New at OEN – Incense by Elemense
We are excited to announce the arrival of the Elemense series by Nippon Kodo. This series was founded in 2018 by designer Takuhiro Shinomoto and brought to life in 2021 by one of the oldest producers of incense in Japan. The Elemense series boasts five unique fragrances, each inspired by one of the
Colour Intensity – Paintings by Brice Guilbert
It’s important to revisit past series by artists to evaluate their longevity and timelessness. Brice Guilbert stands out with his unique use of texture and colour. His paintings, characterised by thick layers and areas of intense colour, immediately draw the viewer in. Although his newer works
Aesthetically Minimal – Red Oak Circuit by Sara Martinsen
Sara Martinsen has been on my radar for a while now. Her use of natural materials, especially found materials, is quite exceptional and makes her work stand out from the pack. This particular piece titled ‘Red Oak Circuit’ is a unique sculpture that has the concept of using underutilized
Cohesive Design – 01 Series by FRAMA
There’s something so appealing about the original plywood furniture designed in the 30s and 40s. Not just the functional aspect, but also the restraint and subtle way that they blend in with any interior space. These chairs by Copenhagen-based multi-disciplinary design brand FRAMA are titled u
New at OEN – Cedar & Seawater Series by ARAS
A special sustainable and organic series produced from resin by Japanese studio ARAS. These pieces are perfect for family households and other environments where tableware is used often as they are very durable. ARAS discovered a manufacturing method that enables them to make modern but sustainable
Order & Disorder – Glass Sculpture by Lene Bodker
It feels as though there’s something symbolic about nature’s representation in the world of art. It’s been a common theme since the start of time and still intrigues us today. When we are born, millions of organisms and bacteria inhabit our bodies and continue to do so until we pass. Nature ca
Weightlessness – Paper Work by Studio Frederik Gustav
Often in design, the most simple-looking object can be the most complex. There is a real art to this concept of “filtering down”, where only the essential is left to shine through. An artwork or object with exquisite composition and proportion requires enormous amounts of work and small
Examining Space – Ceramic Sculpture by Jane McKenzie
Exploring space in design is a whole sub-category in itself, especially in architecture. Of course, you have open spaces, connecting spaces, and even negative spaces, all these small intricacies make or break the cohesiveness of a work. I was drawn to the work of Australian artist Jane McKenzie for
New at OEN – Teapots by Iwachu
We had a lot of fun photographing a selection of new styles from Japanese teapot manufacturer IWACHU. Founded in 1902, IWACHU continues the tradition of Nanbu Tekki, a form of metalwork from back in the Edo period. Although these teapots are more traditional in style, the classic forms and simple pa
Line Formation – Artworks by Chloe Fields
The building blocks of any design can be classed as ‘architectural’. In the most simple sense, just a line can create an outline that determines the shape of a structure; one that can imprint in our memory and become synonymous with an object. Take for example the work of Portland-based
15% off at OEN – For a Limited Time Only
We don’t do it often but we wanted to show our appreciation to all of our supporters by offering a 15% discount on our Holiday Gift Guide collection. This is the perfect time to pick up some handmade gifts for family and friends. Use code BLKFRI at the checkout to receive the discount on any [
Design Classics – Bambi Lounge Chair by Fjordfiesta
It’s always fun analysing new furniture designs to see the possible connections to pieces produced in the past. The reality is that there are only so many forms that can be pursued when it comes to seating, to make something truly functional and beautiful takes great skill. A cohesion of simpl