still life - an exhibition of fine wood design

12 April – 31 May 2007

Sofitel Melbourne

Curator: Katherine Wilkinson

Presented by the Victorian Woodworkers Association in association with Global Art Projects

still life - An exhibition of fine wood design is currently on display at Sofitel Melbourne. The exhibition features contemporary wood pieces from members of the Victorian Woodworkers Association.

"Wood is witness to the life of a tree; part of an ecosystem and a cultural landscape. In the exhibition ‘still life’ wood has a next life as a functional piece of furniture, a container for personal objects and meaning, or a sculpture for contemplation at the hand of designer/makers Andrew Potocnik, Anthony Hoffrichter, Brendan Stemp, Justin Vecchio, Ken Wraight, Martin Davis, Richard Raffan and Scott Mitchell.

Each has a keen understanding of, and respect for, living timber as a resource and its potential when turned, carved, joined and laminated. Some take their artistic inspiration from nature and the wood’s own narrative or reference the cultural traditions of societies’ varied practical and ceremonial uses of wood. Others select and recycle salvaged timbers and bring the elements of pure design, utilitarianism and technology to the creative and construction processes.

Their diversity of approach is characterized by a passion for wood’s innate, unique and beautiful qualities and a shared commitment to hands-on craftsmanship. These designer/makers exhibit and are collected in Australia and internationally and pass on their knowledge and ideas through teaching, writing and working with clients on commissions. ‘still life’ gathers a range of fine wood design; one-off and production pieces of sculpture, containers and furniture; wood in its next life, part of our personal, public and corporate landscapes."

Katherine Wilkinson, curator.