The Daily Bison

Franckly Speaking

2012-02-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

1970's Enamel Bowl by Kaj Franck for Finel

Kaj Franck (1911 - 1989) was a Finnish designer who many of us would know by forms rather than by name. If you are a denizen of the world of Ebay then his enamel pieces often pop up in the same categories as Cathrineholm and Scandinavian mid-century objects. His output was extensive and he crossed over between glass, enamelware, and ceramic forms. He also experimented with plastics but these seem disparate to his original inspiration. Supposedly a mediocre student at a school near Helsinki he rose to become one of Scandinavia's most pre-eminent 'industrial' designers. I use that term with respect as I don't wish to imply his work was 'mass' by virtue of his scale of production.

Kartio Glasses by Franck for Iittala.

The fact that he straddled the gap between mass-market and prestige has long fascinated me. As a producer based in a small studio I can only imagine his excitement in having the means to work with other materials and techniques. To be able to translate your designs in to glass after creating a ceramic collection with a company like Arabia must have been both professionally, as well as personally, liberating. His work with glass was greatly influenced by restrictions in colours after the war and the training he received at Murano in Italy. He also displays a reference to the cubist Georges Braque in his glass production.

Pumukka Ceramic jars for Iittala by Franck

With his ceramics he also captured the consumer mood as he exploded the sales at Arabia with his Kilta collection. His practical fusion of utilitarian and high design made his works both desirable as well as functional. In modern parlance it was a 'win win' situation for the sales division! Apart from the fact his work has a timeless feel to it, his simplicity creates a sense of familiarity which in turn evokes a sense of comfort. Not bad for a so-so student who was told he'd be a good potter because he rowed in circles!

Moore or Less

2012-02-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

The work of Henry Moore (1898 - 1986) is one of those things which appears familiar but strangely removed from our collective memories. With a proliferation of public art in our day-to-day lives it's quite rare to see forms which evoke such reflective responses to seemingly simple shapes. His work in bronze has been called Modernist by many people but I view it as a fantastic combination of ancient cultural influences. After a recent trip to the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City (a migraine inducing overload of inspiration!) I can see glimpses of pre-Columbian figures in his pieces. He also drew on Classical and African references and there are shades of Modigliani with his exaggeration of anatomical features.

Moore used bronze as his medium from the 1940's and found it a more expressive and probably more malleable material to work with. For me the subtle interplay between organic forms and the green oxidation provided by verdigris on bronze gives his work a sense of timelessness. It's almost as if he made the pieces to look as if they have been abraded by history and the elements of nature. Whatever his inspiration was I certainly think we're the richer for his talent.

Mix of African and Surrealist possibly?

The reclining woman was a common theme in Moore's work

Brave New World

2012-02-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

Photography: Tim Brotherton/Katie Lock

People often decry new year resolutions as the deluded hopes of years past. A kind of projection of how you'd like to view oneself. For me the past month in South America was truly cathartic. Amazing scenery, brilliant architecture and use of colour, and a sense of 'place' all led to the following conclusion.

(Insert Sound of drum roll here....) I need a complete evolution in the direction of my design and future work. While I've had 14 (yes...that's correct!) wonderful years working on Bison I feel I need to inject new energy and style in to the mix. To that end I'm busily drawing new shapes and profiles... maybe not even ceramic forms... egad! Add to that the fact that my long-suffering partner of 23 years has spent the past 7 of those commuting between Trinidad and Tobago, Amsterdam (and now Townsville) then I think a less patient person would have called a timeout on me! You'll see me posting from numerous locations (still including Canberra) as I explore possibilities to create an even more dynamic range and collection of lifestyle pieces.

You may wonder how this image relates to my end game??? Well, my taste has evolved over these past years along with my business. The above room is a really good reflection of how I feel I need to be as a designer... a neutral canvas with lots of splashes of colour and texture. A sense of purpose and 'integrity' doesn't go astray either. This image actually allows me to segue to an earlier post where I mentioned the work of Melinda Ashton-Turner. Despite the fact we work together on concepts for my stores and product marketing and visual merchandising, her talent with her much-touted blog http://thecolourfield.net/ has inspired me to change the way I view my work. This image is analysed in depth by her this week. Have a look at her fresh take on colour and style... you won't be disappointed!

Max Dupain

2012-02-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

Max Dupain was one of our most iconic modernist photographers (1911 - 1992). His unaffected and pared back style encompassed a world which stretched from the beach, to the theatre, and his role as a visual social historian. His iconic 'Sunbaker' image was taken in the early 1930's and yet it seems to be the most well-known of all of his works. He possessed a rare clarity in the way he lensed his subjects. They appear natural and at rest as opposed to the heavy (but nevertheless beautiful) propping by photographers such as Horst. I guess I'm really attracted to images which give you a sensory experience by simply reflecting on the shot.

A friend of mine has the following photo in his home. It's a statement on postwar Australia when meat rationing was still being implemented and all the bleakness and pain of war is etched on the faces of the women. The power of this image is undeniable and yet it still allows the viewer to reflect on the context of the photo. It's a shame that more of Dupain's works are not given the same exposure as his beach images. I have been told the Art Gallery of NSW has a good representation of his works.

Ice Ice Baby!

2012-02-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

This is the only picture I'll post from my trip to Antarctica. While I try to avoid the cliches of holiday blogs I just thought I should share this image with you. In terms of scale this iceberg would have been up to 30 plus metres tall. I have an image of the front of our cruiser filled with people gawking at it. They look like ants by comparison and the quietness as you sailed through was remarkable. Penguins would scuttle in a chaotic fashion from one iceberg to the next. They seemed to be always looking for a safer perch away from the killer whales who patrolled the area.

The one thing that really struck me was the pristine condition of Antarctica. We were on the last large cruise liner ever to be allowed through these waters and it was an amazing privilege. Despite temperatures hovering near zero it amused me to spot power walkers obsessively pounding the decks. Occasionally you'd hear, or see, huge sheets of ice shearing off the ice shelf. It gives you the true sense of what insignificance feels like.

We're Back!!!!!!

2012-02-03T00:20:00.000-08:00

Hello patient readers... finally we are back on the air! After a tumultuous late December and January (where I was stuck on a cruise in Antarctica and in the steaming jungles of Brazil) I have finally got both a reliable internet connection and time. Okay... so the Brazilian jungle was actually Iguassu Falls at Hotel das Cataratas and the boat was a cruise from Santiago to the Chilean Fjords; Antarctica, the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas for our Argentinian friends!) Montevideo and Buenos Aires. To be honest I think having a mid-life crisis means you are entitled to a little luxury!

Back to the issue at hand. I am seriously considering a segue into the world of fashion. Every time I pick a colour of motif it seems to surface in a collection somewhere. This campaign for Prada (Spring/Summer 2012) reminds me so much of how my mother dressed that I'm in danger of having flashbacks. I have a serious case of the green-eyed monster when I consider how much budget they would have to style and film this ode to the late fifties/early sixties. For those of you trying to do the maths I was born in December 1964 but country NSW got everything a few years later.

Enjoy and I'm looking forward to sharing some exciting changes with you this year.

Brian

Mr Squiggle...or is that you Miss Pat?

2011-12-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

So it's late and I really should turn the computer off but gentle rain on the roof is keeping me awake. Well readers...today's instalment is brought to you by my memories of Mr Squiggle and his trusty sidekick (Miss Pat!) I know I'm not alone with this memory as when I last visited Newcastle I saw in a public park a huge piece of industrial machinery. Posed in neat white text upon it was the question...'is that you Bill?' (i.e: Bill Steamshovel) Clearly another fan was in town.

The reason for this post is actually somewhat removed from the lunar traipsing of Mr Squiggle. It's really about graffiti and its place as public art. While I don't condone some forms of this 'artistic expression' (such as someone writing 'WOW!' on my VW Beetle in 1991) I do love the way it challenges conventional approaches to expression. The two images included in today's post are both taken by David Plummer. The lane way where they were shot runs between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street in Melbourne. What I particularly like about graffiti is how works are posted over the top of each other. Their 'tags' or signatures staking a claim on a space which others have also worked on. That being said, I'd be happy if Banksy made a visit to Canberra and did a small piece in my studio... One can but dream.

The Apfel of my Eye!

2011-12-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

Iris Apfel by Bruce Weber

Iris Apfel is a rare and exotic woman. Hailing from Queens in New York she is a fixture on the fashion circuit. Her unique take on fusing high and low pieces together gives her a degree of clout with what I'd imagine would be a tough market to crack. She seems to have the talent of Anna Piaggi without the almost off-putting eccentricity that goes with it. I love her opening line in the following video... "Why do you wear such large glasses?....All the better to see you with!" She ticks all the boxes for me as she's fearless when it comes to her use and composition of colour. Her grace and simple courtesy makes a refreshing change. (Does this mean I'm showing my age???)

Part stylist, part couture Svengali, Apfel originally trained as an interior designer. After completing numerous fit outs on the White House her direction with her Old World Weaver company led her to become an inadvertent fashion icon. I love her glasses...they make her look like David Hockney meets Mr Magoo. Despite that I think she'd be the coolest nonagenarian to go shopping with!

My new obsession

2011-12-15T06:57:00.000-08:00

Image: Chris Stott

Lock me up. Hide my wallet and credits cards. Make me write bad cheques! I would totally need restraining if I could spend a day in the studio of Christopher Stott. Chris is a contemporary realist painter with an obvious nod to the 'Old Masters'. His work is clean and evocative and he works mainly in oils. This gives the his subjects a depth and warmth which is he is clearly drawn to. His lighting is punctuated by shadows which conveys a sense of passing time. I'm seriously in love with his work and am getting a commission done to sit above my new sandstone fireplace.

Image: Chris Stott

As a designer my eye is drawn to random objects. A vase which would sit in front of a canvas, a wooden bowl filled with blown glass floats from New Guinea, or a loose bunch of orchids giving a 1970's YSL vibe to the scene. It's the very nature of provenance which gives objects an additional layer of meaning. This can't be replicated by faux French wing chairs from China, or yet another pack of vanilla and bergamot scented reeds that make you feel like you are trapped in a restroom. It's about capturing an essence (and not an artificial one) which embodies a space with personality. I think it's like that for Chris and I'd put serious money on his work becoming increasingly collectible.

P.S: Any man who lives in a city in the 'vast plains of the Canadian prairies' has got my vote.

Image: Chris Stott

Tinker, Taylor, Art Purveyor?

2011-12-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

You've got to hand it to Elizabeth Taylor. Seven husbands, a couple of Oscars on her mantelpiece, and a jewellery and art collection which would make the Vatican blush! (Considering the loot they have in their principal museum that's a big ask.) This remarkable woman; a freakishly talented actor, an avid humanitarian, and an advocate for HIV/AIDS funding when it wasn't fashionable, left not only a void in the artistic community but a design legacy as well.

Apart from an astute ability to select quality scripts for her movie career she had an unerring eye when it came to jewellery and fine art. The Christie's Auction held in New York Tuesday evening blew the lid off the global recession. The Elizabeth Taylor diamond (shown below) was estimated to sell between 2-3 million dollars and sold for approximately 8!

