Tag: sculpture

Currently coveting: Marmoset Found’s pleated glassware

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 7, 2019
No Comments on Currently coveting: Marmoset Found’s pleated glassware

Known for its gorgeous range of sculptural ceramics and lighting, Marmoset Found is back this month with a stunning glass line-up and I’m hard pressed to pick a fave! “I have wanted to expand our collection for many years to include glassware – it has been a long time in the making! I wanted to explore glass that made an impact, where stems could be placed at various indentations to create depth for floral displays. It was important the design celebrated form, function and beauty symbiotically,” says Marmoset Found’s owner Nareen Holloway of the ‘Omari Glass’ range.

Established in 2010, Nareen also designs lighting and ceramics with almost all of it made entirely by hand. “I love raw, textural finishes but wanted to explore the translucency and finish of glass as it so beautifully contrasts this. There are just eight pieces in the Omari Glass collection and they look so lovely grouped together in a small cluster,” says Nareen of the range that comes in subtle jewel tones including rose, ink blue, storm grey and coffee.

Marmoset Found — A single stem is elevated when housed in gorgeous pink pleated glass

“As with our ceramic pieces I wanted to create shapes that are timeless. I am not interested in churning out seasonal designs but rather pieces that, although affordable, are special and will be used for years to come. The shapes are simple with subtle pleating and allow the beautiful soft jewel tones to really shine,” says Nareen of her creations that are perfect for adding sculptural interest to any space, and ideal for styling a vignette.

Designed to be functional and filled with blooms, or simply displayed as a sculpture, the ‘pleat vase’ is a definite highlight. “I like that the pleat vase can be used with the wooden base or without giving two quite different looks with the one vase. The wooden base looks wonderful in a pared back, natural setting whilst displaying the vase without the wooden base looks quite sophisticated,” says Nareen.

Marmoset Found vases — I love the versatility of the ‘pleat vase’ as it looks very different styled with or without the wooden base

The Marmoset Found range is designed by Nareen before being handmade by artisans in small family run businesses in India, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Japan. Nareen developed an interest in social responsibility and empowering communities in the supply chain while working for The Body Shop.

“I have done a masters of international development and I really enjoyed working in partnership with organisations such as Oxfam and The Red Cross throughout my studies to understand how powerful development can be. What I learned during this time formed the basis of Marmoset Found and meant I was confident in negotiating fair and safe work practices for the makers of my products,” says Nareen.

Marmoset Found ceramics — The brand creates beautiful ceramics too

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green

Shop online | Jones & Co’s fun hand-painted ceramics

Tags armelle habib, design, glassware, handmade, homewares, julia green, marmoset found, sculpture

Art Renting

7 artworks perfect for rentals

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date November 16, 2015
6 Comments on 7 artworks perfect for rentals

For art lovers, renting can seem like the kiss of death. Because when you can’t drill into walls, all those large artworks — especially the ones with heavy frames and glass — have to remain on the floor, or worse, in the garage. So how can you get your art fix when renting? Here’s seven easy ways.

Grab yourself a poster (40x50cm) and display it in this bargain wooden poster hanger (Editor’s note: since publishing this hanger has sold out. However, click here for another great option). Available from Typo in vintage or natural for $12,99, simply slide the poster between the wooden hangers and hang anywhere you like! It’s super light, so when it comes to hanging a temporary, damage-free wall hook will do the trick.

The self-adhesive extra-large Wall Stamps from Quercus & Co can be removed and reused over and over. Simply peel the backing paper away and stick to the wall. A bold, nostalgic decal for any room, they come in a variety of patterns, colours and sizes. Prices start from $45.

Featuring interchangeable letters, so you can personalise your lighting, the Compact Lightbox from Page Thirty Three is designed and handcrafted in Australia. Available in three finishes for $199.95, place it on your desk, sideboard or shelf.

Handmade from cotton, wool and yarn the one-of-a-kind wall hangings from Maypole Design are truly something special. With a Large Hanging retailing for $80 (super affordable considering they take eight hours to make) they are created by entrepreneurial teen Maisie Callcott, who started her business at 12 (learn about her here). Hang with a temporary wall hook.

