Page 15 - Australian Wood Review Dec 2021

FEATURE
5
JUDGES’ TIPS
ON DESIGN
Observing your environment and then interpreting and morphing what you see into useable furniture forms is a wonderful way of developing your own design vocabulary. ‘Your environment’ could be the vegetation just outside your door, interesting buildings you drive by, cartoons on television, car tyre tracks in the sand or even looking at architectural books upside down. Freehand sketching is a very important part of this creative process. Volume of sketches is key here, rarely is your first idea the best. Next might be a series of quarter-size models, then a full-size drawing, and then a mock-up.
– Michael Fortune
Be Original. Copied designs are easily identified. Many designs are derivative of a maker or style and that is common, but there is a difference between being derivative/influenced by and producing a replica. If the piece has been designed in the style of a renowned maker or style it is important to acknowledge the design precedence or influence in the design statement. – Melissa Ward
A design with a clear overall vision
is essential. Pieces can be complex
and detailed, or sleek and minimal but be sure the elements work together rather than compete with each other
for attention. Spend time drawing, rendering or making mock-ups of your piece to make sure you’re happy with proportions and timber selection, so that all the work you’re about to put in is worth the effort, and results in a unified piece. – Simeon Dux
Look closely at the work of your fellow entrants. Studying your peer group’s pieces with a real impartial interest is the best way to develop a critical eye for your own work. You have to become your own hardest critic. – David Haig
Individual flair is always going to stand out in the pack, something new and different will always make the viewer want to explore further. Personally, I am less interested in looking at a piece that has an obvious CAD look, which often presents as too perfect and lacking in energy. – Phoebe Everill
Pieces that are thoughtfully designed and executed to the highest level of craft while maintaining the maker’s own perspective will do the best in judging.
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– Leslie Webb
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