Leading crafts people from Japan, Australia, Senegal and Sweden have been invited to participate in a collective woodworking workshop, seminar, and exhibition in Western Sweden, in May 2008.

Furniture designers, Tracy Gumm (pictured) and Matthew Harding have been selected to represent Australia.

"The opportunity to work with makers from other countries, to be inspired by their approaches, and to learn new skills is thrilling", says Tracy Gumm. "I can’t wait to get on that plane in a few weeks time."

An emerging designer with a load of promise, Tracy Gumm’s work is firmly grounded in traditional woodworking methods.

"My furniture is made in wood and I strive to create pieces that are unique, individual and possess contemporary simplicity," she says.

Matthew Harding will join Tracy. An acclaimed Australian designer, Matthew’s innovative practice spans sculpture, public art and design.

“We shape objects and they shape us," says Matthew. "We engage ourselves in the materialisation of ideas and within our explorations we make humble and meaningful discoveries about our lives.”

The project, "JoINT – An International Arena for Woodworking Culture”, is organised by Brandstedts TraGard, Mariestad in Sweden. There are long traditions in Sweden of working with wood in art, culture, and everyday functional objects in these countries. Sweden is, together with a small number of other countries around the world, endowed with plentiful forest timbers and a long tradition of working with wood.

The workshop will take place at Brandstedt TraGard, Mariestad, Sweden, May 11 –18, 2008.

*A seminar will be held in connection to the workshop, May 19 –20, 2008, at the DaCapo School of Crafts (the Mariestad branch of the University of Gothenburg).

The Curly Table by Tracy Gumm for Irminsul

Tracy Gumm, Irminsul
www.irminsul.com.au
tracy@irminsul.com.au

Cushion Chair by Matthew Harding

Matthew Harding
www.matthewharding.com.au