hilarywalker.com.au or @hilarywalkerphotography on Instagram.