New platform launches to promote responsible design

A new platform named Conscious Craft is set to amplify the voices of Australian designers who are developing considered and responsible designs, with the goal to inspire a new wave of practitioners to follow suit.

Initiated by Craft Victoria, the platform will launch in May 2024 with the objective to shine a spotlight on tangible examples of sustainable innovation, ethical materials and responsible means of production.

Four Conscious Craft exhibitions will be held between May and June 2024, showcasing the works of fifteen makers and creators who are prioritising sustainability as they pursue artistic expression.

The first exhibition,By Product, will showcase the works of Australian designers Marlo Lyda, Sarah Nedovic and Joanne Odisho who have each been given the challenge to repurpose discarded materials into handmade luxury goods. Material Provenance, presented by Clay Matters, will celebrate the launch of a gobal open-source material research project. Following these exhibitions, Aluminium will explore the complexities of working with the material in contemporary practice. Cercare/Trovare will then present wearable decorative objectives crafted from melted down glass and reclaimed waste leather by silversmith and jewellery designer Bobby Corica.

Highlights from the Conscious Craft program include Alexander Brown's transformation of an aluminium can into a wall-mounted artwork, a sculptural cabinet made from discarded aluminium by Annie Paxton and a lamp inspired by 19th century paper observatory domes created by Joanne Odisho from shredded paper and wood shavings.

Executive director of Craft Victoria, Nicole Durling, said the new platform could have profound, positive impacts on the how makers approach the conceptualisation of their designs.

"Beyond the gallery walls, we believe that creativity can influence the world around us. Craft is inspired by the rise of artists who are challenging their production methods, and interrogating every element that makes up the final piece. In Conscious Craft, the parts are indeed as great as the sum of the whole," Durling said.

By Product and Material Provenance will be held between 2 May and 15 June; Aluminium between 11 May and 22 June; and Cercare/Trovare from 14 May until 15 June.

In addition to the exhibitions, public programs include:

'Material Provenance & Complexities of Clay': Wed 15 May, 6-7pm, with speakers Amelia Black (Clay Matters), David Walker (Walker Ceramics) and John Wardle (Wardle Studio).

'Studio Visit & Talking Creative Commissions with Thomas Lentini': Sat 25 May, 2-3.30pm

To find out more about the Conscious Craft exhbitions, visit the Craft Victoria website.