Masking the Landscape – Abstract Artwork by Sam Smyth
Slotting shape and implementing colour in a harmonious manner shares so many similarities with all the other art forms. If broken down, craft, for example, is essentially shape and colour and how they combine to form something aesthetically appealing. Everyone has their own aesthetic so this can be
Bridging New & Old – Interiors by Designer Francesc Rifé
I’ve taken a particular liking to the work of Spanish interior and industrial designer Francesc Rifé. Since our own concept here at OEN is based around craft, simplicity, and good design it’s great to see Francesc is on a similar wavelength. Also influenced heavily by minimalism and tak
New in the Shop – Metalworks by Australian Maker Kenny Son
Writing on the blog for more than 10 years it’s natural for me to see the progression of some of the maker’s work, not just the ones represented in our shop but also globally. One that I came across in 2013/2014 was the work of Kenny Son who is based in Sydney, Australia. Since that […]
New in the Shop – Mugen Musou Series by Iwata Woodworking
It’s always exciting when craft and design meet and pair so well. Especially when you know such modern forms are being created using high quality materials. All the key ingredients needed to produce objects that will stand the test of time. Coming across the Iwata Woodworking workshop based Hirosh
OEN Issue 2 – Abstraction at Sculptor Henry Moore’s Studio
The bright characteristics of the modernist movement, in my belief, give us the wrong impression of what it means to be a creator. Everyone has thoughts that they grapple with. The difference is that creatives are able to use art as a way of articulating them. This industry is full of so many dark s
Toshifumi Momose’s Hinoki Series
The work of Japanese woodworker Toshifumi Momose! His eye for contemporary design has seen him craft a series in collaboration with industrial designer Keita Hanazawa ...
New in the Shop – Woodwork Handcrafted by Yusuke Tazawa
I’ve been swooning over some new arrivals by Japanese woodworker Yusuke Tazawa that have just made their way in to the shop. Yusuke resides in Ebina, Kanagawa Prefecture and makes beautiful tools for daily life. Recently his speciality has been making pieces for the tea ceremony, which shows h
Bringing Art to Function – Wooden Spoons by Marie Eklund
Functional design can sometimes be limiting in the fact that there’s only so much play in the shape of an object. Take bowls or plates as an example, it’s going be hard to break the mould and create a form that actually outside of the function that’s set in our mind. That’s w
OEN Issue 2 – A Visit to Woodworker Shuji Nakagawa’s Studio
With hundreds of years of tradition comes hundreds of years of history to uphold. No pressure then. It takes a special maker to not only take a craft by the scruff of the neck, but to run with it and adapt in a contemporary way; to translate the work for a new audience while holding […]
Illustrations of Space – Artworks by Katrin Greiling for Furnishing Utopia
The relationship between between our physical environment and the inspirations that make up all art or design is very fascinating. Design collective Furnishing Utopia, who we previously mentioned in 2018 with their brilliant collection interpreting the work of the Shakers, have put together their mo
A Craftsman’s Touch – Danish Contemporary Weaver Karin Carlander
I’ve been thinking about the knowledge that a craftsman has and their relationship with material. I think it’s something that’s slowly being lost in this digital age. Through the use of material, the touch in our hands, we are able to really process the capabilities of it, not just
Crafting A New Vision – Wood Furniture by Atelier Cedric Breisacher
It’s rare to come across a designer with a sensibility that’s so natural and flowing. I think when we’re young much of this originality is driven out of us, possibly through our need to find stability and control in our lives, or other factors that surround us as we age. French des
