Diversity, richness in crafts

Press, 8 March 1978, Page 7

Diversity, richness in crafts

. estival Crafts Exhibition. Robert McDougall Gallen - , until March 19. Reviewer: Colleen O’Connor. The McDougall Gallery seemed to have a real festive air on Saturday afternoon when Mr Rowen Lewis, president of the Crafts Council of Australia. declared the crafts exhibition open. Mr Lewis, who had come straight from the Adelaide Arts Festival, was full of praise for the exhibition. He told the large audience that arts and crafts came from “wi- . thin you. They were,” he said “a celebration of life.” According to the well designed catalogue. at least. 15 different crafts are in this exhibition, as well as a number of “specials." These include a magnificent cloak designed for the role of Henry II by Pamela laling. handmade paper, and a wonderful variety of musical instruments and things ecclesiastical. The crafts people have used many and varied materials, including fibres, wood, metals, clay and jade. Amongst the fibres is a wide variety of weaving, including rugs and wall hangings — full of

fascination and diversity of workmanship. Ida Lough’s “Feast of the Holy Innocents,” in a blending of subtle colours, appears to sing its own song. Different in inspiration are Vivieanne Mountford’s “Pohutukawa Tree,” Margery Blackmans beautifully - conceived tapestry “Tuscany,” and the fine linen and bobbin lace table rummer by Doreen Frazer. The embriodery is diverse — from the small, beautifully-conceived pieces by Carol Baver through io a large paint-ing-like hanging. The skilful use of many woods in the work of Robert Spence . is typified in a huge sledge, entirely handmade, to be used by the D.S.I.R. at Scott Base. There are carved Maori pieces by John Rua and Ronnie Williams, “Yin-

Yang” from Brian Verey and wood turning by f Noeline Brokenshire. 1 Recorders, medieval, re- . naissance and baroque, by 1 Alex Lovetto and Paul Whinray sit happily with • flutes of silver and other 1 metals by Trevor Hutton. > Other musical instruments I include a violin, a viol, a I lyre and a Robert Webster 1 harpsichord — the latter played by its maker during the opening afternoon. 1 In the jewellery section are well designed necklets and silver rings by Gavin Hitchings, W. Sutherland, Annalda Hudig and others. Biddy Frazer’s silver cloisonne is excellent, and ' Peter Noonan’s silver and I gilt cross outstanding. Potters have given the t exhibition a burst of interest, especially Brian Garti side’s platter designs, I Hadfields raku pot and Doreon Blumhardt’s slab

bottle. Jade carver Beck j has four great pieces. The silk screen printing is of high quality — garments by Robin Royds, rhe Fanny Buss Studio, and Susan Salmon. Sybil Ferguson shows silk dress lengths for sale. There is imaginative use of material in Noel Gregg's sword, Ginni De Lange’s ceramic tiles, Ei- j leen Mayo’s print and G. ; Turner’s drawings. The . important thing j about this exhibition is its | diversity: It is exactly' i what the World Crafts j Council has had as its i ideal “In praise of hands”; | we glimpse the human i being, and the’ individuals essential integrity. During the fortnight demonstrations in many crafts will be held daily at I the gallery, and raku fir- - ing outside the gallery. . '