This page is a snapshot of some of the practical projects I’ve completed both professionally and independently. My work has included trade-based employment in marine restoration, as well as hands-on projects like building studios, converting workshops, and mechanical repairs. Each project highlights my ability to think on my feet, work safely with tools and materials, and see a job through from start to finish.
While I’m mainly known for my guitar playing in Opal Ocean and my work as a painter, this page showcases another side of what I do. It highlights my mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and motivation to take on a wide variety of manual challenges.
I hope these projects not only give you insight into my skills, but also inspire you to keep tinkering and creating.
Building SpaceS
THE ART SHED
That garage was my first painting studio! Australian summers are no joke, and since I didn’t fancy turning into a baked potato while painting, I installed polystyrene insulation and closed the walls. Next time I do this, I’ll spend the money on a proper hot knife… polystyrene and a hand saw are just a messy combo!
Some of the paintings produced in that space…
View my latest work on Instagram
The Container Project
After relocating to Auckland, NZ, I needed yet another place to paint and make my frames. The shipping container I moved with was simply too dark to use as a painting space, so I decided to build the studio on top where there’s plenty of natural light, and use the container as a workshop.
Planning is key!
The Boat Days
RUSTY OLD TOOT
During Covid, when I was unable to tour and perform with my band, I got completely hooked on a YouTube channel called Acorn to Arabella. It follows a guy who spent seven years building a massive wooden boat using timber planted by his great-grandfather. The project was so inspiring that when I later saw an opportunity to work in Melbourne’s marina, I couldn’t turn it down.
By then I’d absorbed hundreds of hours of boatbuilding knowledge and lingo from YouTube, so when I finally got on the job, I actually felt quite at home. I ended up working mostly on aluminium, steel, and fiberglass boats, but on the rare occasions I had the chance to repair a timber yacht, it felt pretty special to me.
The Catamaran
The thing about aluminium: you have a 10-minute window to apply primer before the metal oxidises again and renders the epoxy useless, so teamwork and working in small batches is key.
THE BIKE
I’ve always been a rider — started on mopeds in my teens and never really stopped. I used to mess around with motors and things, but this was on a whole new level. I’d only had the bike a few weeks when I realised the previous owners had been running it on extremely low oil levels… needless to say, she needed a new engine.
I was stumped to find that no mechanics wanted to work on it and no wreckers would take it. So, after careful consideration, I ordered the parts, put on my mechanic hat, and did the job myself.
Play Kitchen
I'm actually pretty proud of this one. It's a toy kitchen for my little niece's birthday. I had a bunch of scrap wood left from the container build, so with my sister's artistic input, I got my tools and made this cute little thing. Obviously, I needed to make sure there were no sharp edges or splinters. The oven had a little mechanism that turns on when you press a button, and the same with the stovetop. I used some coiled-up LED strips to wire in some dimmers to turn the stovetop on and off. She cooked us some delicious cardboard meals since, yum!
Contact:
Tel: 022 430 4720
Email: champagnat2@gmail.com
Credits:
Alexandre Champagnat CP 2025