Only the Echoes Remain

And then, it’s over.

The pieces are gathered up for photography, tools are packed, and workshops cleaned. All that remains is the auction and the goodbyes.

Members of the public are invited to share a meal and attend the auction - a few notable collectors are in the audience, as well as friends and relatives of the artists. The auction is a great success - a fabulous pair of auctioneers who are associated with the Center for Art in Wood drive the processes with humour and skill.

Two favourite moments: early in the auction they drive a mock bidding war between non-existent buyers, taking a piece that had raised a tiny opening bid to over $6000, much confusion and laughter ensues. And a truly poignant moment, a young woman buying her first piece at an auction, made by a friend from timber donated by her family, is moved to the point of (private) tears by her successful bid. It is a rare and precious thing to make work that embodies such strong connection.

It came from the lake - some of the works awaiting photography.

And the echoes?

The works that have gone out into the world. The new friendships made. New techniques shared and explored. I wonder what the more distant echoes will sound like?

Thanks to all the collaborating artists, and to the Echo Lake organising committee.

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