Rocking the COFA Annual

A rocking stool, inspired by sandstone formations in Arizona, is one of 350 artworks being exhibited at the COFA Annual – a showcase of art, design and digital media by graduating students.

Design graduate Rachel Vosila said the dramatic, wave-like sandstone formations in Arizona inspired her design.

“I wanted to replicate the abrasive process natural elements have on sandstone, slowly turning it into something beautiful. With my stool, whenever somebody sits on it and rocks, the sandstone gradually wears down mimicking the movement of their body,” Rachel said, adding she uses locally sourced sandstone and Tasmanian Oak to create her furniture.

Rachel’s design has already been selected to feature in Wallpaper magazine's Next Generation issue of global design talents.

The COFA Annual will launch the careers of the next generation of artists and designers.

“Studying design at COFA has been such a positive experience for me,” says Rachel. “I’ve been exposed to numerous areas of design during my degree including object, textiles and graphics and I can take all of these skills with me.”

This year’s exhibition features ceramics, drawing, digital imaging, graphics, interactive media, jewellery, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, sound and textiles. At the COFA Annual screening at the Chauvel Cinema, students present 3D animation, 2D animation, video dramas and documentaries, and experimental screen-based artworks.

2013 has been successful for many COFA graduates. Del Kathryn Barton won the Archibald Prize for the second time, this year for her portrait of actor Hugo Weaving, director Rowan Woods released his new TV movie, The Broken Shore, hot on the heels of his successful mini-series, Rake, and four graduates exhibited in the prestigious Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.

Other well known COFA graduates include Mikala Dwyer, Adam Cullen, Abi Alice, Jonathan Jones, Shaun Gladwell, Claire Healy & Sean Cordeiro, Clinton Nain, Janet Laurence, Brook Andrew, Trent Jansen, Bronwyn Oliver and the team from Dinosaur Designs.

COFA Annual Exhibition

Opening: Fri Nov 29, 6–8pmExhibition: Nov 29–Dec 8, 10am–4pm daily COFA campus, Corner Oxford St and Greens Rd, Paddington

COFA Annual Screening 2013Mon, Dec 2, 6-10pm Chauvel Cinema, Corner Oxford St and Oatley Rd, Paddington

See where COFA graduates work here

Media contact: Fran Strachan, UNSW Media Office | 9385 8732 | 0429 416 070

Rocking stool by COFA graduate Rachel Vosila