Tag: abstract

Urban Road’s new collection an homage to the Australian summer

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date July 17, 2017
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As I write this it’s pouring, my feet are hovering dangerously close to the fire and I am debating whether I should ever brace the outdoors again. So while those sweet, sun-kissed days are out of reach, I’m going to live vicariously through Urban Road’s latest collection Rhapsody, an homage to the Australian summer.

Drawing inspiration from brightly coloured beach umbrellas, toes dipped in cool blue water and moments spent watching sunsets with a cocktail (or two), the collection is a harmony of textured abstracts, intricately illustrated watercolours and photographic montages of the ocean’s dynamic ebbs and flows.

This collection also sees the release of Urban Road’s first ever wallpaper collection. Staying true to the brand’s iconic style, the range carries the motifs, shapes and moods that have popularised their collections to date.

The brainchild of self-taught artist and illustrator Suzie Atkin, Urban Road has been sprucing up the walls of homes since 2010. Affordable and high-quality, the artworks are easy-to-match with both contemporary and traditional settings.

From humble beginnings Urban Road now boasts over 1000 products – from its signature premium artworks, to cushions, rugs, acrylic art pieces and poster prints.

The Rhapsody collection will be available for purchase from 24 July.

Urban Road will be at Decor + Design in Melbourne this week, stand D26.

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Tags abstract, affordable art, art, artwork, painting, photography, Summer, suzie atkin, urban road, watercolour

Furniture Homewares

west elm’s winter collection preview: Amy’s top 10 picks

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date April 18, 2017
1 Comment on west elm’s winter collection preview: Amy’s top 10 picks

west elm’s winter collection arrived in my inbox this week and I was rather taken with it for a couple of reasons. Not only is the colour palette entirely sumptuous (think teal, chartreuse, navy and jade green) but I love how it combines lashings of abstract art with statement brass and earthy, handmade details.

Wire frame dining chair: Inspired by mid-century school chairs it’s the upholstery colours, combined with brass, that I love most about this design. $249.

Brass flamingo object: I’m a sucker for flamingoes and this little guy is no exception. He’s part of a wider story that includes a toucan and leopard too. Adore! $49.

Frameless mirrors: Featuring bevelled edges and a variety of organic shapes, these mirrors are super versatile and just that little bit different. From $149.

Abstract brushstroke salad plate: Featuring a painterly pattern and real gold leaf trim, this plate is sure to take your setting up a notch. $16.

Terrace stripe pouf: Looped yarns and lurex combine to create this versatile boho-infused piece that works equally well as extra seating as it does as a foot stool. $349.

Pomegranate rug in ivory: A modern take on ikat, this gorgeous rug’s pattern was inspired by its namesake. From $699.

Arlo six-drawer dresser: This piece’s mid-century lines are nothing new for the brand but I love the addition of the metal rimmed recessed drawer handles. $1,499.

Spun metal standing planter: I adore this brass pot and its super slim legs are an elegant touch. From $99.

Soleil metal plant screen in yellow: Made for use inside and out, this number holds eleven pots and is not only fabulous for creating a green wall (trailing devil’s ivy would look fabulous on it) but for partitioning spaces too. $349.

Azur shag rug: A modern take on a Moroccan Beni Ourain rug, this 100 per cent cotton one is super soft underfoot. From $399.

Tags abstract, brass, colour, design, furniture, homewares, styling, west elm

Art Interviews

Brent Rosenberg’s digital artworks inspired by street culture

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 24, 2015
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With a dream to start his own fashion line, Brent Rosenberg spent his early 20s learning how to create technical drawings and in turn, digitise them. And while the fashion dream didn’t reach fruition, it did lead to a new path of becoming a graphic designer and now, a full-time artist.

[contextly_sidebar id=”hOAxl2OqiegCskAY8JCzW6nnvBTt482w”]Despite creating digital artworks, Brent often begins by hand sketching to get the formation and perspective, before spending hour upon hour designing on his computer. Ending with contemporary artworks that combine geometric shapes with contrasting colours, his latest collection is very visually impactful. “I like the impact artworks can make. It doesn’t have to be deep and meaningful, it can just be a reaction, a simple ‘oh that’s cool,’ would make me happy enough to put my work out there.”

Influenced by the world around us, indigenous and generational culture and nature, his work has an underlying street art edge. “I love street art, not so much hood rat graffiti but more creative street art, whether that be paste ups, installations or pieces on massive walls. That urban street world has really influenced my latest works and I hope I can evolve it more and more.”

