Page 7 - Australian Wood Review Dec 2021

FEATURE
CHESTS, CABINETS & SHELVING – WINNER
Alexsandra Pontonio, Boxkite
Aptly named, little more is needed to explain this piece. There were many variations of sideboard/shelving in
this competition, but this piece stood out at once for its sheer brilliance and unity of composition. Each element, proportionally and rhythmically, relates to the whole. The shelf supports, the slender angled bracing elements,
the cupboards with linen panels...it could indeed be airborne, an uplifting presence to make any space sing. − David Haig
It’s quite the achievement to make a piece of this scale seem airy and light. Impeccably designed and made, every little detail supports the overall vision. Boxkite is a very functional piece, yet it has not compromised on aesthetics.
− Leslie Webb
CHESTS, CABINETS & SHELVING – RUNNER-UP
Andrew Ness,
Record Collection Cabinets
Andrew Ness’s Record Collection Cabinets was a close runner-up. Brilliant material choice can be seen throughout, as well as the highest level of craftsmanship. The end result is a gorgeous marriage of function and beauty. − Leslie Webb
So many qualities combine here;
the concentric endgrain tiles are elemental, seemingly eroded by natural forces of fire and wind;
but they are encased in traditional casework of crispest dovetails, and then an up-to-the-minute drawer slide action to animate them. The quirky open slot at one end is just enough to break-up the slightly uncompromising rectilinearity and hint at the quotidian function of the piece. Brilliantly encapsulates the best elements of contemporary design. − David Haig
1, 2, 3. Alexsandra Pontonio, Boxkite, Tasmanian blackwood, linen. ‘I was looking for a certain feeling of lightness. This piece was designed whilst delving into images of box kites and biplanes.’
4, 5, 6. Andrew Ness, Record Collection Cabinets, American black walnut, wenge. ‘With concentric circles and deeply textured grooves, the 144 burnt and burnished timber endgrain tiles that grace the drawer fronts of these three cabinets hint at the contents within. The tiles were laid down sequentially, capturing the history of the tree across all three cabinets. Inserted into the end cabinet is a deep sleeve of mitred wenge, a ‘now playing’ display space.’ Photos: Cathy Taylor
7. Dave Nesbit, The Bridge Sideboard, reclaimed jarrah, white acrylic. ‘A sleek, minimalist look is created thanks to the recessed handles and the bevelled edge of the drawers.’ Photo: Kash photography
8. Jack Howard, Burl Myrtle Chest of Drawers, salvaged Tas myrtle veneer. 9. David Cummins, Innisfree Sideboard, ‘In memory of my father’s love of
poetry and his favourite poem, The Lake Isle of Innisfree by WB Yeats’.’
7
8
9
www.woodreview.com.au 41