Joanne Bidwell, Paradise Leaf Platter (ART & OBJECTS 2025)

Photos:

Joanne Bidwell

Country

New Zealand

Paradise Leaf Platter draws its form from the Bird of Paradise leaf outside my workshop—a shape I pass daily that felt right for this piece. Carved from reclaimed Rimu (560 mm × 180 mm), the platter retains the timber's history rather than hiding it. Old nail holes, grain variations, and surface changes from its previous life remain visible, giving each piece individual character that can't be replicated. The carving follows the leaf's natural lines while working with what the wood offers. Where the grain shifts or old marks appear, the form adapts. Tung oil and beeswax provide a food-safe finish that enhances the timber's warmth without concealing its story. It works equally well holding food or standing alone—practical enough for the table, distinctive enough to display. The reclaimed timber reflects my preference for giving materials a second purpose rather than starting fresh. This approach—letting natural forms guide the design while respecting the wood's past—connects the finished piece to both its origins in the forest and its years in service before reaching my workshop. The result is straightforward in function but carries more depth than it first reveals.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.