Tasmanian women woodworkers in the spotlight

Above: Laura McCusker in her workshop. Photo: Rosie Hastie

Heartwood: Tasmanian Women in Timber opens Friday 24 October at Design Tasmania. This new exhibition marks and celebrates the 10th Women in Design program, created to champion the impact and leadership of women in the sector.

Tasmania’s design story is deeply rooted in timber – and women have long been at the heart of how wood is shaped, valued and transformed. From the finely carved works of the Arts and Crafts era to contemporary designers exploring reclaimed materials and precision-engineered forms, Tasmanian women are redefining the possibilities of wood.

At the centre of Heartwood: Tasmanian Women in Timber is a new commission by Hobart designer maker Laura McCusker. A bespoke version of her Stand and Deliver coat rack forest stand will join the renowned Design Tasmania Wood Collection.

Laura McCusker, Stand and Deliver. Photo: Peter Whyte

Alongside McCusker’s work are now iconic pieces by Tasmanian designers including Sally Brown, Pippa Dickson, Linda Van Niekerk, Linda Fredheim, Gay Hawkes and Ellen Nora Payne – drawn from permanent collections around Tasmania. Each explores a distinct relationship with Tasmanian timber, expressed through carving, charring, bending, shaping and finishing, and underpinned by unique ideas, values and philosophies.

The exhibition will be displayed at Design Tasmania, Tamar Street and Brisbane Street, Launceston.