Mia Ballesty, Makeup Desk (Student Awards 2019)

The production of my makeup desk made from Tasmanian blackwood was an Incredible and fun learning experience allowing my knowledge of the furniture industry to broaden. Throughout the journey of my final year of school I endeavoured on an intense process of creating my desired piece, in which I exceeded my standards of what I am able to achieve. The process of my major work was full of new experiences, many challenges and difficulties that I was able to overcome after continuous evaluation and a great amount of fun. My major work allowed me to explore a wide range of impressive skills evident all around my project. The laminations are by far one of the most impressive elements of my product as this was a very long and delicate process which was aimed to be perfected and mimicked on both sides, creating a wider range of difficulty in having to ensure both legs are the same. Creating my makeup desk legs and the scribing of the inner frame was by far my most high quality joinery as I aimed to completely perfect this join. The aesthetics of this join is incredible with minimum flaws and precise cuts. I believe this aspect is what elevates my work to a higher status as it was one of the major aspects of my design creating such a unique piece and is what exceeds my standards. The skillset on my major work ranges from the timber bending, marquetry, drawers, finger joints, timber joining, rebating and many others as I sought to create a difficult, aesthetically pleasing naturally simplistic makeup desk which I could admire as something I had made for many years to come. The supporting environment around the workshop encouraged me to exceed my standards. The final outcome of my makeup table is well above the standards I set for myself and I am completely amazed by the skills I have learnt and the quality of the product I have produced. I had never thought I was capable of these things however quickly learnt when applying the right amount of effort I am able to achieve anything. I believe it was a great success and it has well exceeded my expectations. Year 12, Freshwater Senior Campus. Teacher: Ben Percy

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