The Art of Making: Studio Woodworkers Australia

 

Above: Evan Dunstone, Mutawintji 1 hall table. Photo: Adam McGrath, Hcreations

Australian Design Centre presents a new exhibition The Art of Making: Studio Woodworkers Australia, opening 10 February. The exhibition runs until March 15 and features an impressive selection of exceptional furniture, objects and wall pieces, that highlight the unique qualities of Australian timbers and the talent of those dedicated to working with them.

Studio Woodworkers Australia supports designer makers and artists working in wood and this exhibition presents several pieces created through mentorship and collaboration – a reminder of the fruitful creative exchange between makers. Using processes that respect and draw out the intrinsic beauty of fine timbers, these designers have created objects intended to span across generations.

ADC is committed to showcasing outstanding studio practice and this exhibition exemplifies technical mastery pushing creative and material boundaries. Lisa Cahill, CEO and Artistic Director of Australian Design Centre said: “Our first exhibition for 2022 highlights the shared values of dedication, respect for materials and experimentation that members of Studio Woodworkers Australia bring to their work. Their furniture and objects give a sense of continuity, rarity and what it means to have life-long commitment to studio practice.”

Left to right: Warwick Jones, Halo Light (photo: Carmen Glenn); Tony Kenway, quilted blackwood rocker; Will Matthysen, Clock 204 (photo: Northside Studio).

Exhibition highlights:
• Evan Dunstone’s hall table design uses beautifully figured local timber to reflect the ancient and culturally significant landscape of Mutawintji in NSW.
• Contemporary designs such as the Warwick Jones’ Halo pendant light contrast with the mechanical masterworks like Clock 204 by Will Matthysen, an eight-day clock that uses fine timbers such as Tasmanian myrtle, jarrah, sycamore and ebony.
• Ruth Thompson takes her cue from famous dancers, with her elongated cabinet Daddy Long Legs inspired by Fred Astaire.
• Tony Kenway’s Tasmanian blackwood rocking chair is modelled to cradle the body reflecting his interest in creating flowing sensual forms that are both functional and comfortable.

The exhibition features work by:
Silvio Apponyi, Rolf Barfoed, Evan Dunstone, Phoebe Everill, Stuart Faulkner, Gray Hawk, Jim Homann, Warwick Jones, Rhys Jones, Tony Kenway, David MacLaren, Will Matthysen, Thirston Morris, David Muston, Darren Naftal, Raf Nathan, Christopher Neal, Darren Oates, Kanun Onsel, Andrew Pinnock, Adrian Potter, Benjamin Reddan, Mitchell Rice, Ruth Thompson, David Upfill-Brown, Grant Vaughan, Sebastian Wood, Warwick Wright, Peter Young

Australian Design Centre is situated at 101-115 William Street (corner of William and Palmer Streets), Darlinghurst NSW 2010.

Learn more at australiandesigncentre.com/the-art-of-making