Nigel Smith immigrated to California from New Zealand in 1985 and lived in Mammoth Lakes and Crowley Lake for 30 years. The last 5 years he has resided in Fish Lake Valley where he currently lives.

Before moving to the USA Nigel studied economics, marketing and business at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

After travelling the world Nigel settled permanently in Mammoth Lakes operating an

Exterior Plastering business for over 25 years. During this time one of his hobbies was woodworking including furniture and wood craft items. Along

with his painting artist wife, Gail Camic-Smith, they have been showcasing their creations at local and out of state art shows for the past 10 years or so.

The style of furniture Nigel makes is Rustic, with the use of both local and out of the area wood types, natural rock and other materials, to form ‘River’ tables and other inserts with the widespread use of encapsulating resins. Some of the woods used include Walnut, Ash, Mahogany, Madrone and local woods such as Aspen, Pine and Cottonwood. The goal is to create pieces of art but with the emphasis on functionality. He also does many pieces on a custom basis to fit a clients needs such as fitting in a particular space, including small pieces for RVs. He has studied wood carving with the renowned Ron Ramsey. Specialty pieces have included inserts of fossilized ‘Dinosaur Dung’, sliced Geodes, the use of LED lights in resin etc.

If anyone has something custom in mind Nigel always enjoys the challenge and finds it interesting to tackle a different project