Archetypal Expression – Metalwork by Lebanese Craftsmen for Karen Chekerdjian
As far as metalworking is concerned, Karen Chekerdjian creates some truly unique pieces. Originally from Beruit, Chekerdjian lived in Milan for a brief period of time where she honed her artistic craft. In 2001, she moved back to Beruit and opened her design studio. While commercial design was still
Drawing Inspiration From Architecture – Atelier Vierkant’s Ricarda Series
The Belgian ceramic studio, Atelier Vierkant, knocks the merging of form and function out of the park with this series of naturally inspired ceramics. The Ricarda collection should be celebrated as a beautiful, comprehensive collection that shows a mastery of sculpting and color theory. As an artist
Integration of Nature – Textile Wall Art by Swedish-American Studio Küdd:krig
If you are looking for a creative, minimalist, piece of wall art, then look no further than the great pieces created by Küdd:krig. Based in Long Beach California, this Swedish-American store artfully crafts each piece by hand with ethically sourced materials. One of my favorite things about Scandin
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
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 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
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
The Middle Distance – Architectural Landscapes by Alichia van Rhijn
The sense of fun and play that architects must have when designing must be so rewarding. I’m sure when functionality comes in to play there’s a big discrepancy between what can actually be achieved thanks to the functionality of a build and the materials available at this current time. I
Connecting Form & Surface – Sculpture by Ceramic Artist Ken Eastman
When we think about clay we tend to link this material to smooth forms that offer a sleek and seamless surface. Even the pottery wheel, one of the most used tools in this craft, is mainly used to construct forms that are cylindrical and offer little in the way of breaks in the overall structure [&he
Truth in Material – Hand Woven Textile Works by LRNCE
Sometimes it’s difficult to see the actual origins of a piece of work. Especially in contemporary design where things are always stripped back. Taking a recent trip to the home and studio of famed British sculptor Henry Moore showed me the value in seeing culture in an object. Viewing his coll
New Feature – Visiting the Studio of Japanese Potter Atsushi Ogata
I’m not really one to get nostalgic about a particular trip or experience but my journey to Atsushi Ogata’s studio in Nara, Japan was certainly enlightening and one that changed many of my thoughts regarding pottery as a craft. It’s funny how the experiences shape you more than any kin
Inspired by the Bauhaus – Geometric Ceramic Tableware by Design K
We’ve covered the Bauhaus extensively here and many of the architects and designers who worked at this famous design school. The integration of craft and design was so important and ripples can still be felt today. We ourselves reference many of thoughts and ideologies that derived from this s