Farewell VWA Artist in Residence Alex Pontonio

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to an exceptional Artist in Residence, Alex, who began her creative journey with us in 2019. During her impactful tenure in our incubation workshop, Alex achieved outstanding milestones that underscore her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.

In 2021, her Boxkite secured the prestigious Chests, Cabinets, and Shelving, Maker of the Year Award from Australian Wood Review. Simultaneously, her Biplane earned a distinguished Finalist spot in the Victorian Craft Award by Craft Victoria. The year prior, Flank, another masterpiece, claimed the Runner-up Furniture title for the Maker of The Year Award from Australian Wood Review.

Her work has not only graced the covers of esteemed publications like Wood Review and Inside Out but also earned her recognition as a Victorian Craft Award Finalist in 2021. Alex’s participation in prominent exhibitions, such as Craft Victoria’s ‘Future Remains’ and John Wardle’s ‘Relatively Useful,’ truly solidifies her place as an accomplished furniture designer-maker.

Among her cherished projects during her residency, the Boxkite shelving stands out as a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill. The Soft and Low Table, a collaborative venture with John Wardle, and the design of several hand planes for the Melbourne Tool Company highlight her remarkable versatility, showcasing her ability to seamlessly navigate between furniture design, collaborative endeavours, and precision tool design.

As Alex embarks on her roles as a Technical Officer at RMIT and Workshop Technician at the University of Melbourne, we eagerly anticipate witnessing her talents continue to flourish. 

Alex, your impact on the VWA community has been remarkable, and we wish you every success and fulfilment in your future endeavors.