Sturt graduate exhibition: FLOW

Above: Moea Vonsy – Persévérance Cabinet, silver ash veneers and jarrah

FLOW, the Sturt School for Wood graduate exhibition for 2021, opens on Saturday November 20 at Sturt Gallery & Studios in Mittagong, NSW. The exhibition features work completed during the Furniture Design and Technology program. Most works are for sale, and the exhibition runs until Sunday, December 5.

Brandon Harrison, “a little emphasis” Low Table – American rock maple

The fresh and eclectic work includes fine furniture and smaller pieces designed and made by 12 students during the intensive year-long course. The graduating makers are a diverse group who brought a range of previous experiences and abilities to their common endeavour. Students’ previous professions ranged from health professional, to architect, to public servant, and retired teacher.

David Lim, Cherry Blossom Teapot Stand, Queensland maple and mother of pearl inlays

This year’s tutors were world-class fine furniture makers: Roy Schack, David Upfill-Brown and Peter Young, with visiting tutors Darren Oates and Paul Nicholson.

Lockdowns meant some adjustments to the program, adding to the overall challenges for students and tutors alike. For students, it increased the intensive aspect of the course, with any activities outside the workshop curtailed for some months.

Jess Humpston, Balance Hanging System, maple burl veneers and shou sugi ban rock maple cleat

The Certificate IV program at Sturt is largely practical, covering the use of hand tools and safe use of machinery in first term. This is followed by individual design projects, with much research, sketching and modelling before making the actual pieces. Students also research and present on makers and movements, and complete project reports on their first design piece, the drawer project – this year in the form of a hall table or coffee table.

Kate Rowe, Whitfield Hall Table, southern mountain ash and camphor laurel

Sturt 2021 students were: Vince Berkhout, Noel Davar, Bryn Davies, Brandon Harrison, Jess Humpston, David Lim, Daniel Little, Jack O’Brien, Kate Rowe, Liam Starcevich, Moea Vonsy, Tim Webb

Photos: Ashley Mackevicius

Learn more at www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

Noel Davar, Cathedral Hall Table, old growth Australian red cedar and American rock maple