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
Light and Form – Prints by Julian Abrams & Sophie Elizabeth-Thompson
Any creative output is our inner self wishing to put something out in to the world. A physical manifestation of something that we see in our mind’s eye. So what’s better than two creative minds coming together to showcase something completely new! Here photographer Julian Abrams has coll
Rethinking Waste Materials – Anima: Memorial Service by Kosuke Araki
As creatives we often think about our relationship with objects from a human perspective. Why do we connect with such an object? What kind of atmosphere do they give off? But we don’t necessarily think about the components that make up these objects. There’s no doubt that we need to be m
In Homage to Form – Stoneware Sculpture by Amanda Gentry
There’s that interesting intersection between nature and considered design that seems to be overlooked. Isamu Noguchi was a sculptor who had a particular fascination with referencing nature in his work, no doubt inspired by his Japanese heritage and his western influences. In fact, a number of
Bold & Geometric Styles – Artworks by Jon Llewelyn of Formworks
When architect Walter Gropius founded the Bauhaus his aim was to integrate painting and sculpture with design, and to make all serve architecture. So called ‘free art’ was recognised as a medium to explore new ideas, but the school’s emphasis on function never wavered and with the Bauhaus̵
New in the Shop – Woodworks by Japanese Workshop Kihachi
Woodworking studio Kihachi Workshop is based in the Yamanaka region of Japan, known for its beautiful mountainous landscape with trees filling every inch. Kihachi are the oldest producer of woodworks in this region, famous for both their exquisite lacquer and natural looking bowls with a timeless ap
Manipulating Geometric Form – Sculpture by Bence Magyarlaki
Bringing a sense of expression to any art form is a difficult task. Especially when using static, hard materials that are rigid and don’t generally lend themselves to being manipulated in an expressive way. Hungarian artist Bence Magyarlaki has took on the challenge! His interest in architectu
Still and Purposeful – Song & Bora / Mo by Silversmith Alex O’Connor
The beautiful, minimalist work of UK-based silversmith Alex O’Conner. I was first drawn in by Alex’s ‘Kib and Skath’ capsule collection, a series of wearable sculptures that are part inspired by ancient forms. I thought this idea of incorporating craft in to our everyday live
Botanical Animation – Story of Flowers 2 by Artist Makoto Azuma
I remember back in 2012 purchasing the first book by Makoto Azuma titled ‘Encylopedia of Flowers’. Drawn in by the book design by Kenya Hara, a designer who helps MUJI with their own branding and image, I then became fascinated by artist Makoto Azuma’s work itself and his stunning
Architectural Patterns – TILE Collection by John Pawson for TEIXIDORS
Great designers and great craftsmanship come together less often than one might think. A real shame considering what both parties can bring to the table. British architect and designer John Pawson is one of my favourites, he has a keen eye for simplicity and is consistent across the board in all his
In Between Lines & Shapes – Abstract Art by Maura Segal
It may be controversial to say, but I think in many ways we can thank industrial design for an overall reduction in design. Creating repeatable shapes and making it easier for machines to complete many of the processes that were once achieved by hand. Of course there’s value in handicraft too,
Wabi Sabi – Top 5 Books for Inspiration
Photographed by Mark Robinson inside Junichiro Tanazaki’s Home in Kobe, Japan Intro The word ‘Wabi Sabi’ has become synonymous with ‘rustic’ or ‘imperfection’. Ask any Japanese person to explain this set of words and you’re most likely to receive a bla