A Story Carried in Wood: Frames by Boorowa Artisan Darrell Armour
One of the great privileges of being an artist in a small, proud community like Boorowa is the chance to collaborate with local makers whose hands carry as much history, skill, and heart as the materials they shape. For my upcoming collection “Unburdened Bodies” , I have had the immense joy of working alongside Boorowa’s own woodworking genius, Darrell Armour, whose craftsmanship is nothing short of extraordinary.
The frames Darrell has created for this collection are more than borders — they are artworks in their own right. Handcrafted from locally reclaimed hardwood, each frame holds a depth and presence that quietly commands attention. In fact, it’s worth coming to the studio just to see them. You could almost say this is an exhibition of frames… with my paintings inside them.
These pieces of timber have lived other lives. The wood was reclaimed from old outdoor bench seating at Boorowa Central School — material that has held generations of moments. If these frames could whisper, imagine the stories they would tell: playground friendships forming and dissolving, first loves, scraped knees, bold dreams, early mornings, heartbreaks, triumphs, the flurry of recess, the quiet of waiting for the bell.
This wood has witnessed growing up. It has held the weight of children and teenagers navigating the joy, confusion, loneliness, hope, and discovery that school years inevitably bring. Darrell’s hands have transformed those memories into frames that now hold my newest artworks — merging past and present, memory and renewal, craft and creativity.
To see my paintings housed within these reclaimed hardwood frames is deeply special. They bring a groundedness, a sense of continuity, and a raw authenticity that elevates the entire collection. Every piece feels enriched — not just by my brushstrokes, but by the silent history embedded in the timber.
My Unburdened Bodies collection will be housed in these exceptional frames. Darrell’s frames and the artworks they hold come together to tell a shared story: of place, of community, of transformation, and of the beauty that comes from honouring materials — and people — who have lived deeply.
Layers of meaning - I just love the fact that even the frames around my storytelling artworks have their own history to share.
Connect with Ang
Never miss a moment in the world of Ang Hart. Get studio updates, new artwork releases and updates on commission openings delivered straight to your inbox.