Having made art his career for the last three years, Brent is 100% self-taught, as he says: “You could say YouTube gave me my degree!” His proudest moment thus far was when Simon and Shannon Vos used his artwork in their Block Glasshouse apartment, an experience that was pretty darn cool and surprisingly unexpected. “The proudest moment was when I bumped into judge Darren Palmer and his praise was pretty flattering. I never take life too seriously but that moment I definitely felt like I found my place.”

While Brent isn’t one to ever look too far into the future, he is hoping to spend many more years creating art. “I see myself still being me, doing what I love, surrounded by my family and friends. I’d love to travel lots more and just enjoy the experience which is life.”

To purchase Brent’s signed and numbered artworks you can visit his online shop or Greenhouse Interiors.

Tags abstract, abstract art, art, artwork, Block Glasshouse, Brent Rosenberg, design, designer, graphic design, graphic designer, interiors, street art, the block, the block glasshouse, urban street art

Art

United Artworks branch out into cushions and outdoor

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 10, 2015
No Comments on United Artworks branch out into cushions and outdoor

Kerry Armstrong on the first year of being a full-time artist

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date October 2, 2014
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It was only 12 months ago that Kerry Armstrong decided to walk away from the comfort of her lucrative career and give her hobby, painting, the attention it deserved. “I had a very full on corporate life that kept me extremely tied up, so painting was my dirty little secret,” says Kerry. “Whilst I had always painted, it was purely recreational, stress relieving and I was quite guarded about sharing it. But I just felt if I didn’t give my art the time and energy it warranted I would have suffered huge regrets and always wondered if it was in me.”

Thankfully Kerry’s gut instinct proved correct, with her vibrant and abstract artworks already receiving international acclaim. “Recently, I have been signed to exhibit in a stunning art space in Boston, which has been my biggest moment thus far,” explains Kerry. “I travel back to Boston for the launch event on 7 October. My excitement and relief to have sent such a huge body of work so far has been amazing!”

Painting on very heavy Italian linen, for Kerry, using the best materials is pivotal: “I’m pretty full on with my distressing techniques so quality products are a must!” Paint wise, she primarily uses acrylics and inks, which create a style that is energetic and colourful with a strong sense of movement.

Interestingly, this is the aesthetic that Kerry has always loved, calling herself an Early Impressionist junkie. “Whenever we travel, I take the opportunity to visit the major galleries, just to stand near and take in the amazing energy of the Abstract Impressionist pieces. My absolute favourite is artist Robert Motherwell, so I am always striving to bring simplicity to my work.”

Normally having a few paintings on the go at the same time – so layers can dry – Kerry likes to “spend time” with each piece, allowing for new ideas to grow, as well as giving herself some breathing space should creativity be at a standstill. Yet if Kerry ever needs to get that vital bit of inspiration, she actually finds it somewhere quite far away from the world of art: in her dreams. “I have often woken myself with hand (painting) movements and vivid memories of the textures and palette!”

For a full list of galleries, exhibitions and stockists visit Kerry’s website here.

Tags abstract, abstract art, art, artist, early impressionist, kerry armstrong, new artist, painting

Art

Australian artist Kirsten Jackson’s big year

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date September 16, 2014
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It’s been a big year for Australian artist Kirsten Jackson. Not only has she had two sell-out exhibitions in London and Singapore, but later this year she will also exhibit in Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg and Melbourne.

Known for creating artworks that capture the beauty of love, the soft essence of sunsets and the cheerful delight in her much admired Happy Faces (below), Kirsten has also won a catalogue of awards this year including a Highly Commended award at St Kevin’s Art Show and the Best Mixed Paining award at the DACE Exhibition.

But it’s not the awards or the sell-out shows that drive her, it is the effect her paintings have on people. “My passion drives my creative output but the most inspirational aspect behind my desire to paint is to brighten people’s homes and lives through colour. I believe my paintings can change a person’s mood by uplifting them and their homes and spaces.”

Working with acrylic and oil paints, translucent glazes and colour vanishes, Kirsten builds texture and explores the beauty of impulsive and almost accidental forms to create her distinctive vibrant and layered artwork.“My main motivation is to portray the inherent beauty and harmony that exists in the inter-relationship of colour, composition and form. I love to work intuitively using the language of colour, light and texture to produce art that pushes, pulls, pulses and speaks fluently to the senses.”

For more information visit her website here.

Tags abstract, art, artist, australian art, colour, Kirsten Jackson