Presented by the Rare Trades Centre and the Gold Rush Collections Centre, Pecha Kucha 02 was held on Friday 24th May as part of Ballarat’s celebration of artisans and craftsmanship CRAFTLAB 24.
The theme for Pecha Kucha 02 was Form + Function and we were treated to a stellar lineup of creative professionals who shared their work, ideas and approach to their practice through the lens of form and function. Big thanks to Ana Petidis, Bryan Cush, Jess Wootten, Kate and Jack Lennie, Rose Hudson and Jinwoo Jung for being part of the Pecha Kucha series.
On display throughout the event was a range of objects carefully selected and put on display by our Collections and Curatorial team that linked to the work of the presenters. Campanas Deli sponsored the grazing table and we had some delicious locally made wine, beer and soft drink on offer at the bar.
Thanks to Klapper Films and our volunteer team, we were able to film the presentations which are now available for catch up in your own time.
Ana Petidis, Studio Weaver
Ana Petidis is a studio weaver based in Ballarat on Wadawurrung Country who creates one-off cloth and tapestry works. Her practice is driven by human ecology, communicating personal and shared stories through the considered joining of materials and process.
After a career in community services, Ana studied textile design at RMIT majoring in woven textiles. In addition to exhibiting her woven works, Ana has worked at a commercial weaving mill designing woollen blankets and fabrics for furniture and regularly teaches multi shaft weaving. Ana’s work was recognised as a finalist in the 2021 Victorian Craft Awards and was subsequently acquired by the Art Gallery of Ballarat in 2022.
Connect with Ana | Website: anapetidis.com Instagram: @analog_cloth LinkedIn: Ana Petidis Email: hello@anapetidis.com
Bryan Cush, Furniture Designer & Maker
Bryan Cush is an Irish-born, Ballarat-based, furniture designer and maker. In 2012 he founded the award-winning furniture studio, Sawdust Bureau, fusing his 15 years' experience of studying and practising architecture around the globe with his passion for sculptural craft and indigenous timbers.
With influences ranging from Scandinavian and Japanese craft through to Modernist and Brutalist architecture, Sawdust Bureau strive for contemporary design with a distinctly Australian accent. They have collaborated with the likes of Sarrita King (Gurindji Waanyi artist), John Wardle (AIA Gold Medal winning Architect) and have exhibited their work widely across Australia.
As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainable practice, they founded the Treemaker Initiative in 2019 – a 1% income pledge towards tree planting and environmental protection charities for furniture makers, cabinetmakers and other industries which rely on timber as a source material.
Connect with Bryan | Website: sawdustbureau.com Instagram: @sawdustbureau Facebook: @SawdustBureau Email: info@sawdustbureau.com
Jess Wootten, Bootmaker & Leather Craftsman
Wootten was founded in Adelaide's iconic Jam Factory arts collective in the mid 1970s surrounded by Australia’s leading craft practitioners. The generational tradition of handcrafting boots and leather goods continues from their repurposed WW2 munitions workshop in the historic city of Ballarat - Victoria.
Lead by Master Cordwainer, Jess Wootten, Wootten’s small team of highly skilled leather craftspeople are renowned for their timeless and considered approach to design, craft and construction. This has borne an uncompromising pursuit of quality over quantity, making Wootten unique in the Australian footwear industry for the best part of 50 years. Quality, durability and craftsmanship are the cornerstone of Wootten's ethos.
By only sourcing the best possible materials and partnering with industry leading producers, Wootten goods are crafted to outlast. With a focus on ethically, socially and environmentally sustainable practices, Wootten produces products with longevity that leave a positive mark and a lasting legacy.
Connect with Jess | Website: wootten.com.au Instagram: @wootten_ Email: workshop@wootten.com.au
Kate & Jack Lennie, Publishers & Podcasters
Kate and Jack are a husband and wife team dedicated to amplifying the voices of makers from across the globe and sharing their stories. As fellow makers themselves, they understand the challenges of gaining visibility and recognition on a global scale. That's why they are committed to making a meaningful impact through their independent quarterly magazine, in person podcasts and mini documentaries.
Connect with Kate & Jack | Website: wearemakers.info Instagram: @weare_makers Facebook: @weare_makers LinkedIn: Kate Lennie & Jack Lennie Email: wearemakersinfo@gmail.com
Rose Hudson, Milliner
Rose Hudson, a seasoned milliner, honed her craft at Stella Long in Melbourne's Block Arcade in 1979 before dedicating two decades to the Melbourne Theatre Company. As Supervisor of the Millinery Department, she oversaw the creation of headwear, props, and accessories for numerous theater productions.
Over 25 years, Rose freelanced for esteemed institutions such as the Australian Opera, Victorian State Opera, and Australian Ballet, contributing to iconic performances like Sleeping Beauty and Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Her work extends to television, including Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and films like The Dressmaker. Currently teaching theatrical millinery at Melbourne Polytechnic, Rose shares her historical fashion expertise, having taught nationally and internationally.
Former President of the Millinery Association of Australia, she earned life membership and a Design Award in 2019. Now based in Ballarat, Rose continues her artistry through a six-month Art Hub Residency.
Connect wth Rose | Instagram: @rosehudsonmillinery @thehatblockers Facebook: @RoseHudsonMillinery @TheHatBlockers LinkedIn: Rose Hudson Email: rosiehud@gmail.com
Jinwoo Jung, Spowers Architects
Spowers dedicates itself to crafting exceptional experiences through impact-driven design. Specializing in learning spaces, workplaces, community and seniors living architecture, interiors, and master plans, their collaborative approach fosters clear communication valued by clients. Real-life discussions replace architectural jargon, bringing visions to life through meaningful engagements. Spowers' curiosity and creativity ensure projects are future-proofed, not just 'fit for purpose' but fit for the future. With nearly 130 years of experience, Spowers is synonymous with outstanding architectural design nationally and internationally. From inception to completion, their senior personnel provide meticulous involvement, delivering the high level of detail and experienced stewardship that define every project. Clients trust their team for reliable guidance, creative ingenuity, and endless energy to problem solve and maintain momentum.
Connect with Spowers Architects | Website: spowers.com.au Instagram: @spowersarchitects LinkedIn: Spowers Email: melbourne@spowers.com.au
Want more?
We've got you covered! Pecha Kucha Volume #3 will be on Friday 16 August. Stay tuned for more details about the speakers who'll be announced over the coming weeks.
