New in the Shop – Handturned Bowls & Cups by Shirasagi Woodwork
I’ve been thinking of more ways in which we can leverage our platform and offer support to different studios making great work that have yet to be discovered or be highlighted in the West. When I spoke with Shirasagi Woodwork I was struck by their craftsmanship and ability to see past the traditio
Levels of Perception – Abstract Art by Norwegian Creative Fino Prydz
The further you delve in to different art forms the more you think about depth and layering. On the surface level most art can be condensed down to colour and line, but as you look deeper, especially if you are partaking in a creative pursuit yourself, it becomes apparent that there’s such com
New in the Shop – Ceramics by Japanese Artist Nozomi Fujii
Japanese potter Nozomi Fujii studied pottery in the city of Tokoname, well-known for pottery production, distinctive for its bold red and black earthy colours that adorns surface of the pots. Nozomi currently resides in Shizuoka and focuses on making ceramics that are minimalist but also showcase th
New Feature – A Look Inside the Workshop of Akiko Ken Made
Even though some of our features are short and sweet, I think it’s important to see inside the maker’s studio and get a sense of their working methods. Seeing an object on the computer screen you sometimes fail to recognise the dedication, skill, and human connection behind such craft. For this
Oxidation & Patina – Slip Mirrors by Brooklyn Studio Kin & Company
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the different traits of materials that we use to craft from. Of course, glass has the wonderful ability of setting the opacity, making light shine through or refract, then we have ceramic or wood that brings through natural texture, and lastly metal, which
OEN Update – An Interview with Studio Gorm & New Furniture by Memo
As we slowly add new works to our furniture collection page it’s been fun to work with Seattle-based Memo in-particular, bringing together manufacturer and designers John and Wonhee Arndt of Studio Gorm so that we can learn more about the ideology behind their fantastic ‘Penna’ ran
New in the Shop – Handcrafted Tote & Shoulder Bags by KEESE
We’ve been thinking for more than a year now on how we can incorporate more objects of good design in to the store. There are so many great independent companies out there that we wanted to offer a space for bags and other accessories to live and serve their purpose in this world. Great design
Experiments in Urushi – Lacquerware by Japanese Artist Genta Ishizuka
A maker of much fascination to me is Japanese lacquer artist Genta Ishizuka. He has used this traditional material to convey some of the contemporary ways in which one can explore this art form and bring joy and curiosity through it. To say Ishizuka had a great 2019 would be an understatement. Not o
New in the Shop – Handmade Woodwork by Studio KUKU
I’m fascinated by those makers who are able to craft not only functional pieces using high quality materials, but also somehow incorporate a unique character that makes their work very distinct. Kyoko Tani of Nagano-based woodworking studio ‘KUKU’ is one of those craftsmen. Her work takes
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 […]