Stimulating the Subconscious – Ceramics by Designer Irina Razumovskaya
While most buildings have visually interesting elements, the history and stories locked away, combined with the patterns, colours, and forms used by the different architects throughout the ages give each each one a certain edge. This is also the case with Irina Razumovskaya’s ceramic collectio
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
Experimenting With Form – Slow Motion by Designer Aldo Bakker
It was the architect Louis H. Sullivan who first coined the term ‘form over function’ back in 1896. This principle states that the form of a specific design or object should be chosen based solely on its intended function or purpose. Dutch artist Aldo Bakker follows this principle in all
The Texture of Paper – Paper Pulp Vessels by Debbie Wijskamp
With an increase in sustainability, we are seeing more and more designers considering upcycling in their design process. However, Debbie Wijskamp was ahead of the curve in many ways, exploring this idea for more than 10 years with her own hand building technique constructed from recycled paper. She
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
Considered Compositions – Line & Block Textiles by Catherine MacGruer
Patterns and colour have always been used to decorate and create ambience in a home. From detailed shapes and tones to bold forms, different pattern and colour combinations can enhance the atmosphere of a space. Catherine MacGruer is a Scottish designer who has turned her interest in how these desig
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
Precision Manufacturing – Casework Furniture by Token Studio
As everyday consumers I think it’s sometimes difficult to appreciate the skill that goes into a lot of handcrafted furniture since much of the work is in the detail and the construction itself. This is also true with Token Studio’s handcrafted ‘casework’ collection. Led by de
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
Connecting With Trees – Wooden Objects Handcrafted by Bird & Branch
Bird & Branch have realised that in a fast-paced world obsessed with mass production there is value in slow, traditional manufacturing techniques to create unique functional objects. The London-based designers craft a range of plates, bowls and vases from primarily British hardwoods with the mai
Searching for Authenticity – Ceramics by Artist Michal Fargo
When Michal Fargo created the first piece from her porcelain vase range she wanted to capture something authentic while celebrating progress and its many benefits. The vase she made was cast using a sponge to create unique textures, later dipping it in porcelain and firing it. In addition to the dif
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
