Interconnectedness of Things – Works in Clay by Jonathan Phillips
Jonathan Phillips was an artist I spotted on Instagram quite a while back and have been following intently ever since. Currently based on the Welsh borders, Phillips was assistant to Italian potter Pietro Maddalena and later moved back to the UK to pursue ceramics as a career. Although the proportio
New in the Shop – Iron Teapots Handmade by IWACHU
Although I try not to make a distinction between new and old, it’s exciting to see those workshops that have stood the test of time and continue to use artisanal skills to produce beautiful objects that have become staples. In Morioka, Japan resides IWACHU, a family run workshop who have been prod
Movement of Water – MELT Series by Furniture Maker Antrei Hartikainen
Sculptural meets functional with this series by Finish designer and master cabinetmaker Antrei Hartikainen. No doubt Antrei’s strong interest in design has helped his woodwork come on leaps and bounds. Not only is he able to make functional pieces of furniture, he’s able to put forward h
An Organic Sensibility – Sculptures by Ceramic Artist Jan Vogelpoel
Rebellious, unique and thought-provoking are just some of the adjectives that can be used to describe Jan Vogelpoel’s ceramic sculptures. She dares to break out of the box with a series of media that ranges from sculptures to hanging works of art. She plays with shapes and colors to make each piec
Inside the Workshop – A Short Film on Woodworkers Mori Kougei
This is a real treat! See below our newest short film highlighting the work of Tokushima-based woodworkers Mori Kougei. Mori Woodwork is headed by craftsman Hiroyuki Mori in Tokushima, Japan. Mori specialises in a technique called ‘Tsukiita’ that involves slicing wood in to a thin, paper
A Nod to Bauhaus – The Zoersel House by Arjaan De Feyter
Many architectural projects are so fragmented that it’s difficult for the architect or main designer to really put their own stamp on a project. This can often have long lasting effects, creating a property that’s not that cohesive overall and fails to hit the exact creative direction th
New at OEN Shop – A Selection of Woodwork by HAKO SHIKI
The distinct bumps and textures of the maker’s tools are what make crafts so special. Japanese woodworker Masayuki Yanai has put these details to good use, his project titled ‘HAKO SHIKi’ involves wood that would otherwise go to waste. Masayuki believes that there are too many tree
Moment of Suspension – Sculpture by Spanish Artist Jose Dávila
If you think it’s impossible for a static figure to be in motion, Jose Dávila will make you question everything you believe. His latest exhibit features statues that are combinations of cubes and large rocks, all precariously layered, one top of the other giving the impression that they may f
Primitive Shapes – Murals and Sculpture by Artist Carlos Otero
Image of Carlos Otero’s work on a wall in a home in Beverly Hills, CA At first glance, Carlos Otero’s primitive murals may look like children’s toys. One can easily see a sculpted wooden train or blocks pieced together somewhat haphazardly. But on closer inspection, we see a closer attenti
Download our Free Guide – Our Top 10 Favourite Places in Japan
Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin on Naoshima Island We are often asked what our favourite places to visit are for art and design inspiration. Naturally, through producing content for our blog for over 10 years we have come across many inspiring places and many unique companies along the way. Japa
Transforming the Ordinary – FRAME House by Kouichi Kimura Architects
This is Japanese architecture at its best! Designed by Kouichi Kimura Architects, the FRAME House is located in Shiga, Japan and has been wonderfully captured here by talented photographer Norihito Yamauchi. Built adjacent to small stream and a selection of cherry trees, Kimura’s goal was to c
New in the Shop – Objects by Glassworker Rie Furukawa of matsurica
When it comes to glass most artists are focused on form alone. But lying deep within this material is the potential to explore radiating tones and other subtleties in colour that cannot be explored in other mediums. Rie Furukawa is a Tokyo-based artist who focuses on crafting accessories and other s
