Posts from the ‘Meet Your Maker’ Category

May 3

Meet Your Maker – Kaz

I remember meeting Karen recently at a Trade Fair and falling in love with her delicate pieces.

The best bit about these fairs is getting to meet the creatives behind the work, and Karen was so refreshingly humble about her creations. She shyly talked me through her work explaining how out of her comfort zone she felt promoting her wares to the hordes of press and prospective buyers flocking by. Needless to say, her inhibitions were unfounded, her work has a beautiful and captivating delicacy that ranges from fun and bold items to subtle and detailed. What this space because I believe this designer is definitely going places, and will soon be a force to be reckoned with!

Please welcome our latest Meet Your Maker, Kaz.

Artist Name: Karen Morton

Artist Location: Mt Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula VIC…it’s a great creative hub and coincidentally a fertile wine growing area too!

Type of Work – Medium: Resin jewellery and objects, Porcelain vessels, Wooden accessories

How would you describe your style of work? Simple organic and textural

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

Formally educated. I have a first class honours degree in fine art, painting was my major. I’m always fascinated in learning new techniques and skills so I attend as many classes as time allows, but for most part there is a lot of trial and error! Experience is one of the best teachers!

I’m very fortunate, I have a beautiful studio which I share with another artist and friend Emma Cleine of Lumiere Art and Co. It’s an amazing space where I can create on such a big scale, the light there is beautiful too. I giggle looking back on the many years of creating on my kitchen table… it was always so full of sketchbooks, tools and clay, there was never any space for eating!

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I’m inspired by the simplicity of everyday objects, the sun coming into my studio in the morning, the snail line across the garden path, the texture of a weathered rock, inspiration is everywhere! As adults we tend to lose that bewilderment, we think we know everything! This is one thing I love about teaching and having my own children, they are a constant reminder to really take the time to look at what is around us and not to take anything for granted.

Where can readers see / buy your work?

I am based in Melbourne but have stockist throughout Australia

Husk Albert Park, VIC

Crate Expectations Malvern, VIC

Studio Melt Newcastle, NSW

Fig Kenmore QLD

Something Different QLD

Etienne Unley SA

The Tenth State Concept Store Nedlands SA

Portrait Gallery Store Manuka ACT

Funky Homes Hobart TAS

For wholesale enquiries and latest stockist details please check my website www.greenhouseinteriors.com.au or contact me directly via kazmorton(at)gmail.com

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?

Invest in good photography (My photographer Armelle Habib is amazing!!)

Surround yourself with like-minded people, put yourself out there… nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Mar 22

2 Comments

Planinsek Art

I was very impressed when I met Chloe recently at the Decoration and Design Trade fair in Sydney.

Initially I was drawn to her emotive paintings with their impressionistic swirls of colours and raised dabs of paint which combine to give the pieces both character and texture. Then after speaking with Chloe I realised that she is also a very clever business woman.

She has used her abilities as a painter to create works of Fine Art, but has also realised the potential of commercial products. As many an artist will tell you, life as a creative is rewarding but not always in the material sense. Chloe has found a way to commercialise part of her work, creating some bread and butter while not compromising on her standard or quality of art.

Artist Name: Chloe Planinsek, owner of Planinsek Art

Artist Location: South Yarra, Melbourne Australia

Type of Work – Medium: Acrylic on canvas paintings

How would you describe your style of work?

Abstract, fluid, peaceful, happy!

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

Mainly self-taught, although I studied Fine Art at school and majored in drawing in my final years. At university I studied Visual Merchandising and Design which required a lot of illustrating, so there has always been a creative parallel to my painting.

I originally started painting for my home as I could not find artwork that had more of a ‘feeling’ rather than a ‘scene’ of something. I wanted it to reflect me and also work in with my interior colours. I used to get lovely compliments and people asked me to paint for them, so one thing lead to another.

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

When I paint, I flow into a world that lives above us. The beautiful movement and colours of the clouds with the backdrop of the sky in all its magical colours, is a place I find dreamy. I often feel there is a rhythm or melody that would go hand in hand with the world above us, so my paintings are usually painted with the company of beautiful music.

