Transformations and 'tough beauty'

Last weekend, there were a number of events and forums associated with the National Gallery of Australia exhibition Transformations: The Language of Craft. The opening was a crowded event with many familiar faces of the craft scene converging on the capital. Despite Canberra's small population, the forum was booked out. The audience was very hungry for talk about craft. Mark Leach presented a picture of the Mint Museum of Craft that was the subject of great envy. Tanya Harrod presented a thoughtful short paper and in question time talked about the 'tough beauty' that she found in Australian craft.