New in the OEN Shop – Japanese Lacquerware by Yusuke Tazawa
It’s really great to support the creativity behind the different makers that we represent and see them run free within their craft and experiment with new techniques that might push their craft forward. Japanese woodworker Yusuke Tazawa has done that here with his new silver and blue makiji la
Everyday Abstracted – Paintings by Dutch Artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
There’s something about mixing not just the type of media used but also different creative professions, such as illustration and graphic design. It certainly makes for a unique twist on the final output of a design as the influences mix and merge. Here, for example, Dutch creative Jordy van de
Crafting a Quality Standard – Handcrafted Lighting by Allied Maker
I believe we undervalue the passion behind the companies who are integrating handicraft in to their overall concept. To create a series of consistent designs across a whole collection that link good design with craftsmanship, not just from a visual sense but also taking in to consideration the maker
New at OEN Shop – A Selection of Collages by Leigh Wells
Our whole goal here on OEN is to support more artists and makers that are experimenting with their creativity. I’ve had my eye on American artist Leigh Well’s collages for a number of years now. She has a fantastic sensibility and I was particularly taken aback by her ‘Versos’
The Middle Distance – Architectural Landscapes by Alichia van Rhijn
The sense of fun and play that architects must have when designing must be so rewarding. I’m sure when functionality comes in to play there’s a big discrepancy between what can actually be achieved thanks to the functionality of a build and the materials available at this current time. I
Building Layers – Oil Paintings by American Artist Joelle Somero
There’s something about the closeness of those people around us that definitely seeps in to our work, even if it’s unintentional. I liked the way artist Joelle Somero explained it on her about page saying that both her children and husband inspire her work. Not only the free and intuitiv
Connecting Form & Surface – Sculpture by Ceramic Artist Ken Eastman
When we think about clay we tend to link this material to smooth forms that offer a sleek and seamless surface. Even the pottery wheel, one of the most used tools in this craft, is mainly used to construct forms that are cylindrical and offer little in the way of breaks in the overall structure [&he
Harmony in Nature – Kinetic Vases & Sculptures by Agustina Bottoni
There’s a certain balance found in nature that’s hard to depict in a physical object. It’s something I think many of us wish we could attain but feels so far away. Even when using natural materials such as clay or wood the human hand seems to create this boundary between nature its
Exploring Familiarity – Abstract Art by Michael Wall
There’s definitely still a space open for experimentation with materials that have potential but are not fully utilised. I suppose we can link all crafts to this kind of thinking. What starts out as earth or a material found in nature can become an object that isn’t representative of its
Sourcing The Greats – A Selection of 20th Century Furniture at 1934
Looking to explore the greats? Look no further than the beautiful selection of furniture at London-based practice 1934. Headed by Abel Sloane and Ruby Woodhouse, this duo have been sourcing some fantastic twentieth century furniture and have also been exploring how these pieces work in contemporary
Truth in Material – Hand Woven Textile Works by LRNCE
Sometimes it’s difficult to see the actual origins of a piece of work. Especially in contemporary design where things are always stripped back. Taking a recent trip to the home and studio of famed British sculptor Henry Moore showed me the value in seeing culture in an object. Viewing his coll
New Feature – Visiting the Studio of Japanese Potter Atsushi Ogata
I’m not really one to get nostalgic about a particular trip or experience but my journey to Atsushi Ogata’s studio in Nara, Japan was certainly enlightening and one that changed many of my thoughts regarding pottery as a craft. It’s funny how the experiences shape you more than any kin
