Maker Profile – Metalworker Ruka Kikuchi
Ruka Kikuchi, also known by his nickname Lue, makes utensils and accessories out of brass in the Japanese city of Setouchi. Born in 1983 in Soja, a city located in Okayama Prefecture, Ruka trained to be a metalworker under his father Masaaki Kikuchi in early 2000. After a six-year apprenticeship, he
Crafted Modern – Assemble Art Series by Atelier CPH
Atelier CPH is a Copenhagen-based multidisciplinary creative studio that creates a wide array of decorative collage artworks and fine art prints inspired by the work of early 20th century Modernist European artists that elevated crafts to an art form. Resulting from these influences, over the years
Free Guide – Our Top 10 Locations in Japan
Japan was where my journey began when I started OEN in around 2007. By supporting Japanese artists and highlighting their unique work online I have been lucky enough to travel to the country a few times each year since, which in turn has enabled me to visit many inspiring locations. This free guide
Inspired by Nature – Everyday Collection by Fred Rigby Studio
Fred Rigby, the founder of Fred Rigby Studio, is an interior and furniture designer that creates sculptural yet functional furniture collections inspired mainly by the beautiful, natural setting of the countryside of Dorset in the UK. The modular dining sets, sofas, and side tables produced by Rigby
New at OEN Shop – Perfect Instance Mobile by Tempo
One of my favourite pieces from Japanese workshop Tempo is the Perfect Instance mobile that comes in a blue and orange colour. This mobile is composed of two anodised aluminium plates. One has been placed horizontally and the other vertically so that the plates intersect. A metal bar separates the t
Organic Ceramics – This is the Living Vessel by Anders Ruhwald
Contemporary Danish artist Anders Ruhwald creates installations and sculptural-looking vessels made out of clay that challenge our preconceptions of this material traditionally associated with the world of crafts. His ceramic-based three-dimensional works have organic forms and rich textures granted
Art & Design Guide: Tokyo
Wow. It's been a long time since Japan has opened up to the world. It looks like it will reopen in June of this year for any of you who are looking to travel. We... To view this content, you must be a member of OEN Patreon at $5 or more
Activating the Senses – Tumbler Art by Iwan Pol
Rotterdam-based graphic designer Iwan Pol creates interactive functional and decorative objects that invite us to build a physical and emotional connection with them. With this goal in mind, he creates wood wall works that change their form when being rotated and produces sculptural objects made wit
New at OEN Shop – Textured Dishes by Mushimegane Books
I have always admired the work of Japanese artist Misa Kumabuchi of Mushimegane Books. The concept for Misa’s project revolves around people and sounds, with the pots being made as a reflection of the earth’s surface and nature in general. This work has simplicity but at the same time a
Patchwork Art – Textiles by Thompson Street Studio
While they had been around for centuries, quilting and patchwork became a big thing in North America during the 1600s, when early settlers from England and Holland introduced them as a popular and symbolically charged craft. The work of Kiva Motnyk, founder of Thompson Street Studio in New York City
