New at OEN Shop – Handcrafted Ceramics by Yoko Ozawa
Yoko Ozawa’s work hit my radar in 2011 and has continued to peak my interest ever since. Last year we met in person and talked about the idea of placing some of her ceramics in the shop. Today is the day we release her first collection! The ‘White Stump’ series references both the
Telling a Story – Under Collection by Hamran & Snøhetta
Ever since Norwegian architect firm Snøhetta’s project titled ‘Under’, Europe’s First Underwater Restaurant, was completed in 2018/2019 it’s been full steam ahead. They’ve really hit a new level success that’s so great to see in this industry. The restaurant it
Materials & Methods – Paper Lighting by Stephanie Forsythe & Todd MacAllen
Underutilised materials have been a consistent theme here on the blog. I suppose when you’re constantly considering natural materials like we are it makes you wonder why certain materials aren’t used more often. Knowledge is partly to play. Maybe even the current trends. But I personally
New in the Shop – Glassware by Japanese Craftsman Mitsui Takeyoshi
Although I feel as though there’s been a strong movement in Europe and America to support more craftsmen, which Instagram can be partly thanked for, there’s always been a steady flow of younger Japanese craftsmen in the background making quietly without too much publicity. Mitsui Takeyoshi i
Tactile Qualities – Pulp Furniture Collection by Serra Studio
An area of craft I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is the potential found in a natural material, wondering whether this is one of the main reasons why makers are drawn to handiwork over other mediums of creative expression. This ability to take a material that has such strong ties to natur
The Wide Open Landscape – Abstract Paintings by Clay Johnson
One thing I find so interesting about simplicity, especially in art and design, is that as you take away the obvious flaws become so apparent. If the colour is slightly off or the shape is not quite right, each element stands out so that there really is nowhere to hide. Abstract art is similar in [&
Universe of Elemental Figures – Animalmood for Mad Lab by Borja Garcia
I’ve always been fascinated by Ray and Charles Eames relationship in a design context. Ray was an artist and Charles was more of an industrial designer. Charles knew that Ray knew art and used it to his strength, asking her to create the beautiful bright colour palette and graphics that still
New in the Shop – Ceramics by Japanese Craftsmen Nozomi Fujii
After releasing our first selection of Nozomi Fujii’s work in our shop, which turned out to very popular, we’re happy to introduce a new selection that she’s made for us at OEN. This particular range follows suit with the contemporary grey colour mixed in to the stoneware body. The
Reduction in Design – Minimalist Reliefs by Danish Artist Kristina Krogh
People often think of any art form as something that stops and starts rather than an ever evolving process. Take the work of Kristina Krogh for example. I posted this Danish artist’s work up in 2018, referencing the inspiration she had taken from Graphic Design to produce a selection of colour
Modern Originals – Furniture Handcrafted by Edward Collinson
I’ve noticed quite a few makers in the past year, especially those based in Europe, who have been able to apply their craft as a skill and mix it with modern design to make specific ranges that make it easy for customers to purchase. After owning OEN Shop for more than 10 years it’s been
New in the Shop – Bags Handcrafted by Mami Nakamura of COMON
COMON are a bag brand headed by Mami Kakamura, a designer and creative based in Tokyo. What drew me to Mami’s work is her ability to mix her passion for modern design and her interest in high craftsmanship. Taking real care and attention when it comes to the overall construction and usability
Craft & Design Meeting – Raku Yaki Series by Emmanuelle Simon
Raku dates back to the early 1550’s in Japan and was highly favoured by Zen Buddhist Masters for its simplicity and naturalness. The unique look has always served its purpose well in the world of ceramics. We’ve seen beautiful bowls and vases crafted using this low fire technique where c