Experiments in Porcelain – Ceramics Handcrafted by Atsushi Kitahara
I’m absolutely in awe of the sense of expressiveness and creativity found in these porcelain pieces by Atsushi Kitahara. Currently based in Germany, Atsushi is a freelance ceramicist who crafts all of his works by hand. His style is characterised by these forms that tend to mix simplicity with
New at OEN Shop – Pre-Order OEN Issue 2 Now
I’m really happy to announce the release of our second book ‘OEN Issue 2’ which is now available to pre-order in our shop. This one was certainly more personal as I met a number of craftsmen and visited different locations specifically for this book. There were a few issues along t
Twisting & Looping – Handcrafted Steam Bent Wood Lighting by Tom Raffield
One man who should be looked up to as a great inspiration is Tom Raffield. His company has it all, not only beautiful creativity and fine craftsmanship but also sustainable qualities running at the core principle of his self-titled project. Using traditional steam bending techniques Tom has designed
Graphical Abstraction – Paintings by Sydney Based Creative Evi O
We all know that our actions have a repercussion of sorts, a ripple effect that starts somewhere and spans out to many other markets. I tend to think of art and creativity as a place where many of these ideas originate. Something artistic that didn’t necessarily mean to have a wider impact the
Earth’s Changing Surface – Many Moons by Ceramic Artist Christina Liu
There’s something about the change in surface on any handcrafted object that definitely moves the heart. I suppose the field of ceramics is especially true in this regard, considering the natural materials used and the ever changing nature of the vessel while it goes through a firing. It’
New at OEN Shop – A Selection of Hanging Mobiles by Annett Bourquin
Designer, photographer and former stylist Annett Bourquin takes inspiration from her time spent in Japan and years of travelling the world to craft simple and considered objects. A particular fascination for Annett are hanging mobiles and kinetic sculpture that spark a sense of joy thanks to the nat
Primitive & Simple – Dolmena Chair by Russian Manufacturer Polli
Looking through Russian manufacturer Prolli’s portfolio it’s interesting to see the eclectic mix of furniture running throughout. Situated in Moscow, Polli is producing a variety of simple forms contrasting with some abstract styles dedicated to the centenary of the Bauhaus. Certainly st
Collecting Patina – Vases by Anna Varendorff of ACV Studio
One under appreciated element of design is the ageing process. Industrial designers tend to let go of an object in a ‘perfect’ condition and fail to respect the fading version and what happens as the years roll on. Not Anna Varendorff though, a Melbourne-based artisan who crafts vases an
New in the OEN Shop – Japanese Lacquerware by Yusuke Tazawa
It’s really great to support the creativity behind the different makers that we represent and see them run free within their craft and experiment with new techniques that might push their craft forward. Japanese woodworker Yusuke Tazawa has done that here with his new silver and blue makiji la
Everyday Abstracted – Paintings by Dutch Artist Jordy van den Nieuwendijk
There’s something about mixing not just the type of media used but also different creative professions, such as illustration and graphic design. It certainly makes for a unique twist on the final output of a design as the influences mix and merge. Here, for example, Dutch creative Jordy van de
Crafting a Quality Standard – Handcrafted Lighting by Allied Maker
I believe we undervalue the passion behind the companies who are integrating handicraft in to their overall concept. To create a series of consistent designs across a whole collection that link good design with craftsmanship, not just from a visual sense but also taking in to consideration the maker
New at OEN Shop – A Selection of Collages by Leigh Wells
Our whole goal here on OEN is to support more artists and makers that are experimenting with their creativity. I’ve had my eye on American artist Leigh Well’s collages for a number of years now. She has a fantastic sensibility and I was particularly taken aback by her ‘Versos’