AWR Studio Furniture 2018: Meet the Entrants 4

9 April 2018

This year Australian Wood Review in partnership with Bungendore Wood Works Gallery will produce the third of its AWR Studio Furniture exhibitions.

Designer makers all over the world are invited to enter by uploading six images of past work and include a short bio in the "Entry Description field". There is an $80 fee to enter. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to exhibit at AWR Studio Furniture 2018 at Bungendore Wood Works Gallery. The exhibition opens Oct 20, 2018 and runs until Jan 31, 2019.

Here is the fourth in a series of updates introducing our fantastic entrants!

Aidan Morris, NSW

‘I specialise in high-end, contemporary timber furniture and residential interior fit-outs. I employ a combination of traditional hand skills and methods of construction, with the latest technology to create unique pieces that are built to last. With a trade in cabinet making and joinery, as well as a Certificate IV in furniture design and technology from Sturt School For Wood, my love for timber led me to starting my own business in 2010 making bespoke furniture. I work with private clients, architects and interior designers when handcrafting a custom designed piece. Only the best materials, hardware and finishes are used to ensure that the final product is of the highest quality. Each piece is manufactured and finished in-house by myself, ensuring a unique and detailed result. My vision is to be a preferred supplier on any project where products of exceptional quality, reliability and desirability are required. All products are designed to be timeless and are made to last for generations. See www.aidanmorris.com

Will Marx, Qld

Discovering my love for building furniture at a young age, I have pursued my passion for designing and building furniture most of my life. With over 28 years design and building experience behind me, my portfolio of works continues to evolve and grow. While I work with various mediums, I love the depth, authenticity and complexities that comes with working with solid timber. My signature style is creating fluid refined forms and demonstrating the beautiful juxtaposition that comes with shaping the solidity of wood into delicate organic forms while retaining the natural characteristics of its origin. See www.willmarx.com.au

Helmut Lueckenhausen, Vic

Helmut Lueckenhausen has had a long and distinguished career as a designer, maker and educator. He is a leading exponent in the field of studio furniture, having maintained a regular national and international exhibition and lecture program, including forum, conference and workshop presentations. His work has been exhibited throughout the world and he is represented in the permanent collections of the Australian National Gallery as well as public galleries and museums in six states and territories, and in Germany. He has served as Honorary Secretary of the World Craft Council and on many national and international boards and committees, including the Design Institute of Australia, Craft Australia, Craft Victoria and committees of the Australia Council. He currently holds the position of Pro Vice Chancellor Academic at Torrens University Australia, part of Laureate International Universities.

Neil Turner, WA

Living on the land as a farmer Neil Turner’s earlier work was influenced by harmonies within nature. The quiet ripples in the sand left by wind, raging roaring swirling flames of fire and soothing eddies left by running water. Since moving to the coast his inspirations have changed, the wonderful shapes of seashells, coral and fine translucent appearance and structure of some seaweed and sponges. His work now reflects influences from his past and incorporates elements of his present environment. Combining a combination of these ideas from past and present, sculpture and furniture has proved challenging, bearing in mind they must compliment one another and maintain a balance with itself. The final destination is a piece that will inspire close inspection; thinking and feeling that the work is at peace in it’s surroundings.

Darren Fry, SA

Darren Fry is a furniture designer maker who works from his private studio in Adelaide. He is known for his ability to design and create pieces that reflect an aesthetic of elegance. His work comprises a culmination of skills harnessed over a career spanning more than 25 years in which he has been committed to creating pieces that leave a lasting impression. Using timbers from Australia and across the globe, Darren consistently demonstrates an ability to capture a subtle refinement and purity in his designs. Darren is passionate about Contemporary Australian Furniture and acknowledges many influences from the past. His work is of the finest quality and is made to stand the test of time while resonating with generations to come.