The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond

Other pieces from the Collection traced the relationships during her life such as the tiara given to her by Eddie Fisher and worn by her at the Oscars. Some are simply representative of the decade or atelier from which they came, exquisite with their detail and craftsmanship. If you are in NYC stick around as her fine Art Collection goes up for viewing shortly...that is if you have a few million spare!

Eddie Fisher Tiara.

Daisy Set (Van Cleef?)

Jacques Tati

2011-12-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

Mon Oncle by Jacques Tati was a fantastic movie filmed in 1958. It was one of a series in which he portrayed himself as a bumbling figure ill at ease with consumerism and American 'mod cons'. Tati trained within the family framing company near Place Vendome and caused much dismay to his relatives when he became a performance artist. His movies are wonderful in the way they mix modern culture with his seeming naivety... leading us to to view this new world order as somewhat lacking in depth.

As I love all things 50's these productions are like a reference book to me. This movie in particular was special as it was his first ever filmed in colour. Like Stanley Kubrick, Tati was known for his attention to the minutest of details in his projects, although I daresay the budgets would have been very different. For me I see something else when I look at his work. His background working with framing seems to have given him the remarkable ability to do the same with a shot or scene. Now I'm just waiting for SBS to bring back a series on his films. They truly are seriously underrated masterpieces of contemporary film-making.

Scene from Mon Oncle 1958

Jeff Koons

2011-12-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Jeff Koons 'Puppy'. Kaldor Project

Driving over the Cahil Expressway I reflected on the MCA and the visit by Jeff Koons. In 1995 ( in the midst of an acrimonious divorce from Cicciolina! ) Koons designed and installed a 12.4m tall representation of a West Highland White Terrier puppy. To some people it was kitsch at best, to others playful and inspired. To the nursery owners of Sydney it must have been quite a boon as it required up to sixty thousand plants to fill it. A rumour exists that some 'scallywags' ( a favourite word employed by my grandmother) had placed some marijuana seeds in the installation and that they were unceremoniously removed upon being discovered. To those who criticised it at the time I suggest a quick visit to the works of Damian Hirst. You could have a shark in formaldehyde, a scull covered in diamonds, or even a vacuum cleaner. I think I'll stick with 'Puppy". At least his legacy lives on in the grounds outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Pearls before Twine?

2011-12-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Ethel Granger tribute editorial in Vogue Italia September 2011. Meisel

I just read the September issue of Vogue Italia and it has a provoking cover and editorial piece on corsets. Ethel Granger, an early adaptor of facial piercings and modifications on her waist, is the inspiration for a story which is both simultaneously beautiful and disturbing. The closest I've every been to 'foundation garments' was looking at my grandmother's as a child. Pink and incredibly complicated they appeared to have a closer relationship with pain than improving a silhouette! In the fickle world of fashion they do seem to be making a comeback. From Mugler's biker corset in George Michael's 'Too Funky' they have traversed the decade to now represent a form of freedom rather than constraint.

For my feminist friends I don't think this would sit well but for me it says more about the power of transformation. Whatever your opinion it cannot be argued that it would be a good practice for your internal organs. My curiosity asks me where your stomach would reside after such arduous cinching!!!

You'd have to be good at tying your shoelaces for this

Shot from Mugler Campaign Mid 1990's

Hello Summer !!!!

2011-12-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

Sincere apologies for my lack of posting. I have been a prisoner of my studio trying to meet Christmas orders and keep the kilns stocked with Bison pieces. With a mountain of new staff and training continuing apace I have been unfortunately so focused on getting this sorted that my poor blog has suffered. Anyhow, we're back!!!!!

I just thought that I'd post an image of our Summer 2011/12 banner which we have just finished shooting. This will go up on huge banners in our three stores this week and was shot by Grant Turner in Sydney. Melinda Ashton-Turner styled and produced this for me as well. With all the pressure I've had re-painting the Canberra store this has been such a wonderful, not to mention kind, gift to me. I thought the shot was so beautiful that I should share it with you as well...

The banners arrive this week but here's a preview. (Feedback welcome)

Best

Brian

Builder's Delight

2011-11-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Work in progress in Bison Pialligo

Right now I'm mopping out water as it floods in to the studio from torrential storms. Our painters have had to stop as we have had two blackouts and I can't pack kilns unless I do it by candlelight! Anyhow...I always consider starting jobs close to Christmas to be the domain of the mentally unsound (I'm placing myself in this category) and this year has proven to be no exception. They say change is as good as a holiday but frankly I'll be needing medication after this is sorted! I guess a clean slate for a space is always a great way to start a busy period but at least I'll have fun setting it up. Come by and visit...we'll be operational again as of tomorrow (Thursday) in Pialligo. As an added bonus if you get high from the wafting odour of paint you'll be in heaven.

Full of Mirth (Hong Kong)

2011-11-27T05:17:00.000-08:00

In a former stool factory in Hong Kong sits a great design store called Mirth. Kitted out with fantastic pieces from books to linen, toys to design accessories... and now Bison! Well actually we have been supplying Hong Kong with our vessels since early this year but a new shipment is about to land in-store next week. I've always loved the energy of this city. It has a strange hybrid nature which marries tiny twisting alleys to the hurly burly of a major financial capital. My Uncle had a home on the Peak and his children often spoke of the cable car which took them to the top.

Mirth is one of those spaces which, miles apart from the generic mass-luxury stores, puts some individuality back in to the retail scene. To have a large amount of space in this town is a rare privilege... one I'm sure which is not lost on those who visit this 1960's warehouse-style venue. And their selection of colours from us is exquisite!

Where to find it:

MIRTH
The Mezzanine Floor, Yip Kan Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
www.mirthhome.com
Open Monday - Friday (10am-6pm) and Saturday (11am-6pm)

Parking available at the Wilson Car Park next door.

Feeling Good. George Michael with Dita Von Teese

2011-11-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

Warning: This video contains images of semi-nudity which some viewers may find offensive. I don't!

Last year I was fortunate enough to go with one of my closest friends to see George Michael. Yes, the 80's were very good to me! It's a great experience to see a musician live who has developed in tandem with the rest of his generation. What amazed me was that there was such a massive cross-section in the audience. You had baby boomers, the pre Mardi Gras crowd, and a huge number of newbies (18-28 year olds).

While some people find Dita to be ultimate Vargas pin-up I think she has an incredible 40's glamour fused with serious control of her own image. I have always admired performers who are multi-disciplined and she is no exception to this. While George has morphed from the 'writ large' t-shirt days of Wham to an outspoken advocate for social issues, Dita straddles the world of burlesque and couture with aplomb. Power to them I say although I don't think strapping yourself into a tiny corset would be good for your health!

Thonet #18 Chair

2011-11-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

Many people ask me how I manage to find so many 'scoops' on Ebay and Etsy. I must be honest and simply say that being a night owl means you spot items that everyone else misses. (This is owing to them having a normal sleep pattern!) With kilns to check and our busiest time of year rapidly approaching it's pivotal for me to be organised. Some of the best relaxation I find is trawling through the recesses of 'vintage' and 'industrial' furniture on auction websites.

Dining chairs can be a real dilemma. If you have a rustic-style table as I do (with planks on the top) it's very easy to be fussy with modern chairs or try to be too clever and go heavy industrial. Sometimes the best solution can also be the simplest. That is definitely the case with the Thonet #18 chair. This classic design (over 150 years young and counting) ticks all the boxes in terms of visual and physical appeal. Sweeping uncomplicated lines make it look fluid and organic. The firm seat gives it great utility and the model comes in a plethora of colours. Back to Ebay... I spent an evening 3 years ago tracking down Bentwood chairs. I found a cafe that was closing and purchased 25 of them. I'm planning a dinner party in the near future so who knows... I may even give you a chance to appraise my styling efforts.

Ho No! It's that time of year again...

2011-11-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Just when you think you've seen that last bedraggled Christmas wreath come off a neighbour's house it's time for the cycle to start up again. In a strange version of Groundhog Day we seemingly repeat the exact same pattern year after year. The only thing that changes is the guest list at the random parties which populate the 'silly season'. While this puts me in the dangerous territory of sounding like a grinch I actually love the whole build up to Christmas. I think it comes from seeing your nieces and nephews react with such excitement counting down the days till they can maul a pile of shiny toys and dresses.

Bison Decorations. Image: David Plummer

Growing up in the country we had the 'Carols by Candlelight'. This ritual was the equivalent of giving a pack of matches to a pyromaniac (or several hundred children under 7!) Small wonder the local CFA Brigade stood by with a tanker. Apart from the annual butchered pine tree and it's sticky, yet sweet aroma, what stood out for me was decorating the house. Possibly I should have seen the warning bells at a younger age but doing the tree was always my responsibility. I also remember being concerned that people could see up the angel's dress. What brings me to this point is that we are now making our decorations... including several new ones... as we have done at Bison for the past ten years. What started out as gift tags for nephews has morphed to become a annual event for all of my staff. If you drop by our Canberra store and peep in the studio window you may even see our elves making some!

Ho...Ho...Ho!!!!

The last one standing

2011-11-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

Pillar Candles by Illuminate

Just as restaurants open and close with frightening frequency, so to do the workshops of designers. I was reflecting a with a close friend on my first trade fair in Sydney in 1998. Apart from the fact that there were only about 5% of the companies with Australian made product, I was struggling to find any that were still operating. Sure people can build up companies and sell them on. They may even get a divorce, have a mid-life crisis and move to Byron, or just get tired of the ridiculous stresses of modern business. I haven't succumbed to any of the above (but who knows what the future holds!) but the people I admired are obvious by their absence.

One such company was Illuminate. Originally established in Balmain, Tiffany and Amanda were the precursors of the whole emphasis on interior soft lighting 'mood' . They made amazing pillar candles in a palette of shades which worked in with the whole 'minimalism' and 'zen' aesthetic. The squads of imitators may have hastened their demise but to me they were inspirational. I don't know if any of my readers recall their candles but I have just located a website listing them as available again. The saying 'everything old is new again' springs to mind. Have a look... you may spot an old favourite! www.illuminateonline.com.au

Scented Mosquito Candles

The Colour Field

2011-11-17T06:38:00.000-08:00

Image: Anders Gramer

Once upon a time a fledgling designer (and former ancient historian and archaeologist!) was tentatively showing his wares at the Kingston markets in Canberra. A lovely young woman expressed an interest in the designs and the colours we were using. Turns out she was the style editor for Vogue Living and a month or so later my first bowls appeared in the magazine. The Museum of Contemporary Art Store took our range to use with the Yves Klein show and the rest... as they say... is now history!

Several things about this story stick in my mind. Firstly, she could see past the fact that my pieces were fighting a duel to the death with a tragic green gingham fabric I was merchandising with. Secondly, that my style was in it's infancy and that someone recognised a kernel of potential in me. While I'm not intending to sound self-deprecating it's important to acknowledge the role of mentors with emerging designers. It's also significant for us to see the evolution of the interpretation of colour and scale as a tool which is often difficult to translate.

Some fourteen years after we first met I take great pride in introducing my readers to Melinda Ashton-Turner's blog... The Colour Field. The images she analyses are beautiful and inspired. Her approach to the proportion of colour in a room is insightful and a good read to boot. In the words of Molly Meldrum 'do yourself a favour' and click on the link for a colour and texture pantone treat! http://thecolourfield.net

Decisions, Decisions!

