exhibiting members . wood turning. bark collage at craft nsw
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.
GLEN 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.
DAVID FRENCH
Woodworker
I have worked with wood since I was able to see over my father's work bench. In recent years I have made quality small furniture pieces by commission but a recent move to the country brought out a new interest in the forms of nature.
My pendants and earrings are made from woods of exceptional colour, grain and character. They are cut and glued together, then shaped by hand to reflect the shapes found in nature. Some pieses are cut and glued many times to create mosaic like patterns. I try where possible to use woods from sustainable sources and hope in the future to grow some of the species I use.
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.
PENELOPE WOOD
Mixed Media Sculptures
I combine my love of nature's grace and form with tribal influence to create unique sculptural works of tranquil rhythm. I create stylized interpretations of fish, birds and flora reflecting classic curves and warm earth tones. Freeform shapes vary in size to over a meter and create a feeling of rhythm and movement as they grace tall walls or leap from pedestals creating shadows of dance. I venture to create an alternate to art in the frame, art of freedom and grace.
An individual style and varied techniques combine artwork, print methods, rare papers and native flora or timbers with various finishes to create unique works of a rustic quality. These are relief sculptures designed to display near the simplicity of a wall allowing for shadows, or near light to enhance their translucent quality. Often sheer papers with gauze backing are utilised to allow the introduction of light . Art motifs compliment the works and are created by brush, pen or hand print methods. The protective finishes are the final stages of creation. My inspiration usually comes from a found item of flora, a lovely curve, such initiates a pictorial image of grace.
