Matt Woodfield
Founder/Director/Artist

Matt has spent much of his career living and creating with some of the worlds best ocianic carvers of the Marovo Lagoon. This creative journey led him uncover the potential of Fossil Coral as a medium and establish a product that not only blends the essence of nature with modern aesthetics, but one that utilises sustainable practices and supports local communities, honouring the environment and upliftng the lives of those involved. Through his artistic vision and years of experimentation with the natural materials surrounding his home in the Solomon Islands, he formed a the deep relationship with this incredible stone, Fossil Coral. Now, skilfully celebrating the intricate formations shaped over millions of years, Matt transforms these timeless gems into contemporary works.

“I invite you to see the beauty in the ancient, to embrace the legacy of nature, and to intertwine it with the contemporary world.” 

Amy Vomiero
Co-Creator/Designer

Amy joined forces with Matt in 2021, to establish Marovo Island Traders in Australia, bringing over 20 years of design experience to the creative process. Working for six years in Florence, Italy, a city renowned for its artistic heritage, provided her with a valuable perspective and a deep passion for bridging historical creativity with contemporary design. Together, their combined artistic vision creates a balance of artistry, functionality, and sustainable design through timeless elegance and a deeper connection to nature, driven by the passion to support the community of the Marovo Lagoon.

“Understanding how people interact with and experience their surroundings is our starting point when blending functionality with aesthetics to create cohesive, impactful and meaningful environments.”

Behind the brand

  • Marovo Island Traders is an ethically driven social enterprise born from the finest oceanic carvers and local artisans from Marovo Lagoon—Solomon Islands.

  • Inspired by the untamed beauty of the Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands, our incredible team of designers and local artisans are dedicated to creating exquisite fossilised coral lighting, mosaic benchtops and interiors that effortlessly blend nature and design.

  • Utilising one of the most abundant stones available in the Solomon Islands—ancient fossil coral, found naturally on land—our ongoing vision is to continue to evolve with the local community, generating employment, education, and harnessing new skills.

  • With great reverence for the past, we transform these ancient treasures into captivating works of art that tell a story of time, resilience, and beauty. The majority of the Solomon Islands’ coastal landmass is composed of limestone and silica fossil coral that originates from coral reefs. These coral formations undergo a natural cycle of evolution, transitioning from decay into limestone or transforming into exquisite gems and stones like Agate Jasper and Opal, to mention a few. Grinding fossilized reef is an integral part of the Solomon Islands’ traditional culture, and it has historically played a vital role in crafting local currency known as Shell Money. Today, we carry forth these time-honored skills to reveal the beauty of the past, employing conscientious techniques and practices.

  • We believe that every space deserves to be elevated with exceptional craftsmanship and a touch of nature’s wonder. With great reverence for the past, we transform these ancient treasures into captivating pieces that tell a story of time, resilience, and beauty. Pairing the local team of Marovo’s craftsmen and women with Australian designers has allowed us to create a unique range of luxury handcrafted products—with a highly sort after signature style aligned with interior design and architectural trends.

  • Each stone is meticulously chosen from the land by our exceptional team of local carvers and artisans, who possess a profound respect for the environment. Guided by their skilled hands, these stones undergo a metamorphosis into individual pieces of art, encapsulating both restoration and historical significance. This meticulous process ensures a harmonious amalgamation of artistry and ecological awareness, symbolising our unwavering dedication to both craftsmanship and the well-being of our planet.

  • Fossil Coral, created over millions of years, is not only a captivating relic of the past but also a crucial tool for understanding the planet’s geological history. Fossil coral refers to the preserved remains of ancient coral reefs or individual coral organisms that have undergone the process of fossilization. Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate structures produced by living corals over thousands of years.