Sydney maker Nick Pedulla takes out two ACFA awards
Images courtesy Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association
Sydney maker Nick Pedulla has taken out the top award at this year’s Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association awards. Nick’s Vigne Bench was awarded Design of the Year, and Best Freestanding Furniture.
The awards are judged by ‘industry representatives who have strong knowledge of the industry, operations, manufacturing and trends’. Entries are assessed on three criteria: design, functionality and innovation. The awards were presented at the ACFA Awards Dinner on Friday 15 September 2023 at Dockside Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney.
Nick Pedulla, Vigne bench. Photo: Nick Pedulla
ACFA CEO, Dean Brakell commented, ‘I would like to congratulate all those members who entered this year’s annual awards night. There were almost 300 entries across all our categories. The awards night held in the middle of September was a great night of networking and showcasing the design and innovative work that our sector produces. It is truly inspiring.’ You can see all the winners from the 2023 Industry Awards on the ACFA website at this link.
A complex example of steambending, Vigne is French for vine, explains Nick Pedulla. ‘This refers to the fluid growth of the solid ash curves, wrapping themselves around the carved seating structure, the same way a vine grows around its trellis. The ends of the ash ‘Vine’ are left free and open, allowing its natural tendency to want to continue to grow along its own path. This reference to growth also alludes to the inherent push of a designer/maker, the want to continually move forward and develop as a creator. To grow and break free from the norm.’
Nick Pedulla’s piece was shortlisted in Australian Wood Review’s 2022 Maker of the Year awards. Nick appeared on the cover of AWR#115 in June 2022, and was profiled in that issue. Wood Review congratulates Nick Pedulla on his success!
See Nick’s video on the making of his Vigne bench seat below.
Learn more about Nick Pedulla and the Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association (ACFA).