Experiments in Urushi – Lacquerware by Japanese Artist Genta Ishizuka
A maker of much fascination to me is Japanese lacquer artist Genta Ishizuka. He has used this traditional material to convey some of the contemporary ways in which one can explore this art form and bring joy and curiosity through it. To say Ishizuka had a great 2019 would be an understatement. Not o
Simple Sophistication – Furniture by John Eric Byers
John Eric Byers exhibits ‘beauty in simplicity’ stunningly in his range of wooden furniture. This Oregon-based designer and craftsman specialises in creating sophisticated, geometrically-inspired furniture for interior spaces. Every piece in the range is painted in either black or white
New in the Shop – Handmade Woodwork by Studio KUKU
I’m fascinated by those makers who are able to craft not only functional pieces using high quality materials, but also somehow incorporate a unique character that makes their work very distinct. Kyoko Tani of Nagano-based woodworking studio ‘KUKU’ is one of those craftsmen. Her work takes
Masking the Landscape – Abstract Artwork by Sam Smyth
Slotting shape and implementing colour in a harmonious manner shares so many similarities with all the other art forms. If broken down, craft, for example, is essentially shape and colour and how they combine to form something aesthetically appealing. Everyone has their own aesthetic so this can be
Focusing on the Essential – Ceramics by Léa & Nicolas
Motivated by the desire to replace their own crockery, which was neither practical nor aesthetically pleasing, designers Léa and Nicolas designed their first functional objects: A bowl, double-walled cups, a coffee pot and a fermentation pot. The result was a range of sleek, polished pieces, all fo
Bridging New & Old – Interiors by Designer Francesc Rifé
I’ve taken a particular liking to the work of Spanish interior and industrial designer Francesc Rifé. Since our own concept here at OEN is based around craft, simplicity, and good design it’s great to see Francesc is on a similar wavelength. Also influenced heavily by minimalism and tak
New in the Shop – Metalworks by Australian Maker Kenny Son
Writing on the blog for more than 10 years it’s natural for me to see the progression of some of the maker’s work, not just the ones represented in our shop but also globally. One that I came across in 2013/2014 was the work of Kenny Son who is based in Sydney, Australia. Since that […]
A Subtle Balance – Silver Objects Crafted by Josephine Lützel
After many years studying tableware German silversmith Josephine Lützel has realised that certain objects should be designed with a specific function in mind. For example, a drinker of coffee in the morning may need several cups of coffee, so the ideal coffee pot should have just the right amount o
New in the Shop – Mugen Musou Series by Iwata Woodworking
It’s always exciting when craft and design meet and pair so well. Especially when you know such modern forms are being created using high quality materials. All the key ingredients needed to produce objects that will stand the test of time. Coming across the Iwata Woodworking workshop based Hirosh
Design Through Upcycling – Glassware by Jesper Jensen
The concept of sustainability has become increasingly popular over the years. Consumers are gradually leaning towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Danish designer Jesper Jensen shares this passion for sustainability and follows the approach of waste recycling by design in his glassware pieces. Jen
Timeless Creations – Metalwork by Maker Laurenz Stockner
Italian artist Laurenz Stockner sets out to create vessels that are both perfectly harmonious in shape and a representation of unspoiled natural beauty. He utilizes copper sourced from the Prettau mine, a mine known for having extremely valuable copper. Before shaping this copper into its final form
Back to Traditional Techniques – Furniture Handcrafted by Kate Duncan
For Kate Duncan, the idea of strong, high-quality handmade furniture made using traditional joinery techniques has opened up the whole world of furniture design. Based in Toronto, Duncan works from her studio to produce bold heirloom-quality furniture. Each piece is handmade using traditional techni
