Design Tasmania
Corner of Brisbane and Tamar streets
Launceston, 7250
Tasmania
info@designtasmania.com.au
+61 3 6331 5506
Tasmania Makes 2025 - Exhibition One
24 January - 25 May 2025
Tasmania Makes is an annual platform designed to celebrate and invigorate Tasmania's rich culture of innovation and craftsmanship in design. Known for our thoughtful, resourceful and naturally sustainable way of working, Tasmania boasts an ever-expanding reputation for its reliably good design and distinct vernacular design.
From the Southeast Coast, and Hobart to Launceston, 17 designers from traditional design disciplines spanning furniture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and object design have been invited to reconsider and refine their practice, through the creation of new work responding to local or global imperatives.
This year Tasmania Makes will be split over two exhibitions.
Exhibition One 24Jan-25May features work from:
Andrea Barker | Nanna Bayer | Kate Bowmam | Christopher Clinton | Shauna Mayben | Liam Starcevich | Scott van Tuil | Adam Wallace | Isaac Williams
Exhibition Two designers will be announced in May.
Image (right): Scott van Tuil
Recast Candelabra Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Andrea Barker
Andrea Barker is a ceramic artist based in Lutruwita, Tasmania. Her work explores notions of ancient and contemporary stories through collections of objects that resonate with silence, stillness and tranquility. She has a particular interest in the archeology of the vessel, ancient ceramics and the material remains of human history and culture. Andrea’s work seeks to make meaningful connections between the ancient world and the contemporary, moving across space, time, memory and emotion to embody a sense of the sacred.
Andrea has exhibited widely and her works are held in significant public and private collections.
Andrea Barker - Instagram
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo compliments of Design Tasmania
Memory of a Shard - 2024
We can’t fully understand the stories of the past, but we can imagine them...
Inspired by shards, this collection of objects pays homage to the spirit contained within ancient forms yet captured in contemporary bodies - purpose unknown. They are at once recognisable and completely new at the same time.
An exploration of poetry and form, each piece gently blurs the boundaries between sculptural form and functional object as it presents a sense of curve and balance enclosing space, time, memory and emotion to embody a sense of the sacred.
Hand-built, one-of-a-kind objects
Carbonised porcelain
Approx 55L x 37W x 15cmH
Trays designed by Andrea Barker
Made by Liam Starcevich
using Timber World Eucalyptus Nitens
Nanna Bayer
I am a ceramicist specialising in the Nerikomi technique, utilising thin colourful porcelain to create functional and sculptural objects. I started the practice 31 years ago, and have since developed a signature style that has won me international recognition and acclaim. Before moving to Tasmania in 2011 my work had been shown in 60 exhibitions in 17 countries. I have given invited talks, demonstrations and workshops at symposia and conferences around the world.
I co-organised the Australian Ceramics Triennale in 2019 in Hobart, completed a 1-year Artist In Residency at CAT 2020, and last year had a Solo Commission Exhibition at Devonport Regional Gallery.
Nana Bayer Studio - Instagram
Suspended Animation I, II & III - 2024
This fine thin porcelain light speaks to both the intellect and the senses. Delicate shell or petal forms, create a sense of the structures’ underpinning life. Is it a flower, a seashell, or something else?
Growing up in the strict, minimalist Scandinavian design environment tempted me to go against the current, to design something with whimsy and imperfection. I wanted to create a coaction between light and organic forms by embedding colour into extremely thin sheets of Porcelain clay, which are shaped and folded using precise templates. The final soft unfolding form also contains randomness – a result of the firing process – so that at the end of the controlled process, something is left to chance.
Within a strict geometric progression of form, repetition of irregular shapes allows art and nature to find mutual expression, as biological forms become tactile.
Prototype
Coloured porcelain, painted Eucalyptus Nitens from Timber World (frames), electric components
50cm(h) x 50cm(w) x 50cm(l) each light
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Kate Bowman
Kate Bowman is a ceramicist and designer based in Hobart, whose work delves into the relationship between nature and industry. Rooted in sustainability, her practice combines locally sourced igneous rocks with discarded materials— such as oyster shells, wine bottles, and construction offcuts—transforming them into unique clay bodies and glazes. By repurposing industrial waste and embracing the textures of overlooked materials, Kate’s work reflects a deep connection to place and the stories embedded within it.
