Our second group timber exhibition welcomes two new faces, Olivia O’Connor of Gippsland and from NSW, Sean Staniforth alongside the return of Lucas Guilbert, Jane Haussegger and Jake Lunniss.
Local Jake Lunniss is diving deeply into traditional Chinese joinery, no fixings, no adhesives, just refined and cleverly utilising weight bearing forces to create stable but stylised joints in his hall tables. Fascinated by their centuries-old knowledge, he is writing a book on the techniques, so adds a wealth of knowledge and historical understanding to his craftmanship.
Melbourne’s Jane Haussegger continues her sustainability ethos with recycled timbers and highlights her eye for impressive side tables once again. Her curvaceous ‘Marilyn’ hallstand, links to 2025’s Grain console and is the earlier work that helped inspire it, playing with the interspersed timbers and the shadow and light play they create.
Much more grounded in the country, having swapped his Docklands studio for an olive tree farm, Lucas Guilbert has new and older works, so true in their diversity with his ability to let the timber speak and often reflective of his inspiration from the microscopic grains and pollens that are essential to our fragile world.
Renowned as a rocking horse restoration expert as recognised by the Artisans Guild, Olivia O’Connor is a woodcarver and printmaker whose work reflects her search for home and belonging within the Australian landscape, while celebrating the awe, beauty, and calm of nature. Her practice is grounded in traditional craftsmanship and a deep respect for materials, exploring themes of connection, care, and the stories embedded within making.
Our youngest maker, Sean Staniforth’s age defies his experience. He began his passion for timber at four years old and delivers his magnificent Krenov Cabinet, created with over 500 hours of workmanship and featured in Australian Wood Review. For the first time in Australia, the new Torus sculpture with over 2000 individual segments each will be exhibited, and Tornado Bowls with their multitude of timbers. Previously Sean was the most youthful exhibitor at the renowned Bungendore Woodworks in it’s 40-year history.
Linking them all, a little side story, a piece of Melbourne’s 100 year old building history, patience, an artist’s studio in her next creative chapter and the red gum that has been repurposed by all our makers, ‘converging‘ them all. Terrie Fraser will introduce the exhibition and enlighten us with more.
On for June, join the artists for the Opening on Saturday June 6th 2-4pm.
Please note there are a few more images to come of the incredible Tornado Bowls from Sean Staniforth…or just come and see them in person.
