Header image: Jack Wilms with Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize Coordinator Corrie Wright
Local woodworker to the Sunshine Coast, Jack Wilms took out the People’s Choice Award in the 2023 Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize with his piece ‘Cape Tribulation- Rainforest to the Reef’. Jack shares a little below about what it meant to receive the award, and what he’s been up to since.
How did you get into woodworking?
I was living in Albany WA and one day I started whittling a piece of driftwood with a Stanley knife of all things and the piece ended up pretty good so I did another one which was better.
I did quite a few pieces and thought I would put an exhibition together and they nearly all sold, which gave me the encouragement to do it full time and that was 30+ years ago and I haven’t had a ‘real job’ since.
How did it feel to win the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Maleny Wood Expo?
I am always happy to receive the ‘people’s choice award’, it lets me know I am on the right track.
What have you been up to since you won the prize?
Several commission orders plus keeping our galley, Obi Valley Woodworks stocked with interesting, one off pieces.
What advice would you like to offer to people thinking about entering the Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize?
Do what makes your heart glad and that will shine through your work.
How can people follow your work?
Website: www.cedarcreations.com.au
Facebook: Obi Valley Woodworks
About the piece
Carved into a large solid piece of Australian Red Cedar timber with a laminated base for support and standing an impressive 1800mm tall. Depicting Cape Tribulation in North Queensland where the world heritage Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
One side is the Rainforest with a number of rainforest flora and fauna carved. The other side is the Great Barrier Reef with many sea creatures that inhabit our Northern waters.
A Superb Fruit Dove gracing the rainforest side with a long swirling Art Nouveau dove tail is a stand out feature of the piece.
The piece is designed to be shown from all sides in the centre of a larger room or spacious entrance hall.
The Sunshine Coast Wootha Prize ‘People’s Choice Award’ was sponsored by Queensland Country Bank