Otherwise, I love the beauty of landscapes, leaves, funnily enough I like colours of food! One of my last commissions I called ‘Sorbet Skyline’ as the colours looked soft and edible! Same as “Rocky Road” and ‘Chocolate Dream’

Where can readers see / buy your work?

I offer a range of other products as an off shoot from the paintings, so I have a stockist page on my website which lists all of the places that sell my art work and product range. My website is also an online shop www.PlaninsekArt.com.au where customers receive a free Planinsek Art watch with purchases over $100! The face on the watches have my artwork and there are fun colours to choose from.

The range consists of Art cushions, placemats, coasters and printed canvases.

I brought out a more affordable range of printed canvases which are called the ‘Glimpse Series’ as they show close up images (or glimpses) of my original larger paintings. These have been fantastic for property styling companies. I never reproduce an original in its entirety.

My main business is painting commissions. I will go to peoples homes or offices either through an interior decorator or through a private client, and discuss with them what size and colours they would like and then we look at what style they like.

They usually have chosen a few images from my ‘Sold & Commissioned’ paintings section on my website and tell me what they like about them so I can understand the mood they are after. We often will end up with a painting that is a merge of two of my previous paintings in style.

It is always so nice painting for clients as they end up with a piece that has been painted especially for them and fits into their interior.

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?

Save your money to start with and go commercial. You will need your saved pennies for the trade fairs to meet the right people. While exhibiting through galleries is always nice, I have found they are a slower avenue for selling paintings. Also build yourself a database of companies and people in the industry who you would like to do business with and keep them up to date with your work. It is a nice way to stay in touch with the people you have met along the way and have done business with.

Feb 21

4 Comments

Philip Stokes Studio Glass

Philips work is interesting not only for its visual beauty, but for its playful character.

Years of perfecting his skills with hot glass show in each piece where he seems to celebrate the making process, using it as inspiration for the final creation.

His pieces bubble and drip, twirl and twist as if to remind you of the amazing transformation they have been through to reach this point. The result is a static but fluid object that is both beautiful and mesmerizing. Please enjoy the unique creations of Philip Stokes Studio Glass.

Artist Name: Philip Stokes

Artist Location: 20 Gwynne Street, Cremorne (Richmond) Victoria 3121

Type of Work – Medium: Hot Glass

How would you describe your style of work?

Contemporary Art Glass which embraces the sculptural and optical qualities in glass.

With a broad range of production items and various art export commissions for hotels in the Asia Pacific region, my style has diversified dramatically in the past ten years.

Much of my work has been inspired by the sculptural possibilities of the human form, the organisation of muscularture and the fluity of movement in dance. The continual momentum of physical life is captured in the streamlined contours and shapes.

My glass works are spontaneously created in the highly choreographed process of hot glass. I hope to echo the dance and rhythm of life in the dynamic colours and contours of the glass; creating a dialogue between its viscous and sinuous qualities.

Improvisation and chance are both elements that I enjoy and exploit, both in the hot glass process and in the final installation.

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

I have a degree with honours from Monash University which I completed in 2000, but really my skills and work have mostly developed through 10 years of working in my own studio. Becoming a master glass blower takes a lifetime of trial and error and a desire to experiment and push the limitations of the material. I am always learning new skills and innovating with process to discover new designs and in the completion of commissioned works.

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

The process of working with hot glass has inspired me tremendously. The need to be engaged with a team of up to 6 to produce large-scale installations has been challenging and exciting; akin to a theatrical performance. The material itself, flowing in front of you at 1100 degrees celsius is an inspiration in itself.

I am also inspired by the American forefathers of the studio glass movement, namely Dale Chihuly and William Morris and Italian master glass blower Lino Tagliapietra, who has shared his comprehensive knowledge of the Venetian technique with contemporary artists.

Ideas come from the influence of my theatrical past but also through working in collaboration with other artists, and through developing concepts for commissions and specific projects. Being forced to work outside ones comfort zone opens up such wonderous opportunities to explore new visual possibilities and to make new work.

Ideas also spring directly from the making process; I may be half way through making a piece and see something which triggers ideas for another. It is a real adventure and important to remain receptive and open to suggestion from those working in the team and from the material itself.

