Come along and hear from a range of experts about the production, ageing and conservation of timber and its unique properties in terms of carpentry and furniture design.
This program is presented alongside Bayside Gallery’s exhibition Schulim Krimper: mid-century artist and master craftsman.
This event is free to attend and bookings are essential.
Damien Wright
Damien Wright is an award-winning furniture designer and craftsman with over 30 years of experience. Damien has contributed cultural artefacts to Australian intuitions of law, politics, art and culture. At the heart of each and every design is an investigation into materials. Damien works with his hands to understand how Australian timbers reveal stories about place, time, colonisation and belonging. He uses timbers that are not traditionally employed to make furniture, such as eucalyptus, desert timbers and 10,000 Ancient red gum. Since 2010 Damien has collaborated with Yolngu man Bonhula Yunupingu on their Bala Ga’ Lili (Two ways learning) project. Bala Ga’ Lili comprises a collection of timber sculptures that visually represent the tension inherent in First Nations and Settler Colonial relationships. The pair have created a new language that sits outside of settler domination or traditional and sacred practice. Damien’s public commissions include the Federal Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Immigration Museum, Federation Square Management offices, the Koori County Court of Victoria and the Archdiocese of Broken Bay. Damien Wright is in the permanent collection of the National Gallery Canberra, Powerhouse Museum and National Gallery Victoria. Damien is represented by Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert in Sydney. Wright Studios is located in Northcote, Victoria.
Dr Johannes Fehrmann, Research Fellow, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne
Dr. Johannes Fehrmann is a Research Fellow in the Infrastructure Engineering Department at The University of Melbourne. He researches advanced hemp composites, including bio-binders, and investigates how processing technologies affect the quality of raw hemp materials and their carbon content. His PhD research focused on creating ultra-low-density composites from industrial hemp hurd, offering distinctive insights into how particle morphology shapes physical and mechanical properties. Drawing from experience in wood processing and timber research while working for the Queensland Government, he is dedicated to advancing both innovative engineered wood products and exploring the potential of alternative lignocellulosic raw materials for sustainable building components. This commitment aligns well with circular economy principles and the imperative of mitigating the ongoing depletion of global timber resources.
Dr Antanas Spokevicius, Senior Lecturer in Forest Ecosystem Science, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne
Image credit: Schulim Krimper, Cocktail cabinet on stand, c. 1950, black bean, brass and glass. Ballarat Art Gallery. Gift of Lilian and Ralph Renard under the Cultural Gifts Program, 2000.
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