2011-11-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

It's been an eventful year for our studio in Canberra. We have nearly doubled our staff numbers, introduced new shapes and five fresh colours, and now I'm about to repaint and style the store. What's more I'm trying to get this done while finishing renovations at my home and dealing with the Christmas demand from our stores. Possibly I'm a sadist but more likely a 'window of opportunity' has presented itself now at the most inopportune time of the year!

Cover House & Garden by Horst. P Horst. Oct 1951

I have been really looking forward to refreshing the Canberra store. One of the difficulties (and simultaneously one of it's charms) is that we are located in the midst of nurseries and garden supply centres.

This means we'll be unloading kilns and watching sandstone blocks sail past the window destined for a garden in Canberra. We used to have a family of geese who lived on the site. They gave the day a particular charm as they were very specific who they liked and who they though they should pursue. At night we even have rabbits sitting outside my studio. As of this coming week I'll be starting to make some changes. If you are coming to Canberra make sure to drop in and visit us and if you're really lucky we may even be working in the studio making some Bison pieces.

Which shade to choose for my rear wall?

Late Night Musings....

2011-11-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Wild berries with moss. Iceland 2010.

Ok....normally people who drink way too much gin and need an outlet would be writing at 1.52am. Today, however, this is not the case. The Christmas rush has come unseasonably early and I have been trying to glaze stock for our stores this evening. I actually was finishing pieces in our raspberry and spearmint hues. They look beautiful when paired together and I came across the following image from my Iceland story of several days ago.

As I've often said, nature is the great mother of all pantones. She mixes and layers colours together with such seemingly random ease. Yes... it's very late and I should be asleep but I thought this image would be a great diversion for my lack of a clear theme for tonight's post. Sometimes a simply beautiful image is all we need to charge our batteries. As mine are operating on a very low wattage please enjoy this image from outside Reykjavik by David Plummer.

Goodnight!

Ice...Ice...Baby!

2011-11-13T06:42:00.001-08:00

Outdoor volcanic springs.

My partner spent a year at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam last year. I had several trips over to visit, including a month in summer, but he got to go to one place I'd always wanted to go. Yup... that would be Iceland! Apart from a highly questionable approach to global banking and a liking for spirits that would put AA to shame, the country is fascinating and beautiful in equal parts. I have some images taken by David Plummer which highlight some of the amazing scenery along with some of the most remote farmhouses you're likely to see. If you are after a tan head to Thailand, but if it's a great natural spa I think you'd be hard pressed to find better. And where else could you take a bottle of gin and crack off a small chunk of (clean) ice as you soak your weary feet in volcanic springs. Heaven...

Imagine living here in the middle of winter!

Cash Converter

2011-11-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Use and Re-use. Photo: Brian Tunks

On a consultancy to Malawi my partner purchased this 'artefact' made up of old coca-cola and fanta bottle tops. It was found in Lilongwe (the capital city) and was actually being used as a cash box by a street vendor. All the pieces are wired together, quite ingeniously actually, and they've created a great lidded piece from just an everyday item. I reflected on this and thought if we would even consider making something like this here in Australia? Have we lost touch with the ability to see the longevity and practicality of products to which our parents and grandparents would thriftily give a second life?

Think of your grandfather's tool shed for example, mine had mason jars attached to racks by their lids. These would be filled with screws and nails and be clearly visible and neatly organised. My grandmother would grow violets and fruit in her large garden and make the best preserves you'd ever tasted. They didn't necessarily have access to the web or the most modern domestic appliances, but they certainly had no shortage of gumption. Maybe that's our problem... in a world filled with instant gratification possibly this is something that's missing. Possibly that's why I love making objects which have multiple uses...and look good too!

Cuffed and Coiffed

2011-11-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

During the 70's in rural Australia dressing well was seen as a sign of respect more than simply preening. It's funny how these attitudes are still all-pervasive in my life so many years later. Possibly I'm just a neat freak with a penchant for shiny objects (the magpie principle) or I'm seriously attracted to the meaning behind symbols. Cufflinks were a surefire indicator that your parents were attending yet another ball. That would mean a day of going to the dry cleaners, waiting for your mother at the 'beauty parlour', or being bribed to polish your father's shoes.

Hmmmmmm..........Yoda!

While my mother always had this way of looking achingly beautiful at the same time as peeling a banana for my brother, it was my dad's cufflinks that fascinated me. Shiny and bold they beckoned to me in their lush velvet box. As they only appeared for 'special' events their twinkling gold and mother-of-pearl insignia held the promise of music and laughter and, if we were lucky, a sip of punch. As an adult I have collected these accoutrements of male fashion. Possibly they belong to a bygone era...although if you flick through the pages of any hipster fashion bible then I'm clearly bang on-trend! (An expression I loathe!) What's your poison...would you wear them?

Bling it on! Swarovski in Pink

Plain but perfect for a navy blue jacket

From Folk Art to Fabulous

2011-11-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

Unpainted Dala Horses

In Australia we have the trusty boomerang branded with places names like 'Borambola' or 'Alice Springs'. Quilting is big in the mid-west USA and babushka dolls are synonymous with Russia. Cliche or not these items have become a form of national identity that all of us can instantly recognise. In Sweden the Dala horse (Dalahäst) is featured in all tourist literature and are even produced in the USA by Swedish immigrants. If you take a trip to Minnesota you'll see what I mean! Originally made for children as a toy during the long, cold Swedish winter nights, they became so popular they were used to barter for goods from about the 16th Century.

They were specifically made in a small geographic region called Dalarna ( a Swedish Province) which is known for lush dales and beautiful natural scenery. While this sort of 'trinket' normally makes me think 'which cupboard can I hide this in', I'm actually quite enamoured of their simple form. The red reminds me of the colour of Swedish summer houses set against lush green paddocks and lakes. Every home had one of these somewhere and in all truth I have one myself. So cliche or not...wear the badge with pride and love your folk art for its associations as much as any design merit.

Classic Dala Horse. They can also come in blue or even black.

Out of the Frying Pan

2011-11-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Muted light in the Canberra Store today. Repainting in next few weeks!

Today was the first real taste of summer in Canberra. The studio was particularly balmy owing to me deciding to fire two kilns on a hot day...never a good idea! Our kilns are fired up to over 1200 degrees Celsius to make the stoneware clay and our glazes reach maturity. In winter this makes for a toasty space to work in. Summer, however, is not great for comfort but is amazing for productivity. We never force-dry clay pieces at Bison. That simply leads to cracks forming and warping which we clearly want to avoid. The ambient heat of late spring through to autumn means our shapes dry quickly and efficiently. Vases that would take a week before we could bisque fire them are now perfect in several days.

This week has also been a watershed moment for Bison. One of the biggest problems we encounter is the lack of people who have a background in production pottery. We had six people contact us who have started at the Canberra studio and hopefully decide we are a good place to remain. Some are graduating students from ANU, several potters, and a couple of people who have extensive experience with slip-casting. Just as we head in to our busiest time of the year this has been an enormous windfall. I have always enjoyed training people and showing them how complicated (and meticulous) the processes can be. There's something quite rewarding when you see a person who was unsure and awkward initially become a dynamo who never misses a fault. That and a good sense of humour make our workshop a great place to be. At least in my humble opinion...

Cucina Bowls with Large Milk Bottles. Photos: B Tunks

And the Winner is!

2011-11-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

Bottles by a potter I like. Cara Taylor.

Well...after a number of emails (some of which even had me confused!) we have a winner. Richard Harrington got it in one. The technique we were referring to in our 'What am I #2' post is known as slip-casting. What we are trying to achieve at Bison over the coming year is something quite extraordinary. We will be developing forms and objects that we can't make in the round and employing this method to produce them. Stay tuned...more to follow! Have to close off for this evening. We tested a new colour out a few weeks ago and I'll introduce you to it tomorrow... We sneakily sent samples of it to our three Bison stores and have had a great response.

See you tomorrow

Brian.

Styling Up!

2011-10-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I started working together with Grant Turner (Photographer/Art Director) and Melinda Ashton-Turner (Stylist Supremo and Producer) pulling some new images together for Bison. When you spend so much time at the 'coal face' ( the Canberra Studio!) it's hard to have the time to keep the visual part of the business growing. I had a sensational two days with my friends, and their talented daughter Lola, working on some new concepts. It was truly rewarding to see the images come through and I promise a lot more will be forthcoming over the next month or so. Here's a taster for the moment as I'll shortly be putting some on our website.

'Ch....ch...ch....changes....'

Photographer: Grant Turner. Styled by: Melinda Ashton-Turner

Oh....and for those of you who have replied to me about yesterday's 'What am I?' post, I'll hold the answer over until tomorrow. You can also reply via comments on the blog as well as email us directly!

What am I ? (Challenge #2)

2011-10-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am a process which uses the following techniques, tools and talents. I take varying amounts of time to create the desired form and in winter it takes a lot longer for me to be ready. Conversely, in summer you can have two of the same shape twice daily... must be the ambient temperature in the studio! People find this method attractive to make shapes that are not thrown in the round on the wheel, although protrusions to a shape make it much trickier to finish and wax for glazing/firing. Sometimes I can be made up of a number of parts which must all be removed.

This is not a torture device although requires lots of effort!

There are basically four main ingredients which are used in the material that forms the basis for any object. I have to be fired twice in the kilns at Bison to obtain the same finish as the wheel-thrown pieces. This process is a relatively recent development in the pottery world but has revolutionised the way objects can be made. There is a large amount of skill involved in making and finishing the shapes we produce in the studio. Occasionally we add handles, sometimes a sprig-moulded Bison logo, or even cut out a spout and hand-shape it.

We use rubber strips to hold us together and we are made of plaster.

On the odd occasion (namely last Saturday!) we use our nephew Josh to help make racks for said equipment. This is done unflinchingly as he is concentrating on how many racks will equal the cost of his new skis for the coming snow season. I will wait to see what technique you think this is. I'll close this off in 24 hours time. Your time starts now..........

Josh Tunks slaving away for his uncle Brian at Bison.

Derby Day

2011-10-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Owing to the fact I'm tearing my studio apart today (and I can't get my act together!!!) please excuse my lack of a decent post. What I will leave you with is a tip for those of you braving the four seasons in one day at Flemington tomorrow. Just remember to avoid anything to do with reality starlets (you know who you are Kim Karcrashian!) ...my spelling... and possibly draw some inspiration from the indomitable Ms Evangelista. This outfit comes courtesy of John Paul Gaultier for Hermes (Autumn/Winter 2004 I think). Certainly gets the equestrian theme across and possibly a little dominatrix as well. Love the riding crop!

Is this the way to the Birdcage?

A Single Man

2011-10-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Colin Firth as George

In tribute to 25 years of The Movie Show with David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz I thought I'd play reviewer for the evening. Sometimes a movie has every element so perfectly combined as to make it almost hypnotic. That's exactly the sensation I had with The Weinstein Company's 'A Single Man' (2009) directed by Tom Ford. The fact that Ford, a designer famous for his role at Gucci, cut his directing chops on such melancholy material is enlightening in itself. With a cast that would make any director swoon the movie slinks moodily through 1960's LA. It's based on a novel with the same name by Christopher Isherwood. In fact the film focuses on the mood of George reflecting on his lonely existence after the death of his lover in an automobile accident. The fact that his lover was male, and this is frowned on by society at this time, does little to assuage his grief and leads him to plan his suicide.

