New at OEN Shop – Handcrafted Ceramics by Yoko Ozawa
Yoko Ozawa’s work hit my radar in 2011 and has continued to peak my interest ever since. Last year we met in person and talked about the idea of placing some of her ceramics in the shop. Today is the day we release her first collection! The ‘White Stump’ series references both the
New in the Shop – Bags Handcrafted by Mami Nakamura of COMON
COMON are a bag brand headed by Mami Kakamura, a designer and creative based in Tokyo. What drew me to Mami’s work is her ability to mix her passion for modern design and her interest in high craftsmanship. Taking real care and attention when it comes to the overall construction and usability
Rethinking Waste Materials – Anima: Memorial Service by Kosuke Araki
As creatives we often think about our relationship with objects from a human perspective. Why do we connect with such an object? What kind of atmosphere do they give off? But we don’t necessarily think about the components that make up these objects. There’s no doubt that we need to be m
New in the Shop – Woodworks by Japanese Workshop Kihachi
Woodworking studio Kihachi Workshop is based in the Yamanaka region of Japan, known for its beautiful mountainous landscape with trees filling every inch. Kihachi are the oldest producer of woodworks in this region, famous for both their exquisite lacquer and natural looking bowls with a timeless ap
Botanical Animation – Story of Flowers 2 by Artist Makoto Azuma
I remember back in 2012 purchasing the first book by Makoto Azuma titled ‘Encylopedia of Flowers’. Drawn in by the book design by Kenya Hara, a designer who helps MUJI with their own branding and image, I then became fascinated by artist Makoto Azuma’s work itself and his stunning
Masking Functional with Sculptural – Ceramics by Noe Kuremoto
For many the idea of working on one form on a consistent basis is seen as quite tedious and fairly boring. It’s been a psychological idea that I’ve been toying with for quite a while now. Reading a book many times over. Going over a simple idea each day for an extended period of time. [&
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
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
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
New in the Shop – Handmade Woodwork by Studio KUKU
I’m fascinated by those makers who are able to craft not only functional pieces using high quality materials, but also somehow incorporate a unique character that makes their work very distinct. Kyoko Tani of Nagano-based woodworking studio ‘KUKU’ is one of those craftsmen. Her work takes
OEN Issue 2 – A Visit to Woodworker Shuji Nakagawa’s Studio
With hundreds of years of tradition comes hundreds of years of history to uphold. No pressure then. It takes a special maker to not only take a craft by the scruff of the neck, but to run with it and adapt in a contemporary way; to translate the work for a new audience while holding […]
Bringing the Play Back – Architecture by Japanese Studio Tato
We often assign negative connotations to modern architecture, referencing the cold, static nature of such an environment and how the clinical aesthetic doesn’t truly align with what it means to be a human being. Rougher around the edges, a sense of freedom, also the element of play and creativ
