Doris Aagaard, 1899-1990
Magazine rack: guava motif.
|  | Carving Influences
A variety of styles were grouped together at the end of the nineteenth century such as neo-Renaissance, Aestheticism, Art Nouveau and Naturalistic – all influences utilised by the Rockhampton lady carvers. Aestheticism was largely influenced by Japanese and Chinese decoration, whereas Art Nouveau often derived its motifs from plants and was characterised by elegant line and asymmetry. Art Nouveau developed in Europe and began to emerge in Australia during the 1890s; its influence is manifest in the interweaving of the foliage in Daisy Archer's Settle and Joan Archer’s Dresser.
Cissie Allan’s Two-tiered cupboard is embellished with the formalised masks and foliate motifs of the neo-Renaissance. Stylised grotesque animals and dolphins are also associated with the style.
Examples of Naturalistic carving features can be found in Doris Aagaard's adjoining Magazine rack, which is carved with guavas; and Cissie Allan's Cupboard, which is carved with morning glories.
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Daisy Archer's work, influenced by her family's Norwegian links, is distinctive due to the use of Norwegian motifs. Her niece Doris Aagaard, whose husband was Norwegian, and her daughter, Joan, maintained this connection until the 1950s.
Carving Practices
In Australia, extensive carving practices are usually associated with classes taught at technical colleges. Practices such as these have included L.J. Harvey - at the Brisbane Technical College - and Edith Robinson - at the Toowoomba Technical College.
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