Without spoiling this for those of you who haven't seen the movie... in the immortal words of Molly Meldrum... 'Do yourself a favour!' The cinematography conveys a pensive beauty and Ford's meticulous eye for detail ensures the sets are elegantly framed in all their 60's glory. He has the uncanny ability to make you feel the sun on your skin or the scent of Charlotte's perfume. Small wonder he led the Gucci group to new heights of financial and design success. There's a part of me that found this a very dark movie but the flip-side was that it was also a story of compassion and warmth. (And I'm a serious sucker for a good ending!) If you saw this film what did you think?

Colin Firth going against the grain?

Matthew Goode as George's Partner

Julianne Moore as Charlotte

The Perfect Setting

2011-10-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Dinnerware at Bison. Photo David Plummer

Several years ago we shot some general stock images in the Bison studio. We were busy trying to take photos on a day where the sun would vanish every ten minutes and the light through the skylights would go slightly green...not the best look! Just after we captured this shot I realised with dismay that the latte bowls were slightly out of alignment. This revelation came upon me after I had packed the entire shot away. Nevertheless I still loved this image. The play of reflections on the vessels and the beautiful symmetry between the curves of the plates and the bowls made this a favourite shot at the time. Funny how a few years makes you 'hone your craft' (or become more fixated on perfection) and that things like bowls and cups just off square irritate me.

What is perhaps more relevant is the effort that goes in to making each of those plates. Every time we make a dinner set for eight we actually glaze twelve to fourteen settings to ensure enough are perfect firsts. When it comes to unique pieces such as Atlantis Bowls people look for individuality in the form. Contrastingly, when we are asked about dinnerware it's essential that they stack well and that the form is non-varying. The premise behind this is that when you look at a stack of bowls or plates in a cupboard your eye is drawn to any irregularity in size of shape when they are stored on top of each other. Much like this earlier photograph...maybe we just need to be less fixated on photoshop-ready settings and just enjoy the simple beauty of a loose composition.

More Dash than Cash

2011-10-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Ok... this is the last of my video posts for a while. I had to include this one however as it ingeniously raises several of the issues I struggle with as a maker/designer. Firstly... when Karl Lagerfeld can segue from Haute Couture with Chanel, Fendi et al, to a mass market brand such as H & M does this diminish his currency as a creator? Additionally, do we purchase these cheaper products based on the reflected status of the designer or the perception that they actually offer 'quality' at an accessible pricepoint? I personally believe that spin can overcome much of the resistance that the wider public has against brand diffusion such as the example shown by Hennes & Mauritz.

Lagerfeld, despite his unfortunate habit of verbally lacerating people in print, is a machine. A machine that has prolific output and remarkable longevity. The Youtube video was actually in competition at the Golden Lion Awards at Cannes. For some it's a clear capitulation to disposable fashion. I suppose we just need to be reminded that 'There are many mackerel in de lake!'

She sells sea shells......

2011-10-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

I've always had a particular fascination for shells. Possibly this stems from an upbringing in a town located four hours away from the coast. In the days where you collected these objects, along with smoothed glass fragments, you could fill a bucket to bring home. Your parents would wonder for weeks what the stench was in your room but in your excitement you failed to realise that some of them were far from abandoned! Even the scent of them would remind you of summer holidays with friends and endless seafood dinners.

As a designer I find the structure of shells to be very architectural. Contemporary Museums and residential buildings (You know who you are..Bilbao, NYC, Barcelona, etc!) are increasingly drawing on their organic lines. It seems strangely ironic that the more modernist our structures become that architects are replicating forms preserved in our fossil record. Prehistory is our future? This development clearly shows us it's hard to improve on nature.

We've been Framed!

2011-10-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

I know that often I talk about respecting other designers and individuals who express their creativity in an ethical and forthright manner. Those people who improve our lives through their ability to harness the zeitgeist of what's 'current' and make it almost appear vintage. This ability to foster good design to transcend the need for something shiny and new every five minutes is a rare commodity indeed. Jonathan (Jono) Hennessy Sceats is such a man.

I have known Jono for a number of years (and his superstar wife Louise!) and they have been instrumental in helping me move Bison forward. With three generations behind him, Jono brings an authority and longevity to their Australian based Company (Jono Hennessy) and now his new brand, Carter Bond. I had my first pair of Jonathan Sceats glasses... neon blue frames with clear glass... in the mid 1980's. They were designed at the peak of the New Romantic Movement and Australia was an exciting placed for emerging fashion. Oxford Street was the centre of the universe and Katie Pye, Jennie Kee, Stuart Membery and Cash Palace were seriously hot.

Jono and Louise have just launched a blog/website which features designers who inspire them called Stars of Independents. Bison is featured as one of these. They have even asked me some pointed questions about who and what inspires our collection and the basis behind our business. Please have a look if you are interested...because if Moby wears them I must be on the right track! www.starsofindependents.com/wordpress/

Jono Hennessy frames. Photo: Hilary Wardhaugh

Judge a book by its cover.

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get seriously freaked by people with massive amounts of tattoos on their person. I guess it comes from the childhood mantra of your parents that only sailors and somewhat 'dubious' characters used body art. I guess that this says more about my own preconceptions than about understanding the human body and transformation by your own hand. Do we admire 'beauty' for the unblemished canvas that the human body offers? Or possibly we are shocked by the fact that someone would deliberately obliterate their skin under a mass of permanent ink.

I have seen truly beautiful tattoos which tell a story about the wearer while not detracting from their appearance. All too many people however seem to gravitate to the ubiquitous Celtic banding or lightening bolt style of image. I wonder how they will wear over the next twenty years and if the cool light of distance gives one pause for regret. Maybe tattoos are simply an extension of someone's identity, a code for the various 'tribes' we morph between. This video is not an anthropological study but it could well fit the subject matter for one! Enjoy...

Tenochtitlan

2011-10-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Zocolo. Ruins of Templo Mayor with Catholic Cathedral in background built out of materials from the Aztec city.

Mexico city was like a ghost town when we spent some time there. I think the media focus on drug cartels and violence has scared the vast majority of tourists off. It's this moody strange mix of modern culture fused with a hybrid blend of partially exposed Aztec ruins subjugated by the Catholic invaders from Spain. I loved it! The public art is bold and exuberant and the city is absolutely vast. To think that this city was built on a drained lake goes part way to explaining why all the baroque architecture is leaning at crazy angles. (That and the fact that a fault line gave the city an 8.2 quake in 1985) The day we toured the Zocolo you had this quiet Cathedral and haunting ruins accompanied by blaring megaphones and a soccer expo for the World Cup! Evocative... not so much.

Lost tourist (myself) standing on top of The Pyramid of the Sun. Teotihuacan

If you get tired of watching penitents crawling on their knees across the Plaza at our Lady of Guadalupe (Even the Subway is Faster!) you should head to both the Museum of Anthropology and Teotihuacan (Aztec City outside the metro area). The site is awe-inspiring and the masonry exceptional. With such a focus on European art and culture it is almost criminal that Mexican and South American history is dealt with so lightly. Their ceramics were fascinating for me. Not only had they mastered work of extremely high quality but their decorative talents were first rate. I can only hope that their government can remedy their security situation as the people are friendly and the country rich with art and ruins... my kind of place!

Ceramic Vessel. National Museum of Anthropology

Who needs boot camp when you have an Aztec Pyramid and Trinket Vendors in hot pursuit.

All Photos David Plummer

Juggernaut

2011-10-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Styled: Melinda Ashton-Turner. Photo: Grant Turner

Now for all of you eagle-eyed readers out there here's a newsflash for you! We'll have a new large Fågel Pitcher coming really really soon. We have done the tests on the new size and it should be in-store within the next 3-4 weeks. It holds approximately 1.3 litres and looks equally good as a still-life piece in a grouping or filled with flowers. I'm really excited as this will mark the next stage of our design direction at Bison.... a long and winding road indeed!

We'll send out a quick notification on Facebook or via the blog once the pieces leave for our stores so you can check them out for yourselves. Thanks for your patience as we test and work on each new form. It's easy to make a 'product' but much more time-consuming to make something that will stand the test of time. It can take up to three months from inception to prototyping (and then finally incorporating the new piece in to the collection) to actually producing the final version. Actually, the one we photographed in the above shot is filled with sweet peas and sitting in my kitchen. I have a simple rule... if a piece we create doesn't 'work' in my home then it won't make it into the range.

Colour Blocking

2011-10-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

It's late on Friday night and the Queen is about to leave the UK for the sunny climes of Canberra! What better time than to draw inspiration from her own outfits to explore our theme of colour blocking. I remember Grace Coddington in 'The September Issue' being forced to re-shoot her colour story because Anna Wintour didn't consider it strong enough. So here's the rub... when you colour block do patterns on objects count? Secondly, how bright or dense does a colour need to be? I guess there's some form of definitive answer lurking somewhere in dusty design archives, but I'm not really interested in rules as applied to colour. Strength and subtlety are like the yin and yang of the pantone world. They give depth to perception and have the ability to expand or reduce the sense of space occupied by a colour.

As I've just been listening to Bjork's 'Big Time Sensuality'... (where she dances around on a flat-top truck near Times Square with this incredible childlike expression on her face!) I though we should go all out and pick three very different images which would block well together. Here we go... let me know if you like my choices.

Love this Spillray Pendant Lamp in Orange

Missoni Print in Hotel Lift

Iko Iko Chair by Jardan Australia

Papillon

2011-10-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

After an exhausting night spent watching 'The Renovators' Finale I swore I'd avoid anything to do with DIY adventures and reality television. Instead let's focus our attention on something more tangible, albeit fragile, in the form of the butterfly. Amazingly diverse with their markings and extremely short-lived, these insects have had a marked influence in the worlds of both fashion and interior design. They seem to tap in to the nostalgia of childhood for many people and regularly feature as motifs on bedlinen and even patty cakes. Who can forget the overachiever cook /career woman/ mother who would show up all the other parents at school fundraising events with exquisitely iced butterfly confections!

I have posted three examples of how nature merges with human design. The first image illustrates the Papilio Ulysses in their natural habitat. Many of you would be familiar with this butterfly (surprisingly it's the males which are the brighter blue!) as they are the 'mascot' for Dunk, and to a lesser extent, Bedarra Island.

Papilio Ulysses Butterflies in Far North Queensland

The next shot is a Vogue USA cover in 1995 by Meisel of Kristen Mcmenamy. Her butterfly-patterned dress comes to us courtesy of the late Gianni Versace. At least it showcases a collection on the fabric in which none were harmed! The final image is the 'Butterfly Stool' by Japanese Designer Sori Yanagi. This elegant piece captures the harmony and aesthetic economy offered by nature. Created in the 1950's, and now the target of unscrupulous 'inspired' furniture designers (term applied loosely!) it has attained iconic recognition. Just goes to show that when a beautiful form in nature meets the talent of a great craftsperson the results can be enduring.

