Clarence City Council has awarded the biennial Clarence Prize for Excellence in Furniture
Design to Tasmanian artist Simon Ancher for his work titled Clipped Wing Sideboard, while
Hobart artist Nick Randall won the highly commended award for his Tangent Table.
A total of $14,000 in prize money was awarded, including the $12,000 acquisitive first prize
and two non-acquisitive encouragement awards.
“This is the third time Council has run the Clarence Prize, which was initiated in 2007, and it
is already finding its niche within the art community as a prize that celebrates accessible
furniture design,” Clarence Mayor Jock Campbell said.
“The Clarence Prize seeks to encourage excellence in art and design practice, while enhancing
the City of Clarence Art Collection with significant works.
“Council is delighted to be able to offer such a high quality exhibition of contemporary
furniture design to the local and broader community, and especially pleased that such a
stunning piece will be joining the Collection.”
Winning artist Simon Ancher said he sought to continuously explore and question designs.
“This Clipped Wing Sideboard focuses on the needs and desires of the end user,” he said.
“I focused on four elements during its creation – the proportion of the piece, its connection,
execution with highest quality finish and detail, and environmental impact and
responsibility.”
Runner-Up artist Nick Randall said he had always enjoyed the process of creating.
“There is something special about the process of taking an initial thought or inspiration and
letting it evolve into something tangible,” he said.
Clarence Mayor Jock Campbell opens the finalists’ exhibition tonight at the Barn, Rosny
Farm, where 15 works entered in the prize will be on display until 6 November.
This year the third award for an emerging artist went to Melbourne artist Vivianne Kollevris
for her Circus bookshelf.
The 2011 Clarence Prize exhibition will run at the Barn, Rosny Farm, until 6 November.
Gallery opening hours are Tuesday – Friday 11am – 4pm; Saturday and Sunday 12pm – 4pm.
Deborah Vaughan