Potential of Light – SOZOU Lighting Design
Founded by Melbourne-based designer Kohtaroh Colwell-Matsuura, SOZOU studio specializes in the production of minimal-looking metal lighting pieces that create a Zen-like ambiance. Next to being connected to eastern and western philosophies, the studio’s geometric lamps bring to mind the legacy
Big Woods – Sculptural Furniture by Aaron Poritz
Nature and trees in-particular are the inspiration behind the furniture designs of Aaron Poritz, a Brooklyn-based architect and artist. While in the past Poritz has designed minimalist wooden furniture pieces that have similar aesthetic qualities to that found in Danish design, the artist’s new co
Maker Profile – Metalworker Ruka Kikuchi
Ruka Kikuchi, also known by his nickname Lue, makes utensils and accessories out of brass in the Japanese city of Setouchi. Born in 1983 in Soja, a city located in Okayama Prefecture, Ruka trained to be a metalworker under his father Masaaki Kikuchi in early 2000. After a six-year apprenticeship, he
Free Guide – Our Top 10 Locations in Japan
Japan was where my journey began when I started OEN in around 2007. By supporting Japanese artists and highlighting their unique work online I have been lucky enough to travel to the country a few times each year since, which in turn has enabled me to visit many inspiring locations. This free guide
New at OEN Shop – Perfect Instance Mobile by Tempo
One of my favourite pieces from Japanese workshop Tempo is the Perfect Instance mobile that comes in a blue and orange colour. This mobile is composed of two anodised aluminium plates. One has been placed horizontally and the other vertically so that the plates intersect. A metal bar separates the t
New at OEN Shop – Textured Dishes by Mushimegane Books
I have always admired the work of Japanese artist Misa Kumabuchi of Mushimegane Books. The concept for Misa’s project revolves around people and sounds, with the pots being made as a reflection of the earth’s surface and nature in general. This work has simplicity but at the same time a
New in the Shop – Woodwork by Akiko Ken Made
Anyone following our Instagram account would have seen our newest selection of work from Akiko Ken Made. I have always admired founders Akiko and Ken’s eye for timeless, minimalistic design. Their new piece titled ‘Paper Hotel’ is crafted from cherry wood and has a linoleum interio
Expressive Colour – Abstract Painting by Naomi Clark
Naomi Clark’s abstract oil paintings are constructed with bold and vibrant colors, organic forms, and gestural brushstrokes that convey powerful emotions. Importantly, Clark’s approach to abstract painting surpasses the boundaries of the canvas as she has also painted all sorts of textiles and f
New in the Shop – Mellow Vases by Hattern Studio
Hattern, meaning Happy Pattern, is a studio under the art direction of Jae Yang working between Seoul and Milan. The ‘Mellow Collection’ is a series of Acrylic objects that use both blurred and clear surfaces in a variety of colour gradients. The inspiration behind these objects is the work of 1
Microscopic Forms – Glass Objects by Kari Mølstad
Norwegian artist and designer Kari Mølstad creates organic-looking functional and decorative glass objects that mimic nature’s tangible and microscopic forms. Kari’s practice is characterized by her ongoing experimentation with different glass blowing and cutting techniques, including her innov
New in the Shop – Ebony RaysTray by Mori Kougei
Today we profile the wonderful RaysTray made from ebony wood by Mori Kougei. Handcrafted in Japan by Hiroyuki Mori, Mori Kougei uses the traditional skill of inlaying thin sheets of wood to create these striking functional objects for the home. The deep, dark colour of the ebony has hints of purple
Sensorial Sculpture – The Stoneware Ritual by Kaja Dahl
Norwegian artist Kaja Dahl uses materials with opposite properties, such as porcelain and rock, to create abstract sculptures that connect us to the world of rituals. At the same time, her unconventional yet balanced compositions make us think of nature’s capricious formations and invite us to not