Kristen McMenamy in Versace by Meisel for Vogue USA 1995

Butterfly Stool by Sori Yanagi c1956

Minnie Pwerle

2011-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Minnie Pwerle

At various points during your life various artists or events have a transformative effect on you. It may be a subtle thing where you dress in colours or patterns that evoke a particular mood, or it could be a 'connection' of sorts you get from someone's work. I know some collectors follow an artist's progress indefinitely and I only wish I'd had the chance with the wonderful Minnie Pwerle. Minnie (1910 - 2006) was an artist who was well-known for her body painting skills among the community in Antwengerrp, Utopia, in Central Australia.

She came to painting around 2000 aged approximately 80 years old. (The dates of her life are a matter for some conjecture) The beauty of her work is beyond question, however, there were rumours that she had been kidnapped and forced to paint to cash in on her rising fame. Her subject matter was derived from her body painting technique and also the bush tucker of the region she lived in. Her lineage is dotted with amazing talent... her sister-in-law (Emily Kame Kngwarreye) and her daughter (Barbara Weir) have their works in many private and State collections. My dream is to buy some myself as her work is so evocative and intensely personal. Imagine her creative output had she started when she was much younger!

Minnie Pwerle

Through the looking glass

2011-10-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Art is a gift that literally keeps on giving. Consider the impact of artists from both the ancient and modern world and how many times you have seen their work transposed by another person. How the intricacies of the initial vision are reinterpreted by others provides us with two points to consider. Firstly, is this simply some shameless homage or a blatant copy of earlier inspiration? Secondly... does the image or work speak to you in a way that's different from the artist's original motivation? As I myself have often said to people, after thousands of years of successive potters you can't hope to create something in the round that hasn't been referenced before.

We all absorb so much from the everyday world around us that to deny the influence of other earlier artists and designers is just disingenuous. That being said I'm eternally grateful that creativity is a global stream that never seems to dry out. And who are we to judge someone's work when it harks back to another era or has clear echoes of an earlier concept? Digital photography and mobile phones allow contemporary images to reach a much wider audience at lightening speed. Let's then have a look at a few pictures which explore the points I've raised earlier. I personally think that it's a fascinating opportunity to look at how someone truly 'sees' the subject matter and their summation of this.

Coco Rocha by Steven Meisel. (Old Master/Modern Photographer)

Egg and Dart Motif on an architectural piece from the Roman Forum. Earlier references in ancient Greek buildings. (Wedgwood anyone?)

Michaelangelo's Pieta. Recall the outcry when Benetton tried to shoot a dying AIDS patient in similar pose.

Chinese Girl series poster by V. Tretchikoff reinterpreted as domestic wall mural. Photo: Courtesy of I love Norwegian Wood.

Come fly with me...

2011-10-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Pucci and Cardin among others made flying like a trip to fashion week!

Many moons ago in an airport far far away people actually looked forward to flying. You would dress sensibly for the kangaroo hop to London and anticipate shopping in a real 'Duty Free' store prior to boarding. Now you are attacked as you stagger off your early morning flight by someone with a bottle of Johnny Walker and a spritzer of the latest stench by a no-name celebrity. Customs was a short line which moved steadily and seamlessly towards the departure gates. No scanners (which detail your religion) would ever beep incessantly as you took every piece of clothing off. Nor would an officer ferret through your bathroom bag as if you had a biohazard in every vial... oh those were the days!

I thought I'd take you back to an era where travelling by air was an experience rather than an endurance event. I know the rosy glasses of nostalgia can opacify the clearest memories but seriously (even should you be fortunate enough to ride at the pointy end of the plane) it has become a whole lot less fun!

Where travel posters alluded to pith helmets and a casual day on safari

Going bowling or an extra from 'Mars Attacks'... you be the judge!

Vintage Douglas DC-2

The Colour Purple

2011-10-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be a refreshing distraction to discuss the history of a particular colour. Apart from the visual impact of colour, many have social or religious significance which have developed throughout the millennia. Take for instance the expression 'imperial purple'. This came from the period of the Roman Empire when robes were dyed with crushed shells (murex brandaris) from the Tyrrhenian Sea. They released a colour which became synonymous with power and over time became the hallmark of the Catholic Church. It came to represent penance in the Roman Catholic Church and was worn particularly for Lent and Advent. Both Bishops and Cardinals wear this colour... although the cardinals tend more towards scarlet. (Better in photography) It faded from use after about the eighth century but had been popular with the Etruscans prior to the rise of Rome.

Fast forward to contemporary Australia... and although the purple robes of the Church are still worn it has also attracted other social meanings. Purple was a colour associated with the suffragette movement in the USA. It also was supposedly a colour which supposedly symbolised passion. It even has significance for the gay and lesbian movement. I'm assuming it would be hard to reconcile a colour for passion with the clergy of the Church in the same context! The outing of Tinky Winky for carrying a handbag (he was the purple one) has not damaged the Teletubbies in the slightest.

Let there be light!

2011-10-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Working in design gives me constant exposure to some extremely talented people. They may be photographers and stylists, art directors and producers, or even the makers of beautiful objects. I consider myself fortunate that I get to view the results of magazine and studio shoots up close and personal. It actually gives you a very different perspective on the 'smoke and mirrors' nature of images in contemporary media. One of my closest friends has recently returned from living in London. Apart from being a gifted and well-respected stylist she and I share a love of vintage Australian-designed furniture and Tim Tams! I was elated to see her story on lighting surface in November's House & Garden.

This story was beautifully shot by Dieu Tan (images: www.dieutan.com). It's a welcome change to see some 'soul' creeping into editorial stories. Sure they are filled with objects from suppliers but it's a rare moment when you get the convergence of product integrity, brilliant styling and sensitive photography. More please!

Hip to be Square

2011-10-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

Piet Mondrian (1872 - 1944) is one of my favourite artists. His work appears quite contemporary but has greater technical depth than the mere application of lines and random blocks of colour. His influence can be seen in current fashion and homewares where numerous designers draw 'inspiration' from his work. He was actually a seminal artist during the early 20th Century. This seems at odds with his collection as it would equally fit into the 1950's or even later. His bold use of colour and the placement of his lines evolved as he developed a technique referred to as 'Neo Plasticism'. He applied a format of randomly placed lines as on a grid and then applied colour within that framework.

One aspect to his personality I find quite intriguing is his change from Mondriaan (after 1912) to the simpler Mondrian. This has shades of Muriel to Mariel for me...although he came from Amsterdam as opposed to Porpoise Spit! His work prior to his latter style was marked by the cubists and a penchant for dancing in Paris where he lived in Montparnasse. Some art historians divide his work into 2 periods... the trees, and then his 'Neo Plasticism'. I prefer his graphic works. They have so much movement and energy in what could be reduced to a simplistic series of line drawings with primary colours. Like the work of Man Ray (photographer) and others of this period (Mondrian included) the true mark of genius is their incorporation as a reference point within the wider design community... and their continuing relevance to us even today.

Mondrian Tree Series.

Seismic Shift

2011-10-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

In the rush to collect all things nostalgic there are some images which sit on the border between uncomfortable and just plain wrong. When taken in the context of social history they say much more about societal values and geographic significance. By this I'm referring to vintage advertising posters and product labels. Anthropologists and social historians would have enough material to fill numerous Phd's but I can't help reflecting on how much advertising is the barometer on how we view our place in the world.

The advertisement for the syrup comes from the USA 1920's. I found much stronger images to use but felt that the exaggerated 'Uncle Tom' caricatures were just too much. In contemporary labelling if we tried to do something which implied servitude or less than equal status there would be howls of revulsion. In the Yakima Chief apples label we see yet another racial cliche...a wizened Jeronimo with obligatory headdress. This version comes from the 1940's to 1950's and I can clearly recall similar advertisements here in Australia.

The final image promotes the sale of pet food. The tradition of cartoons as a medium to promote foodstuffs (particularly by the French and Italian producers) was a strong influence which is still in evidence today. What ads like this show, apart from the implied humour, is that people have valued their pets for numerous generations prior to our own. Cartoons also help sanitise the fact that something has to die to become 'the product'. While chic girls on vespas and satyrs carrying bottles of wine (Cappiello) may be highly collectible...we cannot ignore the lessons that vintage images convey. Maybe our rose-coloured glasses need a colour filter!

Scaling up!

2011-10-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

While trapped in the Qantas lounge at the mercy of high winds and a potential strike, I saw a tedious documentary on fishing. While the film wasn't all that riveting they did show several images of fish with beautifully coloured scales. I then thought I'd explore this and think of several other interpretations for this medium. Fashion is always a good place to start. If it breathes, grows, or flies, it's bound to end up somewhere in the clothing industry. Mock-Croc may be a good thing in the broader market but I'm sure real salties would be fearful if Hermes were after their hides! I'm yet to see a fish skin wearable piece but I do love to see how others translate this material. Below, for example, is a new paillette bag from Prada's 2012 Collection. They have also extended this theme to some of their dresses as well. Looks a little bit 'flapper' and a whole lot of 'The Little Mermaid'.

Frank Gehry has been known for an eternity for his architectural prowess. This 'Fish Lamp', designed by the creator of Bilbao, was apparently on display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. What I think is amazing is how he has not varied the form at all... rather he has embraced the structure and detail of a fish and incorporated it wholesale into his piece. Could you imagine how good a school of these would look on a wall or on a huge glass table? I guess it adds a whole new dimension to having the fish of the day!

Nelson's Column

2011-09-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is a sad day for Bison as we are losing our fantastic Sydney Manager, Sarah Nelson. Sarah has been with me for 8 years and has seen the changes to our small design business up close and personal. She has been instrumental in helping me open our Sydney store and is known and respected by all who have dropped by to visit us. She is also the Queen of 'paper magic' and has created the most beautiful displays with a fusion of ceramic pieces and her lush origami forms.

During the difficult early days of setting up Sydney Sarah would always be there, latte in hand, to give me helpful guidance on layout and product direction. Her wicked sense of humour and unerring eye for detail meant we always had a great deal to talk about! We wish her the best with her future and know that all of our customers and friends will miss her.

Photo: David Plummer. Sarah 2009.

Strand Ephemera

2011-09-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes preconceptions about a place can be so misleading as to make you feel foolish. I must admit that has been my reaction since exploring parts of Northern Queensland. Far from the cartoonish caricatures presented by shows like 60 Minutes, the people have a diverse arts and foodie community. Townsville has been one of the best kept secrets Australia has to offer. Apart from the occasional level 5 cyclone (Yasi) it has an amazing climate (except the wet season Dec-Feb) and views across the Coral Sea to Magnetic and Palm Island.

Just as Sydney has it's annual Sculpture by the Sea Festival, Townsville has an event called "Ephemera". Installations are dotted along a lengthy coastal promenade with the Girringun Artists providing the most visually arresting grouping of the event. Made by a collective of artists " Bagu Jiman " comprises ceramic forms decorated with weaving materials and metal. The Girringun community has a long history of weaving as part of their artistic tradition

Their work is shown and collected at galleries around Australia and to me incorporates the best of Indigenous figurative works with a nod to contemporary materials and colours.

