The finalists and winners of the Make It Wood photo competition were announced on Monday 22nd June. We received over 450 entries, many of which were of a very high calibre, making the judges’ decision a very difficult one. Congratulations to the winners and finalists.
There were two categories; category 1 was for a photo featuring wood used in buildings, and category 2 was for a photo of something you’ve made or love that is made of wood.
The winner of category 1 was Chris Horgan from Fremantle in WA. He said, “The way this wood has weathered only enhances its beauty. Unadulterated since it was built, nature is reclaiming it one season at a time.”
Ambassador judge Tony Matthews added; “Chaos and serenity quietly coexist in this image. It beautifully captures how wood, like the natural world it comes from, exists in different states across time. The aged timber boards, still proudly displaying their unique grain, reconnect to the past and the trees they once were. The weathering influences of moss, lichen, water and sunshine are rendered vividly in each. Sunlight and wind have faded the upper parts of the boards; the soil and moisture have dyed them a rich green from below. This wood, existing for years as a door, a ladder, a wall, will eventually return to the land, just not yet. But when it does it will find new states and perhaps in time give life to new trees.”
The winner of category 2 was Andrew Harring from Brisbane in Queensland. He told us; “This photo of a carved manta ray cresting a coral bombie combines three of my favourite pastimes; woodwork, nature and up-cycling. The manta ray was carved from old plywood bookshelves which were to be otherwise thrown away. The coral bombie is a natural formed tree base/trunk which was salvaged from a firewood pile. I love the combination of sculpted fluid-like from of the manta from processed wood, balanced with the natural form of the tree trunk/base. I made this as a memento of a favourite diving trip as I wanted to make sure that I could be confident it was made from responsibly sourced materials.”
Ambassador judge James Treble added; “I love this manta ray sculpture as you can't see the grain in the piece and the smooth finish does contrast the rougher stand as Andrew has outlined in his description. Another reason I love this is that I’m also a big timber recycler, which is why I joined Planet Ark, based upon my work on The Living Room. The fact he carved it from timber which was destined for the scrap heap makes the piece even more special! We also used to stand as manta rays would swim around our legs in meter deep water at our old beach house down the south coast - such an amazing and special experience!”