Where can readers see / buy your work?

My work is available to see and purchase from my studio and gallery at 20 Gwynne Street Cremorne (Richmond) VIC 3121 and from my online shop at www.pssg.com.au.

From the 21st to the 25th February I will be at Life Instyle (trade show) in Sydney presenting my work.

My work is also stocked at the following galleries and design retailers.

Melbourne

Veronica George Gallery – Armadale

Glass Plus Gallery – South Melbourne

Modern Times – Fitzroy

Craft Victoria – Melbourne

The Studio @ Flinders Gallery – Flinders

Metroplis Gallery – Geelong

Sydney

Glass Artists Gallery – Glebe

Art at the Bluegum – Balmain

Sturt – Mittagong

Argyle Gallery – The Rocks Sydney

Canberra

Canberra Glassworks – Kingston

Europe

Gallery Sikabonyi – Vienna Austria

Hong Kong

Gaffer Ltd – Hong Kong

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?

Work hard! Making breeds making. Habit is the parent of all art. Don’t sit around waiting to be inspired as all the inspiration comes in the making process. The reward in a creative career is freedom and the privilege to earn an income from something that you are inspired by and truly enjoy. Making art for people to appreciate is one of my greatest pleasures.

Glass blowing is such a unique process that I thought you may enjoy this video of Philip in action in his studio. Interested in learning more about glass blowing? Philip also runs workshops in his studio where an intimate group of 4 people learn basic techniques of this fascinating and rather magical art. To book your place in the next class please check his website for further details.

Enjoy!

Cheers

Hermit xoxo

craft tv: Amorphous from Craft on Vimeo.

Feb 1

1 Comment

Tracey Deep – Floral Sculptures

There is so much in nature that is curious and awe-inspiring. The range of shapes, colours, textures and patterns seems endless, and I can totally understand why Tracey is so inspired by this.

Her floral sculptures highlight the amazing natural beauty which we are surrounded by. By using unconventional items such as thorns, thistles, seed pods, branches and wire, her pieces celebrate the already sculptural forms and transforms them into stunning pieces of art.

Tracey’s work varies in size from small living sculptures (Floral) to grand exhibition pieces, all which proudly display her passion for nature and genuine appreciation of its beauty.

Artist Name: Tracey Deep

Artist Location: Redfern, NSW Australia

Type of Work – Medium: Sculpture and Installation Artist

How would you describe your style of work?

Textural, architectural and sculptural

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

25 years as a floral sculptor

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

Nature feeds my inspiration. I am very drawn to patterns, shadows, textures and light. I also draw inspiration from the materials I source, that can inspire a sculpture or installation.

Where can readers see / buy your work?

My next exhibition opens on January 31st at Timeless Textile Gallery in Newcastle, then travels to Canberra for a March 2nd opening at Lanyon.

Any commission enquiries can be directed to floralsculptures@bigpond.com.

For a daily inspiration feed follow Tracey on Instagram under Floral Sculptures.

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?

Follow your passion!

I think it is lovely to see an artist in action so I am excited to share this video with you from the Art Gallery of NSW. It really shows Tracey’s passion for her materials and skill in creating each piece.

Enjoy! Hermit xoxo

Oct 12

1 Comment

Gather Kids

There is nothing beige about the GatherKids range.

Each piece exudes sophistication and refined style with its neutral palette, beautiful textures and patterns. Melissas attention to detail and great workmanship, allows each piece to shine without the need for bright and bold colours to attract your attention.

Finally, a range of childrens furniture that is a continuation of your home decor, a little delightful feature that can be celebrated rather than hidden away when guests arrive! Now that is great design…

Artist Name: Melissa Webster / GatherKids

Artist Location: Kahibah, Newcastle

Type of Work – Medium: Textile / Homeware / Furniture Design – Natural fibers and timber

How would you describe your style of work?

My designs are uncomplicated, pared back but incredibly beautiful. They are a grown up take on childrens textiles and furniture. I’m not into bold colours so you see lots of subdued tones in my work. I love pieces with texture, anything aged and slightly imperfect. I choose natural and organic materials because they reflect this “realness” of life. But at the same time I like perfection – perfectly imperfect!