Photos: David Plummer

Texture in Nature #2

2011-09-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Taking our theme from yesterday's post I thought we'd look at some more images which highlight the subtlety and beauty inherent in nature. As this should be referencing texture I'll leave the images to you to examine. The interesting thing I draw from them is the visual power of repetition. Nature allows incredible diversity in the way things are displayed or formed. This principle is also applied by merchandisers in-store. We are naturally drawn to objects where the same pattern or profile/colour is stacked or in rows.

Detail of palm frond

A palm tree can also give us a completely different, yet no less beautiful, example of repetition of form. Simply look at the trunk of the same tree to see another pattern hard at work. This also goes back to my core tenet that simplicity and elegant forms are often hidden by the 'everyday' nature of their function. (Such as this palm tree in a public park!)

Sometimes we can also overlook the power of small objects occurring in nature...simply because of their scale. The colour palette of lichen on a rock, indentations inside sand-burnished seashells, or even discarded cicada cocoons. All serve a practical purpose but each and every one of these shapes is not obvious to us on account of their scale. Perspective...dear readers... serves more than one purpose!

Moss in Tropical Arboretum

Photos: David Plummer

Texture in Nature

2011-09-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm very fortunate to have a great photographer as my partner. While my shots are fine for general snapshots David has a great eye for composition and framing. He's also aware of my tendency to look for patterns or motifs in the everyday. These shots were taken in and around Townsville and tropical surrounds. The top image reminds me of the pattern made by blood vessels or water near a river delta.

The second photo is actually a tight shot of some moss-like vegetation but the colour and density of the plants give it an almost topographical feel. Our last image is probably my favourite. Lush colours and a contrasting sky allow the leaves to 'really pop' as they say in fashion circles! Again it's the finer details of the leaves highlighted with warm sunlight which energises this picture. I'm going to blow these up to become posters for home...tomorrow I'll share several more with you.

Images by David Plummer

Casa Hyder. San Miguel de Allende

2011-09-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I spent time with a wonderful friend and her family at her Aunt's Holiday Villa in San Miguel de Allende. This beautiful setting is a UNESCO World Heritage listed town north of Mexico City. In high summer it's a balmy 24 - 26 degrees and the domes of the Baroque Cathedral stand proud in the night sky. Apart from the fact that we had loads of guests and family to share this with it's a truly remarkable location.

The Casa Hyder was originally a series of houses purchased and rebuilt by Elton and Martha Hyder. They started this process in 1959 and now it covers several city blocks in the centre of the town. Martha was a serious collector and this home is a testament to her vision of preserving Mexican art and history.

Vogue Australia did a shoot in San Miguel this winter. If they'd seen this house they would have never been short of locations. It balances this incredible richness of colour with a sensibility that seems completely unaffected. I went back to Australia with an entirely different insight on how tones can be layered or blocked together. I thought I'd simply share a few images of this very special place as it had a big impact on me personally as well as professionally.

All images courtesy of David Plummer

It's Getting Haute in Here!

2011-09-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

I know this is another fashion video but I think it translates so many aspects of great design and fuses them with the theatre of couture. Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton has been a stalwart of the label for numerous years now. His tailoring is razor sharp and he manages every season to bring a different epoch to the fore. To have a budget like that of LVMH would be mind-blowingly amazing but I think I'd probably struggle to achieve the same impact with ceramics!

His use of powerful music, along with a forties sensibility, gives the whole production an edge of modern glamour. I think shows such as these stand out so much because of the mass-offerings in stores around the world. Although Vuitton caters to a top-end clientele it still shows the inherent value in a well-edited collection. This premise actually applies to all stores...not just fashion chains, where beautiful forms are obscured and underwhelmed by poor merchandising. We'll save that analysis for another day...enjoy!

Who Makes Bison Tick ?

2011-09-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

Leanne in studio at at Bison. Image: David Plummer

Many designers seem comfortable simply attaching their names to collections and/or pieces. I have a number of people who support me; from studio assistants to throwers and casters, booth operators and kiln packers, to retail staff and the sales and dispatch team. To acknowledge the success of my small design company I must include all of them. To make a single piece of Bison can entail the labours of sixteen individual pairs of hands. Clay is an extraordinary medium to work with. Its' purity can be translated into the utilitarian (and decorative) pieces we craft which is then appreciated by the people who buy and collect Bison.

Our Head of Studio (Leanne Percival) knows this all too well. From the moment she started with us, some 12 years ago, she has unflinchingly met all the challenges together with me that small companies face on a daily basis. Apart from being an extremely talented potter she is happy to put my brand ahead of her own creative impulses. It takes a big person (and seriously fantastic mother to boot!) to be a supporter of another's vision. If you drop by our workshop you can often see Leanne checking the quality of work being taken into the Canberra store, analysing a new glaze test, or simply laughing at my tragic sense of humour. We are a richer place for her company.

Hello Melbourne!

2011-09-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Every time I go back to Melbourne I make a bee line for the assorted Laneways in the CBD. There's something really inviting, even 'grounding' about them, which invites your gaze as you view their eclectic offerings. The great thing about the Laneways, other than the fact that they put some individuality back into retail, is that they support so many emerging designers. Sure, people are renting these spaces but they attract a large number of unique businesses who collectively help Melbourne with it's reputation for innovation.

The roofed arcade where my Melbourne Bison store resides (Howey Place) is one such location. It has a smattering of chain brands but these are overshadowed by people like fashion designer Nevenka, Swedish Bookbinder, and soon an exciting culinary addition!!!! I must admit it's great to go down and walk in on a cold night and have a glass of red wine in Solarino next to my store. I think it's actually the appeal of a village lifestyle, and the relationships you build with people in your neighbourhood, which makes it feel so welcoming. If you ever are in town go and take a leisurely walk through the Block Arcade and look at the architecture. It's well worth it.

Swept Away

2011-09-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

The Sorcerer's Apprentice. The broom army and Mickey Mouse

Unlike a particular movie of the same name (directed by a newcomer called Madonna) I'd like to talk a little about brooms. This ubiquitous everyday item cleans the cobwebs from our eaves; the lawn clippings from our footpaths, and the dust piles fresh from our renovations. It crosses cultural and geographic boundaries without exception and lasts for an eternity despite being made from straw. It has featured in still-life paintings and advertisements throughout the globe...particularly when celebrating the happiness that a clean home and domestic bliss offers. Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without them and Samantha would have no mode of transport if it wasn't for this humble utilitarian workhorse.

How to dress while cleaning your entry vestibule.

Something many of us overlook is the beauty of such simplicity. There's something 'honest' about this object and how they keep our most private world clean and orderly. The traditional methods of binding the broom together, some involving antiquated skills, allows the value of this humble piece of home life to be more fully appreciated. I should know... I just used mine to clean the path before the fluff of Spring blows through my yard like clouds of tawny cotton.

Brooms as art?

Breaking the Mold

2011-09-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Oil flask molds banded and drying prior to use

One of the joys of making ceramic vessels is that you are not restricted to only one form of manufacturing. During the fourteen years Bison has been in Canberra we have utilized three main production methods. We have thrown many of our pieces individually, used a hydraulic press for our flatware, and now are creating a new slip casting division. Generally you can throw objects on the wheel when they are simple round forms. Pressing is done to give consistency and strength to objects which are stacked such as plates. Slip casting is generally utilised as a means of producing forms which have irregular profiles or attachments. This would include such shapes as oval or rectangular plates, jugs and teapots, or objects such as candlesticks or lidded forms.

Slip casting involves the use of professionally crafted plaster molds. We pour liquid clay, the same body as we use for throwing on the wheel, into the molds and allow them to form. After they have attained the correct thickness we trim the excess off and then open the molds and remove the cast forms. Once they have had some time to become firmer we then turn them on the wheel and form or carve spouts by hand. We prefer to use two or three piece molds as they offer greater quality in terms of the shapes they produce. We also ensure that the weight and finish of each piece is checked before allowing them to progress to the glazing/firing stage.

The above image illustrates new holds banded for pouring. I'll show some samples of poured pieces in an upcoming post. Image: Brian Tunks

The Eye of the Beholder

2011-09-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Linda Evangelista for Barney's New York 1991-1992 by Steven Meisel.

Advertising and editorial are two very different creatures. One is the tool of marketers (or business owners) seeking to promote a brand or product. The other is the reflection of current design and taste through the eyes of stylists and/or editors. I thought this evening I'd pick three advertisements which I have always found either elegant, directional, or simply visually arresting. Interestingly two of the three hark from the 1990's and the third is from 2011. As a designer I look for elements in images. By this I mean colour, objects and their placement, and the 'intent' of the framing. I know that quite often I find a picture appealing but it's only when I dissect the components that I realise the focus and line of vision are what draw you in.

In the Barney's campaign it's primarily the shot on the left with Evangelista and the butterflies which I love. There's a direct freshness with this image and the butterfly on her nose has the potential for childlike exuberance. At the same time it's a very simple shot but incredibly unaffected.

Campaign featuring Monica Bellucci for Dolce & Gabbana. Meisel 1992

This image is pure va-va-voom! It's La Dolce Vita meets mafioso. It's a strong shot with a woman seemingly in control, aware that all of the attention (including the camera) is focused on her. It's also a surprisingly innocent expression on her face...considering how she's placed.

This final shot is by Jardan Furniture from their 2011 product range. I really admire their design aesthetic (and they are one of the few companies which actually produce their range in Australia!) and their use of bold colour is fantastic. Even the chaotic arrangement of the pieces isn't jarring. Over the next month I'll start working on some interesting campaigns myself...along with the fiercely gifted Melinda Ashton-Turner. Watch this space!

Timeout

2011-09-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

After watching the non-stop coverage of the 10th anniversary of September 11th I thought it would be good just to draw breath and reflect. The sense of sadness and loss for so many people on that day is truly heartbreaking. The consequences this has wrought around the world are too many to mention. What I do know is that this event directly or indirectly changed the way we all live. I felt that posting about something humorous would be inappropriate and that just for tonight you are all excused. Go and make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, cuddle your significant other (pet is also fine), and collectively count our blessings.

Brian

Industrial Evolution

2011-09-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

I spent Friday evening with two incredibly talented friends and their daughter in Sydney. They, along with my long-suffering partner, have caused me to rethink my future plans. I am in the process of instigating huge changes in both my collection and personal direction. While it's undoubtedly rewarding to work closely with my studio it can detract from my creative input. The long and the short of it means I'll be spending a lot more time evolving Bison and really getting the opportunity to enjoy this process. I have been a long-time secret e-stylist...collecting pieces (and elements) which to me contribute to the integrity of an image.

I thought for today's post I'd pick a few objects and place them together in a shoot based around a workbench and some vintage and contemporary tools. Imagination is a wonderful gift, so when I describe how I'd place the pieces together just humour me and politely agree. (Joke!) Firstly I thought we'd start with a rustic long table with the appropriately faded wall behind it. Amber bottles give it a simple charm which we'll exploit as we go on.

Next we'll insert a vintage oil can. I'd probably place it to the far right of the amber bottles.

Finally I think we need a tool box. One which appears modern but could have a slightly retro reference. This could be placed on an angle next to the stool (to the right)...or further under the table.

I think these colours would really pop (to use a fashion term) and would work with the slightly 'old masters' feel that I love about this composition. Watch this space as shortly I'll be posting some images I'll be working on together with my talented friends.