Her practice invites a broader conversation about sustainability and the creative potential of reimagining waste. Kate specialises in one-off commissioned works and collaborative collections, partnering with brands and designers across disciplines to create thoughtful and innovative pieces.
Kate Bowman - Website
Kate Bowman - Instagram
Photo credit: Janis House
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Talus Table 2024
Talus Table reimagines forgotten materials from Hobart’s historic sandstone quarry and brickworks, which ceased operations in 1965. Paired with Myrtle salvaged from the depths of Lake Pieman by Hydrowood—a timber partner whose ethos aligns with repurposing overlooked resources—fragments of sandstone and rock waste have been transformed into bespoke ceramic tiles, honouring the region’s geological richness. This piece brings to light the hidden stories of discarded materials, reconnecting them to place. Just as Hydrowood uncovers the value in submerged timber, Talus Table recontextualises these materials, bridging the past and future of sustainable design.
Prototype
Hydrowood myrtle, stoneware tiles, glaze, igneous rocks, sandstone, industrial waste
98cm(dia) x 32cm(h)
Christopher Clinton
Christopher is a Hobart-based architect, designer and maker.
Originally from a trade background, his vision combines a craftsman’s eye for detail with practical design rigour and an in-depth knowledge of materials and construction.
Chris’ design-by-making process and the making of finely-crafted furniture and objects is inextricably linked to his practice of architecture.
Christopher Clinton - Website
Christopher Clinton - Instagram
Cheese Knife Set - 2024
The cheese knife set builds upon the Adaptive Kitchen Ensemble showcased in Tasmania Makes 2023. It is part of a series of ergonomically designed objects aimed at supporting individuals with limited hand mobility, while subtly concealing their adaptive functionality through thoughtful design.
Prototype manufactured by Christopher Clinton with Andrea Barker (ceramics)
walnut, Stainless steel & ceramic
8cm(h) x 8cm(w) x 25cm(l)
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Shauna Mayben
Shauna Mayben, born in Australia in 1980, is a jeweller based in Hobart, Tasmania.
“I continue to be fascinated by the ability of jewellery to be source of beauty, luxury, and sentimentality, bridging the gap between material wealth, power and the intrinsic value of human emotions.” -Shauna Mayben
Born into a multi-generational family of jewellers, Shauna believes jewellery is more than adornment. She explores connections, relationships and memories, carefully selecting materials to bring each design to life. From the social intricacies of currency to symbiotic insect plant relationships to Tasmania’s connection between sea and land, Shauna uses shells, gemstones, precious metals and other materials to create unique,bespoke art.
Shauna is a qualified gemmologist with a Master of Visual Art and Design. She also runs workshops from her studio in her hometown of Hobart, where she shares her expertise and passion for jewellery making. Her Golden Wreath won the Women’s Art Prize 2021 Bell Bay Aluminium Peoples Choice Award and the Bricolage Design Prize for environmentally sustainable products.
Shauna Mayben - website
Shauna Mayben - Instagram
Shauna Mayben - Facebook
Photo credit: Shauna Mayben
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Nacre - 2024/2025
Sustainable. Beautiful. Impactful.
My work celebrates the natural beauty of sustainable materials, blending elegance with environmental consciousness.
I craft jewellery using mother of pearl, Tasmanian abalone shell—an untapped by-product of the local abalone industry—recycled metals, and ethically sourced stones, transforming them into timeless designs.
Each piece not only reflects my commitment to artistry but also supports marine biodiversity, sustainable practices, and a healthier planet.
Through my creations, I aim to showcase the harmony between nature and craftsmanship.
Limited Edition
mother of pearl, abalone shell, precious gemstones, Sterling silver
Photo credit: JamFactory
Liam Starcevich
Liam is a Hobart-based designer/maker focussing on solid timber furniture. Architecturally trained, he is a graduate of the University of Western Australia and the Sturt School for Wood. He is also an alumnus of the JamFactory's associate program and came runner up in the 2023 Clarence prize for furniture design.
Liam operates under the brand identity of Steady Furniture Co. which is focussed on furnishings for both the domestic and commercial environments.
Steady's product range is currently represented online and by five retailers across three states. Liam eschews narrativisation and referentiality for a more intuitive approach to design.
