Alex Fekete arrived in Australia in 1966 as a political refugee from Hungary. After obtaining his bachelors degree in Agricultural Science at Melbourne University, he established a wholesale nursery business.

In the winter of 1977 he borrowed his father’s small homemade lathe and an armful of books from the library, he began to teach himself the craft of woodturning. Bowls, platters, rovers and mallets were turned with enthusiasm. Culled fruit trees, discarded pallets and firewood heaps were constantly raided. A book for a birthday present called Lathe Art inspired him further and became the stepping stone for his future career.

Turning vases and hollow vessels required far more skill than he ever imagined. Success requires constant focus and concentration. Alex found this type of turning so exhilarating, that he devoted his energy to full time wood turning.

In 1999 he commissioned a local firm to build a very large lathe that can handle 20 - 30 kg logs that are the foundation for his more sizeable creations. His style is a fine mix of classical lines derived from Greek and Roman pottery influences transfused with sleek, contemporary lines reflecting functional aesthetics.

He uses Tasmania’s finest timbers, Blackheart Sassafras, Tiger Myrtle, Quilted or flame Myrtle, Blackwood and of course, Huon Pine. It is his unique philosophy, that inside every piece of timber or branch segment, nature has buried a vase or hollow form and it is up to him, the artist or explorer to uncover the hidden treasure within. Alex firmly believes that it is the artist's job to harmonise the natural features of timber with refined aesthetic form in order to create pieces that appeal to both the visual and tactile senses of the beholder,