Vintage Glass Insulators

2011-09-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Glass has always been one of my favourite media. It's translucency and texture can work in tandem to make mundane objects appear really beautiful. It strikes me as odd that there's such a fascination by some photographers for assemblages of detritus from beaches and riverbeds. I prefer even more obscure pieces such as industrial tools and rolls of rusted wire to give a sense of nature reclaiming some of the materials we have taken to produce objects. If you look at domes on buildings in Europe you'll quite often note that they can be covered with a green patina of verdigris. This oxidation of the copper gives us the sense that time is smoothing down the impact of our handiwork. Maybe it's natures way of showing who's the boss!

Back to glass...I used to see glass insulators on the top of telegraph poles in rural NSW. You'd watch them pass by as you lay on the rear seat of your parents car willing yourself to finally arrive at the next town. Ours were predominantly white but I have since discovered that in the USA there's a plethora of colours to choose from. If you troll the dark recesses of Etsy (or simply search under glass insulators) you'll see how diverse these relics of our technology are. Yes, the light shining through them is beautiful. Yes, the colours look enticing. My question to you is what would you use them for (other than bookends) in your home? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

The Swing Wing

2011-09-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Once upon a decade (namely the 1960's) some genius invented the children's torture device known as the 'Swing Wing'. Apart from causing long-term cranial displacement and permanent dizziness, this device looked more at home in a psych ward than on the head of your infant! In fact, it has more in common with shock therapy than as a means of entertainment. Add voltage and play! As I was born at the end of 1964 I can but give thanks to the almighty that I lived in the country. The fact that we were restricted from watching television meant that we were protected from the evils of the 'Swing Wing'.

I was alerted to this homage to cinematic excellence by the talented Vicky. Vicky works with us at Bison and has a wicked sense of humour. The Gruen Transfer was the medium for this discovery and for that we are eternally (or should that read..infernally?) grateful. If you shake while watching this video it appears a lot less nauseating. R rating applies!

My Own Private Floriade

2011-09-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

One of a series of groupings of colour-blocked hyacinths in my garden

For those of us living under a rock the inescapable scent of Spring is upon us. The first clue is the wafting cloud of Daphne which cloaks the garden in a fragrance more enduring than the finest perfume. Then the camellias come to life with flashes of white and pink, along with the traditional red of the sasanqua. Next appears the hyacinths with their thick heavy heads which seem to open almost over night. They represent to me the real coming of Spring. They also have a significance for me in that they open on around September 1st (my late father's birthday). Their scent and vivid colours remind me of how energised the atmosphere becomes at this time of the year.

It's as if every plant has a timeline and a specific purpose. Regardless of what that may be I'm proud to admit that gardening is one of my guilty pleasures. Apart from the odd asparagus fern at university I never had much interest in plants. Come the onset of middle age and hey presto... it's day trips to Monbulk to purchase bulbs and bare root trees! It's a very peaceful place to be even with two Belgian Shepherds head butting me for attention. Every year I plant about a hundred hyacinths in colour blocks and then follow them up with 'Arab's Eyes' (Ornithogalum arabicum). These truly beautiful flowers last up to three weeks and look spectacular in tall vase forms with small necks. The garden also supplies me with an endless range of colour combinations which spills over into my work at Bison.

Ornithogalum arabicum

Hyacinth Photo: Brian Tunks

Lazy Sunday...Not!

2011-09-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

Latte Bowls. Back by popular demand!

After a hectic period in the studio I envisaged a couple of days of lazing at home drawing some new shapes or working on concepts. That however was not to be! I spent a good deal of Saturday loading a kiln at Bison of which I glazed about ninety percent of the stock. It's a really useful practice to know all the aspects of your business and even more so with utilitarian objects. When the studio is empty I just turn on ABC radio and enjoy the rhythm of roll-glazing or finishing the pieces in the spray booth. Packing the kiln becomes an experience as you try and fit as many objects in as possible.

Most of the load from the Saturday evening firing. Workbench courtesy of my grandfather.

I thought it might be interesting for you to see actually how much Bison can fit into a kiln and how it looks as it comes out. I actually fired this load until 9.30pm on Saturday evening and unloaded it Sunday about noon. The pieces are stacked on the workbench (actually from my grandfather's toolshed) and then allocated or taken in to our Canberra store. They are often still warm from the firing and I love to see the expression on people's faces when they realise they are still cooling. We pride ourselves on our quality and our loss rate can be as low as 2 - 3 percent.

Bottom shelf of kiln. Illustrates how we pack the load.

Photos: Brian Tunks

Pierre Cardin meets Raquel Welch

2011-09-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Well...this post can't be blamed on the influence of full moon, nor any childhood trauma or repressed memories. It's simply that when the Lord of the Dance meets Raquel Welch (and two backup dancers in alfoil onesies) it's hard not to keep watching. The props (other than the practical outfit worn by Raquel) really suit the camera work. I have no idea if Pierre Cardin actually designed this ensemble... it just strikes me as something he would have created. That is before he discovered the joys of multi-tier licensing and branded everything from bathmats to hairpieces. If zooming camera work makes you edgy I'd suggest viewer caution. It's a little bit of 1970's paradise and a whole lot of medication. Steady your nerves with a chaser and let the music transport you...

Jillian Leiboff...Life through the lens.

2011-09-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Many photographers have a particular 'look' to their work. People often have a specific aesthetic which they recreate, despite having a different subject, when they take images. You can notice this if you read magazines ( as I do voraciously! ) as often the same photographers work on the same titles. Sometimes the relationship can extend further to the point where a particular stylist will only work with 'their' photographer/s. The consequence of this is clearly beautiful images but it can also be somewhat difficult for them to evolve or operate more individually. This is definitely not the case with Jillian Leiboff.

Jillian came into my Sydney store over a year ago. She took some absolutely stunning images which created a furore among a number of bloggers. Her ability to capture the 'heart' of the subject, along with putting some of her own in, makes her work irresistible. With a passport clearly running out of pages she traverses the globe and sends back images which place you directly within the perspective of her lens. I have borrowed three of her images below. I chose them (not only because of the Bison milk bottle!) because they highlight to me the purity of her focus. We bonded over a love of colour and her subtle layering of tones is really refreshing. I'm sure we'll see a lot more of her work in the future. If I'm really lucky she may even bake me something!

Fashion Crossover

2011-08-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yes...I know this campaign has been around since Autumn (European Spring) but this ranks as one my all-time favourite videos. Miuccia Prada is one of those rare beings who translates the 'mood' of fashion as if she's riding the crest of a design wave. If you look closely in this shoot you'll see the references to stripes and nautical themes as dominant motifs. Dig a little further and you'll observe that she blends almost nauseatingly busy patterns (like the banana frenzy on shirts and skirts!) with baroque style glasses.

Take a casual wander around any shopping centre in Australia and look in the windows. You'll see almost the exact same tones and stripes supposedly created by Australian 'designers'. If you then take a further look at larger chain stores it will be clear that the proliferation of a seasonal 'look' can stretch as far as dinnerware and bed linen. I'm already over the stripes as it takes a tall lanky soul to carry that off well. Poorly done and you run the risk of resembling one of those paint colour swatches with horizontal blocks of colour. Maybe I'm just a frustrated fashion designer...then again, maybe not!

Canberra Calling

2011-08-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

This woman is serious about a makeover!

Some people say that a change is as good as a holiday. I personally think a makeover is a more stimulating prospect and I have set my sights on our Canberra store. We have been in Pialligo for nearly seven years and it's high time for a lick of paint and some new pictures. I do miss the family of geese which, although quite feral towards some people, waddled daily from their creek down to the river. At night I often see rabbits outside the studio playing 'torture the gardener' and furtively chowing down on freshly planted spring blooms.

When you make ceramics kiln firing cycles never imitate the daily grind of nine-to-five. They often necessitate late evening dashes to turn off a rushed firing with a dinner set for a wedding, or props for a magazine shoot due the next day. Away from the hum of the city you get this sense of calm and solitude which is a truly rare gift. On any given night you can drive down Beltana Road past nurseries and a parade of peacocks. They insolently stop traffic as they stare down drivers in this strange sylvan setting.

After my wistful description of Pialligo I completely neglected to mention we are holding our last sale for the year in Canberra. It is extended until this coming Sunday (Father's Day!) as my painters are delayed by a week! If you'd like to come, or have friends who would be interested, please feel free to send this on to them. I'm looking forward to introducing some new forms as the year progresses... who can tell what you'll see there!

Natural Blonde!

2011-08-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes themed parties can get very messy. People can get the fashion entirely wrong. For example, they may wear their best 'Summer of Love' chic to a 70's party. I went to our Cancer Fundraising Ball at Parliament House on Saturday night. We raised a large amount of money for cancer research and had over 550 people of all ages dancing to 1970's disco anthems. My aplogies for the lack of postings the past three days. We will resume normal transmission tomorrow...stay tuned.

Please enjoy the absolute vision that was myself in my Studio 54 outfit. I must the admit the blonde afro wig was more Sideshow Bob than Boogie Nights. The vintage polyester shirt proved a hit but felt like a vegetable steamer after thirty minutes of dancing. There was a sensational vest to highlight the shirt but it remains hidden under the safari jacket...designed by yours truly!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Illuminati

2011-08-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

Coral and Twig Chandelier

I think my title refers more to the fact that we are illuminated by lighting rather than by the Illuminati! I was sitting in my kitchen this evening climbing up a ladder trying to replace a fried halogen bulb. It takes considerable skill to balance precariously on a short ladder whilst prizing out a recalcitrant ceiling fitting. As you sway back and forth it looks more like a medicated version of the cirque du soleil as you wave your arms and pivot for a better grip. I was inspired to look at some lighting after this bit of home handiwork. I thought the above chandelier would look amazing in an ice blue room with lime-washed floorboards. I then went further and found the Salt & Pepper light featured on an Etsy store. It kind of works in a mad scientist meets collector sort of a way. It would fit seamlessly set against a scene for Metropolis for example.

Salt & Pepper Repurposed Lighting

The last image is one I'm very familiar with. My Sydney and Melbourne stores both have three lovely green enamelled shades hanging in the centre of the space. They all actually came from the old armaments factory in Sydney and have languished in a decaying shed for decades. I cleaned them up and love the fact they have the occasional spot of rust or corrosion on them. There's something real and inviting about them, as if they've been witness to the labours of our forebears. They also look really sleek in a large industrial space. Far more honest than the cheap imitations you see at the furniture knockoff websites locally. As it's 1.30am I think we can say 'lights out' for today!

Vintage Industrial Shades from USA. 1930's

Nunc est Bibendum (Now is the time to drink!)

2011-08-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

This latin term is attributed to Horace (Odes: 1.XXXVII.1) but actually was the slogan of a failed advertising proposal for a German beer company. The Michelin brothers modified the illustration by Marius Rossillion to resemble a figure made from a stack of tyres. The theory was that his tyres would drink up any obstacles on the road! One of my readers mentioned to me that Michelin House turned 100 this past January. It's amazing to think of the longevity of the Michelin trademark and their instantly recognisable rotund white character. Apparently tyres were initially white or pale grey until about 1912. After this point additives (including carbon) changed the colour of the rubber to black but the logo remained unchanged. I love the icon and the association between tyres and imbibing. I wonder if our officers of the law would view this as a healthy union?