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

Yes in both Interior Design and Visual Merchandising, but I am not formally trained in Textile Design. Despite my studies, I work more intuitively… if something doesn’t feel right I keep working on it until it clicks. Sometimes it is an obvious change, other times it can take days for a concept or solution. Design is very organic like that. It needs time to fully develop.

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

Actually the whole GatherKids idea came from my residential interior works. I was creating these beautiful homes with clients, and then moving into the childrens spaces, there was a jolt between sophistication and the bright, plasticky childrens rooms. So the idea was to merge adult style with childrens practicality, creating a really beautiful cohesion between the living spaces and kids rooms.

My best work is found in my notepad beside my bed in the morning. I am forever leaning over the bedside table scribbling ideas or words. Often times I can’t leave it with a scribble and end up sitting in the lounge with a sketchbook and my laptop whilst I think through a concept.

Where can readers see / buy your work?

Web: www.gatherkids.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gatherkids

Stockists

I Am Kidz

1/55 Old Barrenjoey Road

Avalon, NSW

http://www.iamkidz.com

Papaya – Bondi Junction

Level 5, Westfield Shopping Centre
Bondi Junction, NSW 2022

http://www.papaya.com.au

Papaya – Mosman

539 Military Road

Mosman, NSW 2088

http://www.papaya.com.au

Valley Vogue

Shop 9-175 Swan Street

Morpeth NSW 2321

http://www.valleyvogue.com.au

Signature on Hastings
18 Hastings Street

Noosa, QLD 4567

http://www.signatureonhastings.com

Coastal Living

85 Ocean Beach Road
Sorrento, VIC 3943

T +61 3 5986 1730

Baby Bien Boutique

151 – 153 King William Road
Unley, SA 5061

T +61 8 8272 8123

Ecoco

51 Balfour Street
Launceston, TAS 7250

http://www.ecocodesign.blogspot.com.au/

And we are soon to launch GatherKids Online Store so stay tuned!

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?

Love, love, love what you do! It will be successful if you throw all your passion and hard work into your creations.

Aug 31

4 Comments

Hayden Youlley

I adore the contraction posed by each piece of Hayden’s work.

Porcelain to me has always been such a perfect material, flawless and pristine, but Haydens work pushes the boundaries of what we expect from this material. His pieces are perfect because of their imperfections. They challenge what you see with what you know, and create a stunningly beautiful object in the process.

Please enjoy the work of artist Hayden Youlley.

Artist Name: Hayden Youlley

Artist Location: Marrickville, NSW Australia

Type of Work – Medium: Handmade porcelain tableware and lighting

How would you describe your style of work?

My work is clean, refined, delicate and minimal. I believe that design has the power to make everyday reality enjoyable, easier and beautiful. I aim to facilitate pure enjoyment in use. I believe that form follows function and I consider form to be a subsequent but equally important consideration.

Are you formally educated or self-taught?

I completed a Bachelor of Design from the College of Fine Arts UNSW. My education focused mainly on conceptual development. I also learned practical skills throughout my degree. Over the years, I have been able to develop them and my aesthetic to a point where I can now fully realise my ideas – from first sketches to final prototype and into small – scale handmade production.

Who or what inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I look for inspiration in everyday textures and forms that often go unnoticed. The Paper Series makes use of a simple creased paper form. This form is cast in porcelain, making what was once fragile and temporary, robust and permanent.

The Paper Series is about using porcelain to create a tactile experience. The simple random distribution of creases in the paper surface of the objects creates complex patters of light, shade and texture that disturb the smooth surrounds and invite study and touch.

Where can readers see / buy your work?

You can contact me directly and view my current stockists on my website

www.haydenyoulley.com

Do you have any words of advice for aspiring artists / creators?

If you have a great idea and want to start a business don’t think about it just do it! Be creative, have fun and enjoy the hard work and its rewards.

Hayden latest work is a collaboration that sees his return to object design with the Tree Lamp.

Posts from the ‘Meet Your Maker’ Category

Meet Your Maker – Kaz

Planinsek Art

Philip Stokes Studio Glass

Tracey Deep – Floral Sculptures

Gather Kids

Hayden Youlley

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