New at OEN Shop – Pre-order Ceramics by Potter Fumihiro Toda
Chamfer Mug by Japanese Potter Fumihiro Toda at OEN Shop Just a quick notice to let you know that we are now taking pre-orders for Japanese potter Fumihiro Toda’s wonderful ceramics. We received our last shipment from Fumihiro in 2018, so we have been patiently anticipating this new arrival for 20
Behind the Canvas – Paintings by American Artist Jerry Iverson
One of the contrasting concepts in Asian art is the appreciation for ‘asymmetrical balance’. Ikebana, a form of flower arranging, is known for mimicking and highlighting the beauty in nature. The main technique being to make sure that the left and the right sides, or the top and bottom,
Practical and Poetic – Sake Tables by NOTE Design for Ariake
I’ve been following Japanese brand Ariake ever since 2017/2018 when I discovered that a designer I had been following by the name of Zoe Mowat had collaborated to make an exquisite indigo-dyed cabinet. Ariake is a furniture brand founded by Legnatec and Hirata Chair, two factories from the fur
New in the Shop – Shop the OEN Christmas Gift Guide Online
Blue Pigment Vase by Keiichi Tanaka Today I wanted to highlight our Christmas Guide that’s full of goodies for this holiday season. These handcrafted gifts would make the perfect present for family and friends. Unique, one of a kind items that can definitely be used and admired for many years
Making Marks – Sculptural Glassware by Design Studio GUAXS
You know I am a sucker for any objects where you can see the marks left by the maker! To see the connection to the craftsman and the process of construction makes for a totally different atmosphere. You can’t help but appreciate the hard work and dedication and think more deeply about the obje
New in the Shop – Kinetic Mobiles & Sculpture by Ekko Workshop
Creativity and craft has come together superbly in our newest work introduced to the shop by Ekko Workshop. Ekko Workshop consists of Ben Cogdill and Matt Richards, an industrial designer and an engineer who have more than a decade in mobile-making experience. Using many different types of materials
Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook Interview
Introduction When I came across American architect Naomi Pollock‘s new book on Japanese Design I knew I had to reach out and see if we could put together something for the blog that might inspire. Naomi’s new book ‘Japanese Design Since 1945: A Complete Sourcebook’ is very im
Exploring Gradation – Paintings by Artist Senem Oezdogan
Senem Oezdogan is a Brooklyn based mixed media artist. She sees her art as a vehicle, allowing viewers to observe the world through form and color. Influenced by architecture and geometry, there’s a static solidity that is countered by the softness of fabric and tapestry running throughout her
New Feature – Inside Japanese Ceramic Workshop Nankei
Today we release a special feature showcasing the work of Nankei, a ceramic studio based Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture in Japan. Initially founded as a producer and seller of clay approximately 80 years ago, Nankei dug and refined a special white clay for the local Taisho-yaki pottery and also a deep re
Guiding Forms – Glass Prism Sculptures by Aurelie Abadie & Sauques Samuel
Mineral Design consists of design duo Aurelie Abadie and Sauques Samuel. These two talented creatives focus on the notion of sensitive space. Part of this exploration revolves around the idea of rock and glass, literally filling or juxtaposing a piece of glass with stone. The metaphor to replace emp
New at OEN Shop – Metalwork by Japanese Artisan Tomomi Ishikawa
The appeal of functional ware for me is the time spent and connection shared with such necessary pieces of design. There’s also something fascinating about an object that melts away and becomes a lifelong companion. Tokyo-based metalworker Tomomi Ishikawa grabbed my attention with his characte
Contrasting Art & Craft – Wood Sculpture by Maker Fitzhugh Karol
Geometric, colour, grain, collage … these are just a few words that come to mind when exploring Fitzhugh Karol’s wood sculpture. With so many types of sculpture included in his displays it’s quite difficult to categorise his work. Karol is a Brooklyn artist/designer that thrives on the