Floating in Space – No Vase Series by Studio Moisés Hernández
I have always been drawn to this idea of “emptiness”. I’m sure part of that comes from an inner desire to strip back and appreciate the simple things in life. Reducing complexity. It’s not that easy in this day and age with so many distractions all around us. I believe the in
Searching for Mood – Photography by Simone Bossi
One of the most underrated aspects of any creative pursuit is the entry point it can offer in to other creative fields as a result of being “in the creative process”. Photography has been a classic example of this. Many of the great designers and artists have used photography as a way of
New at OEN Shop – Tumi-isi Wooden Stacking Blocks by A4
I have always been drawn to those stacked pebbles found by the side of rivers or streams. It’s rare to come across them, but it always made me wonder about who stacked them and why. Kind of mysterious. When I stumbled in to these stacking blocks by Japanese design studio A4 it made we think [&
Fostering Character – Sculptural Ceramics by Päivi Rintaniemi
Material itself is, ironically, often the one thing standing in the way of seeing the physical manifestation of an idea. Only time and dedication, to keep pushing forward even when your vision can not be seen in the finished object, is the way to finally see some promising results. Even then it migh
New at OEN Shop – Abstract Artworks by Dominique Lutringer
It’s interesting how art takes on a whole new meaning and presence when you know the entire backstory. I visited the Villa Chochikuyo (read my article here) built in 1928 by the architect Koji Fujii in Kyoto a few years back. This property was considered to be the first “eco house”, applyi
Details Reconsidered – Furniture & Objects by Hayo Gebauer Studio
Charles and Ray Eames wrote, “The details are not the details; they make the product”. So true. So what if you really examine those details and reinterpret them. Offering a completely new experience on the traditional and bringing awareness to the simplicities in our everyday lives. That
Organic Simplicity – The Forest Villa by Mjölk Architects
If you are also inspired by the natural architectural style of Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright it would make sense that you would also be attracted by Czech studio Mjölk’s works as well. Their style is not flashy but blends in wonderfully with the surrounding landscape and each build has
New at OEN Shop – Ceramics by Potter Keisuke Okazaki
With so many new arrivals it can be easy to overlook some of the other artist’s that we have been supporting for a while. Japanese potter Keisuke Okazaki’s work always leaves me in awe with his perfect, thin ceramics that are stippled using brushes and sponges to reflect the ‘wabi
Fusing Design & Play – Cloud Furniture Series by Veermakers
There’s a fine line between whimsical and something that veers more toward the tacky side. Saying that, I have to applaud designers who try to incorporate shapes of nature in to their work, as the risk is much higher. When it does succeed the pay off is high. One of those studios who I think [
New at OEN Shop – Woodwork by Japanese Studio OITECO
Visually appealing design is always nice to see, but sometime’s it’s skin-deep. That’s why craft is so underrated, the subtle change over time and the inconsistencies matches with a good design make for something that grows with you rather than away from you. OITECO drew me in with
A Touch of New – Concrete Architecture by Aristides Dallas
Even though glitz and glamour seem to be the taste of the rich, there’s something more to be found in the creative opportunities that architecture provides. A cohesion of landscape is important, as well as choosing materials that are harmonious with the surrounding environment. I personally th
New at OEN Shop – Cutlery by Metalworker Rieko Fujimoto
Just on the outskirts of Osaka is where Japanese metalworker Rieko Fujimoto resides, crafting tableware out her quaint studio. Thanks to her fascination with collecting classic metalworking tools, from hammers to files and even a tree stump used for hundreds of years to craft tools (see the last pho