A stylish and personal feature for your home, these custom self-adhesive Family Rules Wall Stickers make boring, fun! Coming in a broad range of colours, you can choose your own wording (and get a proof before printing). Easily removed from the backing paper, the fabric wall sticker can be moved over and over again. Available for $199.95 from The Wall Sticker Company.

The Arrow Sculpture ($65) is made from natural twigs, so no two pieces are the same. Available from Twiggargerie in a large range of colours, the arrow measures approximately 40cm in height and can be hung with a damage-free wall hook.

The Everything, All At Once Wall Hanging from Belinda Marshall features a digital print on Belgian cotton/linen fabric. Printed, cut and sewn in Melbourne, Australia, it costs $245 (excluding dowel or cord). And better yet is light enough to be held up by a temporary hook.

We hope you liked this list. Let us know what you’d add!

Tags art, artwork, Belinda Marshall, design, interiors, light box, Maypole Design, page thirty three, quercus & co, renting, sculpture, the wall sticker company, twiggargerie, typo, wall hangings, wall stamps, wall stickers

Art Designers Homewares Interviews Styling

Twiggargerie: whimsical art handmade from twigs

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date September 10, 2015
1 Comment on Twiggargerie: whimsical art handmade from twigs

A truly cross-continental creative collaboration, Twiggargerie is the work of Brian Bell, his ex-wife Anita Bell and his twin daughters, Jemma Bell of Soda + Stitch and Phoebe Bell of Sage & Clare.

“Anita lives in the UK now but we are still good friends. One of my twin daughters Jemma lives in India and the other one, Phoebe lives in Melbourne. Thanks to Skype, all three have played a part in the creation of some of the pieces,” says Brian.

A former corporate executive in the aluminium business, crafting artworks out of twigs was an unlikely career move. “My dad was a carpenter and builder so perhaps that influenced me and I inherited some of his hands-on making skills,” says Brian who came to the business in an organic way – rather apt given the materials used.

“Anita came up with some twiggy pieces for a client but due to time constraints and her return to the UK, I stepped in and started making them. It was the start of an incredible journey which has been and is still a lot of fun,” says Brian.

Ultimately, Julia Green of Greenhouse Interiors, approached Twiggargerie and requested some pieces for a photoshoot – a turning point for the brand. “After the shoot, Julia asked me if she could represent me as my wholesale agent and that’s when the business really took off. The publicity has been amazing and I don’t think it could have been any better if we had employed an advertising agency,” says Brian whose unbridled enthusiasm means he’s always up for a challenge. “I mostly say ‘yes’ to everything!” Brian adds.

The pieces are crafted from natural twigs sprayed with both bright and pastel hues – all in fashion forward shades. The 3D house is the brand’s most recognisable piece but Brian creates many more designs from hanging mobiles to ladders too. “ I really enjoy some of the larger, sculptural pieces as I like the way they seem to flow and form a life of their own,” says Brian who carries secateurs in his car at all times, should inspiration strike. “I seem to find some lovely twiggy pieces on my country trips and fortunately I have a never ending supply as nature is the best supplier you could have!” says Brian.

With roughly 20 stockists around Australia, and a healthy online business, the popularity of Twiggargerie shows no sign of abating, though Brian remains philosophical. “I am amazed at the popularity of this funny little business so far and if it stopped tomorrow I would have no regrets at all,” he says.

Shop online.

Tags affordable art, Anita Bell, art, brian bell, colour, design, handmade, homewares, interiors, jemma bell, paint, phoebe bell, sage & clare, sculpture, soda + stitch, styling, twiggargerie

Art Designers Furniture

Lump Sculpture’s new store specialising in custom designs

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date April 24, 2015
No Comments on Lump Sculpture’s new store specialising in custom designs

Showcasing their stunning range of unique metalwork, award-winning Lump Sculpture have opened a new concept store in Melbourne’s Abbotsford.

Featuring a selection of their designs, including planters, decorative paneling, screening products, light feature panels and sculptures, there’s also space for artists to consult with clients on individual projects.

While Lump’s manufacturing will continue at their Fairfield studio, the new store will be a fresh face for the designers of specialty outdoor products. “Opening this space will allow for a more creative collaboration between the designers and clients,” says Lump director Timothea Jewell. “The Lump team is excited at the opportunity to consult with clients on custom design projects in a creative environment. This showroom will allow for original and individualised projects to be realised.”

