BEV DOAK

Bark Collage

Bark art is a craft unique to Australia. The bark used is usually from the Melaleuca (paper bark) tree, which is found throughout Australia. The Melaleuca tree, commonly known as 'Paper bark', has many varieties and variation of texture. It is exciting to work with.

The bark can be as fine as paper, almost like lace, or covered with a dusty powder; or be like leather. There is also weather-worn grey, and bushfire black. I have trained myself in this art form, and use the bark as if I were painting a picture.

I work using tweezers as the pieces can be small, and the technique slow. Timber is a wonderful product with a sense of being alive, and I never tire of having this form of art on my wall.

GLENN DOYLE

Wirework

I began experimenting with wire as a sculpting medium six years ago. The wire and tools I use are of the same type used by farmers to build fences in rural Australia. As there were no artists, to my knowledge, using wire in the way that I wanted to use it, I taught myself by trial and error.

I have exhibited my work in galleries in the Hunter Valley and Gosford on NSW's Central Coast. I have had my work on permanent exhibition in one Central Coast gallery since May '07, and am now very pleased with the opportunity to exhibit my work in the beautiful gallery of the Society of Arts and Crafts of NSW.

MAURIZIO NANNETTI

Wood Sculptor

I became an artist later in life after surrendering to the old dream of 'making things with my hands'. I have been in love with wood all my life and when I moved DownUnder it became a real passion.

A few years ago I decided to give up corporate life and plunge into woodwork. I began by learning to turn wood then I took up carving and sculpting. I use the lathe to create the initial form then I let my imagination fly and I transform a regular shape into something more organic and fluid. Sometimes I add to my pieces a detail in a different material like glass or steel. I use Australian native wood most of the time however a few of my pieces are made with New Zealand species under the influence of my mentors.

MICHEL ST CLAIR

Wood Artisan

As a leading exponent of contemporary woodturning, I create one-of-a-kind sculptural vessels and artistic forms from Australian timbers. I travel extensively to collect and then season many of this country's rare and coloured grained woods (coolabah, red, grey and white box, fibrous zanthorrhoea - also known as grass tree or blackboy - huon pine, myrtle and desert myall, just to name a few). However my most renowned work is in red river gum burls, where I exploit the natural grain edge or rim, incorporating gold-leaf and ebonising.

I am exploring suspended bowl forms with ebonised rims.

NEVILLE WOSTEAR

Wood Turner

Working with wood has been part of my life since childhood. So it was natural for me, when the opportunity arose, to start a new career as a woodturner and woodworker.

Wood has the amazing ability to reflect the human consciousness. It is a material which is exciting to work with; it has feelings and emotions and must be worked with and not against. To stroke and caress a beautifully made wooden object is a sensual experience which gives immeasurable delight. It is one I never tire of. Wood speaks in a silent way to the craftsman, ever calling on him to rise to new heights of excellence.

Wood returns in kind by revealing ever deeper and deeper qualities of beauty. So I work in wood with much frustration and angst but also with much Joy, Pleasure and Peace. I hope it returns the same to you.