• Day 1 saw a packed program of presentations and a panel discussion at the SWA symposium.
    Day 1 saw a packed program of presentations and a panel discussion at the SWA symposium.
  • The view into the SWA exhibition at JamFactory, Adelaide
    The view into the SWA exhibition at JamFactory, Adelaide
  • Left to right: Symbiosis exhibition of works at JamFactory Adelaide by Studio Woodworkers Australia members Tim Quirk (occasional table), Gray Hawk (rocker), Ian Bell (sculpture on pedestal at rear), Ruth Thompson's standing lamp at rear and side tables in centre, Gesto armchair by Rhys Jones far right and chair by Gray Hawk in the foreground.
    Left to right: Symbiosis exhibition of works at JamFactory Adelaide by Studio Woodworkers Australia members Tim Quirk (occasional table), Gray Hawk (rocker), Ian Bell (sculpture on pedestal at rear), Ruth Thompson's standing lamp at rear and side tables in centre, Gesto armchair by Rhys Jones far right and chair by Gray Hawk in the foreground.
  • JamFactory Adelaide
    JamFactory Adelaide
  • Floor talks by SWA members at the exhibition
    Floor talks by SWA members at the exhibition
  • Presenter Adam Markowitz with Studio Woodworkers Australia Chair, Ruth Thompson
    Presenter Adam Markowitz with Studio Woodworkers Australia Chair, Ruth Thompson
  • Evan Dunstone spoke about creating a sustainable career as a designer maker.
    Evan Dunstone spoke about creating a sustainable career as a designer maker.
  • Studio visit to Mixed Goods shared space
    Studio visit to Mixed Goods shared space
  • Day 2 studio visits, here at the workshop of Adelaide designer maker Gray Hawk
    Day 2 studio visits, here at the workshop of Adelaide designer maker Gray Hawk
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Symbiosis symposium in Adelaide attracts broad audience

11 November 2025
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Studio Woodworkers Australia’s recent Symbiosis symposium was a highly anticipated event that attracted attendees from around Australia. SWA is Australia’s peak association for professional fine woodworkers and wood artists. Annual exhibitions showcase work by accredited and non-accredited members.

In 2025, from 7–8 November, SWA presented Symbiosis, a symposium which offered a diverse program of speakers, presentations, workshop tours and an exhibition of work by SWA members. The exhibition can be viewed at JamFactory, Adelaide until 25 November. Here's a run-down of the events which took place over the weekend.

On Thursday evening 6 November, the exhibition Symbiosis was opened by Brian Parkes CEO and Artistic director, JamFactory. Exhibiting SWA members include Ruth Thompson (chair of SWA), Gray Hawk, Tim Quirk, Ian Bell, Rhys Jones. The exhibition opening also launched the two-day SWA symposium.

Day 1 of the symposium was held at the University of South Australia's Jeffrey Smart building forum space, and was attended by SWA members, non members and accredited makers representing four states. The organisers were pleased to see such a  broad response and many attendees were impressed at the breadth of participation.

Presentation topics included:

  • The power of collaboration: Peter Walker, University of South Australia and Peter Walker Studio
  • Exploring how collaboration shapes interdisciplinary practice: Adam Markowitz, Adam Markowitz Design
  • Challenging the idea of wood as “the Ultimate Renewable”: Paul Haar, Haar Architecture
  • Recalibrating Craft: Ecology in every cut by Rhys Jones, Rhys Jones Workshop
  • Learning, Making and Evolving together: Andrew Carvolth, Mixed Goods
  • Sustaining a creative woodworking practice: Evan Dunstone, Dunstone Design Global

A  panel discussion chaired by Gray Hawk, Gray Hawk Designs followed with Tobias Staheli, Miheer Fyzee, Takeshi Iue. The topic here was "Makers, Migration and Meaning" and explored how different educational backgrounds, cultural contexts, and professional experiences can shape the modern maker’s path to establishing a viable career as a contemporary woodworker.

Day 2 commenced with a tour of the JamFactory hosted by Stu Colville Head of Furniture, followed by floor talks by designer makers included in the exhibition.  A bus tour of maker spaces followed with visits to three local studios: Mixed Goods, Spatial Expressions and Gray Hawk Design.

At time of writing, a hands-on workshop at JamFactory with Ross Annels was in progress with the possibilities of steambending techniques being the focal point.

The symposium was a rare and valuable opportunity for designer makers in wood to learn from and network with each other.

Images: Peter Thompson 

Learn more about Studio Woodworkers Australia at studiowoodworkers.org.au

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