The Abbotsford showroom will showcase all of Lump’s finishes and designs, from its painted faux and natural-rust finishes to its new Shard Planters. Lump’s metal screens will also be showcased via a new system for sliding screens. The sliding track system, which can be used horizontally or vertically, is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and is also available for purchase.

Lump Sculpture Studio’s new showroom is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am-to-5pm, at 235 Johnston St, Abbotsford. For more information.

Tags abbotsford, art, concept store, custom made, custom made designs, design, interiors, lump, lump sculpture, sculpture, store, sydney

Designers Interviews

Interview: Ballroom dancer turned architect Taras Wolf

Post author By Olivia Shead
Post date June 22, 2014

Spending 15 years as one of Australia’s top professional ballroom dancers, Taras Wolf has an incredibly diverse background. From painting to graphic design to owning his own dance school, his career has spanned many artistic endeavours; yet he believes they’ve all contributed towards his favourite venture thus far, his architecture firm, Wolf Architects.

“It’s this broad background in all things artistic that gives Wolf Architects its greatest edge,” says Taras. “We are more unconventional and better communicators because of our history. Our team consists of people, like myself, who also have diverse creative backgrounds.”

Starting Wolf Architects almost ten years ago, Taras now leads a team of around 15. Together, they have made themselves known as leaders in Melbourne’s residential design scene, an area of architecture Taras favours for the fact that it is ”emotional work”.

“Our passion for residential work comes from my belief that the family is where we establish our ideals in life,” explains Taras. “Thus a home designed to nurture these ideals is a microcosm of all greater architecture. Understanding how to design a home helps me to understand life.”

Along with designing homes, Wolf Architects also has an art, sculpture and furniture side of the business, which Taras believes is intrinsically linked to their success as architects and designers. “That side of the business keeps us creative, energetic, refined and different,” he says. “All buildings must function perfectly but further to that, they need to also be beautiful and inspiring. An appreciation and understanding of art, sculpture and furniture helps us to make buildings more than just functional.”

Currently working on a mix of new homes, unit developments and renovations, Taras is constantly striving to satisfy his clients. For him, the best reward is seeing the elation in his clients’ eyes. “Winning awards is nice but I don’t believe it’s a clear reflection of how good the work is. Our work is incomplete if it does not deliver joy to its users, despite any awards or recognition it may receive.”

That being said, Wolf Architects have won their fair share of awards, receiving honours at the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, IDEA Interior Design Awards, Asian Pacific Architectural Excellence Awards and the Bangkok Design Awards.

One such project that received a lot of that attention was The Wolf House, a space that does triple duty as their office, Taras’ home and a show home for potential clients to visit. With a focus on connecting the architecture to the interior to the landscape, The Wolf House is a prime example of Wolf Architects’ interest in creating holistic projects from start to finish. It’s the reason it’s one of Taras’ favourite projects.

For Taras, the clients can make all the difference to his work and fulfilment: “Working with clients who have passion for their lives and know how to express those lives within their home, that’s my dream project!”

Tags architecture, art, design, featured, furniture, interiors, landscape, melbourne, sculpture, taras wolf, the wolf house, wolf architects

Art

Artist Madeleine Stamer’s inspiration and her new series Midnight Tricks

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date December 13, 2013
18 Comments on Artist Madeleine Stamer’s inspiration and her new series Midnight Tricks

Artist Madeleine Stamer’s work is hugely influenced by a Melbourne shop her mum took her to as a child and her dad’s love of birds.

It just goes to show what a profound impact our childhoods, where are parents take us and what they introduce us to can have, and I think that’s rather wonderful!

“My mum has always been my style guru,” says Madeleine. “She’s a needlework champion and used to work part time at Priscilla’s Tapestry shop in High Street, Armadale near my favourite shop. Market Import, in the iconic Moray Street retail strip. Mum first took me to Market Import when I was a child. I have fond memories of the pure white walls encrusted with vibrant Mexican handcrafts, bedazzling like precious jewels. I recall being enthralled by the ladies’ gift-wrapping skills which involved wrapping even the teeniest of objects in layers and layers of rainbow-coloured tissue paper topped with fancy adornments that would make any recipient’s heart swoon.