Steady Furniture - Website
Steady Furniture - Instagram
Steady Furniture - Facebook
Arno Bench + Enro Chair - 2023/2024
Arno and Enro form a microfamily of seating pieces that share common detail and material qualities. Their shared lineage is apparent in their leg profiles, chamfer details and the restrained use of cork for different purposes. In the Arno, it serves as a spinal expansion joint and in the Enro, as its seat pan substrate. In both instances it is functional whilst affording a certain material novelty.
Product
American white oak and cork
Bench: 45(h) x 32cm(w) x 120cm(l)
Chair: 80cm(h) x 42cm(w) x 48cm(l)
Photo credit: Kate Bowman
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Scott van Tuil
IVAN TUIL Design Studio was established by Scott van Tuil upon graduating from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Environmental Design. Working across a diversity of modes, materials and scales, the desire is always to create objects that are beautiful in form and function, and meaningfully contribute to the spaces they inhabit. Located in Hobart, Tasmania, this small island at the edge of the world continues to inspire and influence.
Van Tuil - Website
Van Tuil - Instagram
Recast Candelabra Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Recast Trivets Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Recast - 2024
Sand casting is an ancient, enduring and endlessly cyclical manufacturing process. These pieces - a Candelabra, and a table Trivet - are the results
of early exploration and form finding. Intended to delight daily, and endure forever.
cast bronze and aluminium
Candelabra: 36cm(dia)
Trivit Large: 28(w) x 16cm(l)
Trivit Small: 22(w) x 16cm(l)
Photo credit: Michelle Boyde
Adam Wallace
Adam Wallace, an artist and designer born in Grafton NSW in 1964, has lived in Hobart since the late 1990s, where he completed a Fine Arts diploma at Hobart Art College. A self-taught textiles designer, Adam co-founded the successful screen-printing studio “JellyFish” in Sydney’s Surry Hills, creating sustainable clothing and accessories from vintage and natural fabrics with metal accents.
His current work is rooted in vintage textures, natural colors, and collage techniques, blending found and organic materials like leather, canvas, and sailcloth into artisanal, one-of-a-kind designs, including bags, clothing, lighting, and artworks. Adam’s one-off works are crafted entirely in-house at his studio, 245 Macquarie.
Adam Wallace - Instagram
Small Hand-printed Satchel 1+2 + Medium Sketching Satchel - 2025
This series of three satchels explores the transformation of vintage and found materials through a process of stencil- printing and hand-pleating, creating abstracted patterns before being sewn into form. Incorporating leather and metal accents, the designs extend the artist’s signature, collaged logo, comprised of varying shapes, textures and fabrics.
Functional yet artisanal, these bags are tailored for day-to-day use, or carrying sketching materials.
One-of-a-kind
linen, cotton, leather, metal accessories
Satchel 1 & 2: 30cm(h) x 25cm(w)
Satchel 3: 35cm(h) x 40cm(w)
Satchel 1 & 2: $830ea
Satchel 3: $1020
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Isaac Williams
Isaac Williams Design Objects, is the studio of lutruwita (Tasmanian) designer and artist Isaac Williams. Born into a maker culture in the rural north east, since completing his Bachelor of Environmental Design (Arch) at UTAS, Isaac's work has ranged from visual to object, as both client and personal work. Current work is centred around the curation and refinement of discarded materials, looking at waste as archeological artefacts and the interplay of the circle and square through the lens of form and symbology. These ideas take form through the mediums of pencil/digital drawing (graphic and CAD) and visual/object making from found waste material.
Isaac Williams Design Objects - Website
Isaac Williams Design Objects - Instagram
Photo credit: Eden Wilday
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Photo credit: Ivi Dodd
Coverge Vase - 2024
Beginning as an architectural exploration in embracing nature’s forms, Converge Vase navigates the balance and intersection of the seemingly paradoxical, but ultimately linked relationship between the natural and the human-made.
An early established visual language/framework underpins these explorations. Circle = natural, interconnected systems. Square = modern isolated systems.
Form, geometry, symbol and waste material as artefact, are used to offer a snapshot of current nature/human disharmony, as well as presenting conceptual examples, aspiring for a harmonious synthesis.
One-of-a-kind
Timber World Eucalyptus nitens, blackwood, elm, Macrocarpa pine (all found material)
Funding Bodies
Tasmania Makes is proudly sponsored by HydroWood, Timber World and Waverley Woollen Mills.
Design Tasmania is assisted through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts, by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
