AWR Studio Furniture 2018: Meet the Entrants 15
The weeks are getting shorter for our 70 shortlisted entrants as reports come through of success...and also trial, tribulation and fear of not completing in time. In the gallery layouts are being planned, spaces cleared and over 20 new plinths have been made. All over Australia, tables, chairs, cabinets, lighting and boxes are works in progress.
At the October 20 opening of AWR Studio Furniture 2018, over $21,000 in awards will now be presented:
Bungendore Wood Works Gallery is sponsoring a massive $15,000 in cash awards, including a first prize of $10,000.
Felder Award for Fine Woodworking, a Hammer N4400 bandsaw valued at $3166
George Ingham Chair Prize, $1000 sponsored by Adrian Potter
Interwood Award for Excellence, $1000 sponsored by InterwoodShop.com.au
Emerging Designer Maker, $1000 sponsored by Studio Woodworkers Australia
The exhibition opens during Wood Dust Australia, and will run until January 31, 2019.
We will continue to introduce all entrants in a series that will take us up to the opening. You can also see work by shortlisted entrants in the lead-up on our Instagram (see #studiofurniture 2018) and Facebook pages.
We are grateful to our sponsors for their support: Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, Felder Group Australia and Branch 95 Timbers.
Damien Wright and Bonhula Yunupingu, Bala ga Lili
Bala Ga Lili (Two ways Learning) by Damien Wright and Bonhula Yunupingu Background: This artwork was generated through a cross-cultural collaboration between Melbourne furniture designer and maker, Damien Wright, and Yolngu man, Bonhula Yunupingu, member of the Gumatj clan of North East Arnhem Land. Damien and Bonhula first met in 2010 when Damien was invited by Gumatj elder, Galarrwuy Yunupigu, to establish a furniture craft studio in his homeland community of Gunyangara, situated near the mining town of Nhulunbuy. The workshop would utilise local timbers, routinely bulldozed and burnt in the process of bauxite mining, now being recovered by the Gumatj people for commercial advantage. In the European schema, Damien was Bonhula’s mentor, Bonhula Damien’s mentee. Read more.
Myles Gostelow, Myles Gostelow Craftsman
Myles is passionate about creating functional pieces of art for any environment. He designs and crafts pieces for a wide range of clients including commissions for private, corporate, government and ecclesiastical clients. He prides himself on hand selecting only the finest timbers and materials for each piece and his broad range of skills (including carving, blacksmithing and upholstering) means that all parts of the designing and making are handled exclusively by him. Myles grew up on a remote cattle station in far north Queensland and he attributes his passion for creating and attention to detail to his truly unique upbringing in the beautiful Australian outback. Myles graduated from the Australian National University’s School of Art and has established himself as a leading Canberra based furniture maker. Instagram: @myles_gostelow_craftsman
Paul Lam Han, Sakura Display Unit
I am a hobbyist who have great interest in sashimono woodwork, so most of the fine furniture that I have made is in the Japanese style. Inspiration for my designs come from books or pictures of ancient Japanese furniture. The challenge for me is in the joinery and openwork using the Japanese hand tools. I am self taught but have also attended a short course at Sturt School For Wood with US maker Tim Rousseau.
Alan Newnham, Anew Woodworks
Alan is the sole craftsperson/founder at Anew where he designs and creates elegant furniture pieces enhanced by the beauty of recycled Australian hardwoods. He has developed a unique style along a self-taught journey of working with wood where he pushes the boundaries of established techniques. Alan’s love of recycled timber has lead to a commitment for its exclusive use. The timber is mainly sourced from demolished old Queenslander homes from the Brisbane/Byron Bay region, where Anew is based, and creates a characterful aesthetic not attainable when using new, purpose milled lumber. The Roam Entry Table and the Swept Stool are products of Alan’s innovative approach to woodworking. The techniques used to create the distinctive curved legs of the entry table were reimagined to create the expressive intersecting planes of the stool. Both forms create a different perspective from every angle as they catch the light throughout the day. Website: www.anewwoodworks.com.au
Andrew Frost, Andy Frost Designer and Maker
For as long as I can remember I have been making things out of stuff. Plenty of opportunities for that while growing up on a sheep and wheat farm in central-western NSW. My parents were both creative, passionate and inspiring characters. Dad as craftsman, farmer and builder. Mum as teacher and arts lover. I have, throughout my adult life, strived to design and make beautiful and functional things. Website: www.andyfrost.com.au
Owen Foale, Salvaged Timber Furniture
What started as an endeavour to wrangle some bookshelves from a flooded gum in a pile of flood debris has 25 years on evolved into endlessly unique marriages between whatever has come to hand and clients’ desired outcome. Owen operates on a strictly salvage basis, though given the unique character of Brisbane structures and the profoundly appealing qualities of the timbers on offer this is by no means a handicap. Whether from demolition, storm salvage or suburban lopping, every piece ends up with a unique and mostly storied provenance. As for design….whatever it takes! Website: www.salvagedtimberfurniture.com.au
AWR Studio Furniture is proudly sponsored by:
