Convergence: Crossing the Divide

July 9 - September 25, 2005

Curators:
Curators John and Penny Smith
Wendy Maruyama

This exhibition is a multi-partner collaboration in conjunction with the Oceanside Museum of Art, San Diego State University, University of Tasmania, The Furniture Society, and SOFA Chicago, we will participate in this traveling exhibition.

Convergence brings together two groups of furniture makers from opposite sides of the world to illustrate how common factors of craftsmanship and design can transcend time and space. It will recognize and celebrate the many years of dialogue, networking, and professional friendship these artists have shared, and their impact on the world of studio furniture. Over the past 35 years the University of Tasmania has invited a number of respected American furniture makers to teach, lecture and lead workshops.
This encouraged a vigorous exchange whereby Tasmanian furniture makers have also been involved in American artist residencies, exhibitions, and workshops.

Tasmania has long been a leader in Australian studio furniture. It also has a range of rare and beautiful indigenous timbers from its temperate rainforest areas that are ideal for furniture making. A history of quality craftsmanship continues today through contemporary designer/makers whose studio furniture forms a linchpin in the regional cultural scene.
The west coast of the United States shares a similar outlook on cultural attitudes. Key cities on the east coast of Australia and the west coast of the United States both look out over the Pacific on the edge of their respective continents with Tasmania on the edge of the Australian mainland. Both regions conjure images of strong national identity that reflect their sense of place, and both embody an international perspec tive as a consequence of living on the edge.