Words: Linda Nathan
Photos: Randal Kohn
Exhibition openings are exciting. Friends, family and woodwork lovers can see beautiful new work, celebrate the achievements of the people who designed and made it, and sales can be made too!
Last week I was lucky enough to act as a judge for the Victorian Woodworkers Association Double Take exhibition, and of course be present at the opening night and presentation of awards.
Soon after 6pm on October 17, 2017 what seemed like hundreds of people had crowded into the Manningham Art Gallery in Doncaster. Even for a city that can experience four seasons in a day it was an unseasonably hot October night in Melbourne. And with the aircon not working it was hotter still! (Note to architects: sometimes nothing can replace having a window to open!)
It doesn’t matter how many photos of work you see, there is nothing that can replace a real life 3D experience – getting up close, opening drawers and doors, peering underneath, looking and touching surfaces. In my line of work being given the privilege of judging is an honour and also an invaluable learning experience. Having to evaluate one piece against another as it sits within a group brings to the fore a whole lot of factors to considerate, some obvious, others more subtle.
The exhibition comprised 50 pieces which were made by 38 makers, most Victorian but also several from other states. Two exhibitions were combined: Fine Woodworking and Create From A Crate.
The awards listed below were richly supported by the Victorian Woodworkers Association, Japanese Tools Australia, Timbecon and Handkrafted.
The Victorian Woodworkers Association Best in Show Award – Benjamin Joel Reddan – $3,000
Smart Recycling Most Creative Use of Timber Packaging Waste Award – Angelo Toppi – $1,500
Turning/Sculpture Award – Joshua Stevens - $1000
Design & Innovation Award – Randal Kohn - $500 and Mirka Deros sander valued at $847 from Best Abrasives.
Timbecon Cabinet Making Award – Create from a Crate – Hamish Hill – $500 and a $250 Timbecon voucher
Timbecon Cabinet Making Award – Fine Woodworking – Matt Potter – $500 and a $250 Timbecon voucher
The Victorian Woodworkers Association President’s Award – Christopher Neal – Handkrafted membership – value $360
Judges Commendations:
• Bernard Chandley
• Chris Tomoya James
• Adam Markowitz
• William Matthysen
• Gregory Smyth
• Grant Vaughan
The exhibition is open until November 11, 2017.
Manningham Art Gallery - Ground Floor, MC2, 687 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108
Gallery Hours - Tuesday - Saturday - 11am - 5pm
More information at vwaexhibitions.org.au
A review of the exhibition will appear in the December issue of Australian Wood Review.