Michelin House London.

If you are in London this year the Bibendum restaurant at Michelin House is running a series of special events. It's also a great spot for a bit of people watching! www.bibendum.co.uk

From here to Peternity

2011-08-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

Bridal outfit tastefully designed for 'Pickles'.

For those of us who love our pets the above image begs the question... how far is too far? I think this post offers me some diversion after a day of packing two kilns and planning new designs. I'm always amazed how people can focus so much of their affection towards their pets. One friend suggested to me that this is a form of emotional transference as we are becoming isolated in our communities more than ever before. I actually view this (as I am also guilty as charged!) as a sense of deriving value from being needed. For those of us without children it's a slippery slope before we end up crocheting unitards for a dog called Pickles.

Another victim of an over-zealous knitter!

I'm not really sure how this post came about. I know it's a departure from my normal style but I think we all need a bit of artistic license occasionally. I promise that tomorrow I'll revert to form and try and be more grown up. Still, there's a part of me that finds these images both disturbing and mildly fascinating. Maybe it's time for a bex and a nap.

A fitting tribute to the end of the Harry Potter Franchise.

Cruelty Free

2011-08-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Inky 8 Months (Belgian Shepherd: Groenendal)

I had some news on Friday night from someone very close to me. She told me her two-year-old weimaraner pup had run out her front drive in Brighton and was hit by a speeding driver. Speeding aside, the issue that disgusts me is that they drove off with no concern for the damage they left behind. Luckily Henry is made of tough stuff and managed to escape with a broken leg and a veterinary bill which looks like a phone number. I can scarcely imagine how these 'animals' would treat their children if they have such disdain for life and responsibility. One of the charities I strongly support is the RSPCA. I found my other Belgian Shepherd (Claude) there quivering in the back of a cage after being abandoned twice. I would like to imagine we live in a world with a conscience and thankfully the work of animal charities goes part-way to restoring that belief.

Photo: Inky being shamelessly exploited as model for the Bison 'Beastro' Series. David Plummer

Bauer Bird

2011-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Bauer Pitchers. Collection: Brian Tunks

Some fourteen years ago I saw a book on Bauer Pottery (1885 - 1962) from the US. As many of you would be aware, it was a range that gained enormous popularity specifically during the early to mid-twentieth Century. Bauer was originally produced in Kentucky and later moved the main studio to Los Angeles. This synchronised nicely with the growth of brands such as Franciscan and Catalina Pottery on the West Coast. What Bauer did for pottery was to introduce seasonal ranges in bright consistent colours. I was given a book by my partner which highlighted the role of colour and diversity of forms manufactured by this company. This was a pivotal point in making my decision to establish Bison.

I have a good collection of their work and owe a debt of gratitude to 'Andy' Bauer and Victor Houser. He was instrumental in introducing the American market to a collection which was artisanal in nature but had utilitarian appeal. They employed a number of production methods and stamped the bases of most of their pieces with 'Bauer USA'. I particularly love their ring series which, although not a complex design, has a nostalgic appeal. Many designers fail to acknowledge the influences of earlier artists who in-turn inspired their work. Considering that we have an archaeological record for clay vessels stretching back numerous millennia, it seems disingenuous to deny their influence and legacy.

Souffle Pots. Collection: Brian Tunks

Photos: Brian Tunks

The Sand Beast

2011-08-18T08:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight's post is a strange fusion between kinetic art and engineering. The Dutch Designer (Theo Jansen) has this sense he is creating another life form. A life form he hopes will evolve and move of its own volition. Quite a beautiful and fascinating video really . The long bleak wintery coastline sets the tone for his creations to roam. Propelled by wind and momentum you almost get the sense they are like crabs scuttling along a beach. Should you wish to view more on his fascinating work simply go to YouTube and google his name.

Origami Frenzy

2011-08-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

Origami Yoda....Hmmmm!

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away....... No, I don't think the Jedi Knights were enamoured with origami, but I certainly am. To have the patience to fold for an eternity and just focus on the form must be quite calming. (Or it's simply a type of regression therapy!) I thought I'd take a small sample and start with an item made from paper. Next we'll explore several other media which develop the concept further. When you consider the amazing ingenuity of Japanese packaging it's no small wonder that origami has such global appeal.

Wedding Dress by John Galliano for Dior 1997.

Apart from the intricacy of the construction of this gown by Galliano for Dior, I'd be more concerned about being buried by an oriental avalanche! Talent is one thing but I couldn't see the bridal waltz ending well. Then again genius is not meant to be constrained by conformity (or comfort as well in this case).

'Hana' (flower) table. Luxuo.com

The above image illustrates the incorporation of an origami motif within the construction of a table. Elegant and classic, it would sit equally well in a modernist home or public space. I think the simplicity of the petals and the way they fall make this piece really charming. My conclusion is that I'd prefer the table to Yoda, and that although beautiful, the dress takes origami kitsch to a whole new level.

Greenware

2011-08-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

Vessels thrown by Principal Potter Leanne Percival

When you work in a studio making pieces daily it's easy to forget the simple of beauty of the clay we use. When it comes out of it's pack we run it through a pug mill to extract impurities and air. We end up with a long grey sausage which we cut in to lengths to work with. The potter then determines the weight of the clay necessary to produce each piece. On a day where the business of running a design company can overwhelm you, it's truly relaxing to watch an object take form on the wheel. There's something about the noise as it rotates and the gentle metamorphosis of a ball of clay.

Every single piece we work with has so much thought behind the form and the colours we use. It's also quite calming to stand alone at the end of the day and see how the sheen of moisture on the thrown clay pieces evaporates. A satin exterior remains and over some four to six days it dries by the action of the air. As I'm writing this post I do recall the stench of rising damp and a low thud coming from my kiln recently. That was the consequence of an overly keen worker (myself) firing vessels which still had moisture trapped inside them. As well as the successes I promise to show you some of these 'unfortunate consequences' in a future entry.

Drying Greenware in our Canberra studio.

Photos: Brian Tunks

On Safari !

2011-08-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Veruschka von Lehndorff in Safari Chic!

Well peoples, I have decided to go over to the dark side. Yes... I'm about to moonlight as a fashion designer. I've always said it would be easier to make cushions than dinner sets so here's another twist. I have an amazing fashionista (Gloria Grady) who makes bespoke clothing for mainly female clients. I think I'm one of the only men she would ever rev her Husqvarna for. Seriously, I have always loved clothing tailored to fit you. It's such a ritual getting your measurements taken and selecting the fabric. You can even style the type of pockets and buttons to customise your garments. I guess this comes back to my premise of supporting designers and manufacturers who actually have tangible input towards the finished product.

I'm seeing Gloria tomorrow and the jacket should be ready in ten days time. Fully lined and tailored within a millimetre of perfection... just how I like it. Stay tuned for further updates.

Safari jacket pattern. Probable 1970's.

Shaker Furniture

2011-08-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com

My obvious affinity with Danish furniture and design makes the simplicity of the Shaker Movement equally desirable. It draws on the religious followers in The USA referred to as "The Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing'. One of the central tenets to this faith was the creation of communities where Shaker furniture was designed and made. It's purity of form and sense of restraint was supposedly a reflection of the piety and simplicity which these people applied to their faith. I'd be a very happy little convert indeed if someone promised me a house full of this refined style of furniture. Abstinence and a life of co-operative living was yours for the taking... oh, and lots of woodworking to keep your mind off the abstinence part!

For the greater part of the 19th Century the 'Shaking Quakers' (so-called owing to their extreme movements and trances during services) lived in some nineteen communities in the Northern USA. Their forms were more akin to the style of Hepplewhite and they focused their attention on the quality of the pieces they produced. It's a shame those same standards were not carried forward to the vast majority of contemporary furniture producers. I guess it's a case of economic pragmatism versus idealism. Still, I'd proudly wear the black and white garb and even learn to dovetail joints. That is if someone promised to make me a settee like the one shown above.

Image courtesy of northwoodschairshop.com

Oven Fresh

2011-08-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

Each morning we unload our glaze firings in the Bison studio. It's always a great moment as I'm quite often not sure which pieces or colours have gone through. An early post illustrated racks of drying greenware (thrown, slipped or pressed pieces which air dry before their first firing). The glaze firing is the final step in the production phase. After the kiln has reached temperatures well in excess of 1200 degrees Celsius we allow it to cool gradually. This prevents dunting or cracking from damaging the pieces. It also allows the glaze to have that velvet-like finish we are known for.

Sometimes we'll see a dinner set order go through in it's entirety. When that happens the colours can look really beautiful together in the kiln. People can spend a lot of time with their choice of colour for place settings. We then unload the kiln (a great job to do on a freezing Canberra morning!) and take the pieces inside the store for quality control and allocation. It seems a long process to get from wet clay to a finished item. We actually have to combine business acumen together with great design and scientific precision to make every piece in our collection. My team (and yes...myself!) all love the challenges this raises. After all, our Bison legacy will hopefully be similarly excavated in the millennia to come.

Photo: Brian Tunks

Haunting versus Melancholy

2011-08-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I mentioned the hauntingly beautiful holographic presentation by Alexander McQueen at his 'Brides of Culloden' (Fall/Winter) 2006 show. It featured a spectacular couture gown, Kate Moss, and the musical talents of The Future Sound of London. It is a rare gift to see a creative genius successfully combine so many design elements so faultlessly. Working in the design industry I get to attend a large number of events and launches. Frequently these are huge events with massive budgets. Unfortunately often they lack a clear concept or and coherent style direction.

The fusion of technology with fashion and music is theatre of the best variety. It assuages the senses on a number of levels and can engage with very diverse audiences. After a week which has been anything but 'serene' I thought you may enjoy this elegantly melancholy video. So please sit back. Ensure your tray tables are in the upright position and enjoy your flight!

Music: 'Everyone in the world is doing something without me'. (2006 Edit) Future Sound of London.

N.B: Please excuse the Spelling in the caption on the video....not my handiwork!

14 Days and Counting

2011-08-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is a short post as I have suddenly realised I have just over 14 days until our fundraising ball kicks off at Parliament House in Canberra. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation does some amazing work in terms of funding pure research . In addition we have arranged some seriously covetable prizes for the silent auction on the night. It never ceases to amaze me how generous small and mid-size businesses can be even during difficult times.

If you would like to see what the ACRF do then have a look at their website. www.acrf.com.au . In the meantime I have tabletops to dress and style; prizes to collect, guests to confirm, performers to book flights for, find a babysitter, organise my mother's 70'th birthday the following weekend, and find an outfit for a partner who wants to go in theme (70's disco) but doesn't want to look silly! Suggestions anyone...???????

I may even see you at Parliament House on Saturday August 27th...your name's on the door, so what are you waiting for!

Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol, Jerry Hall and Friend at Studio 54

Mirror Mirror...

2011-08-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Olivia Wilde as The Evil Queen by Annie Leibowitz 2011 with magic mirror

Mirror mirror... well, you know the rest. How many times do we surreptitiously glance at the mirror as we race out the door? Do you use shop windows to make sure you haven't got your jumper on the wrong way around? Have you ever peeked in a mirror and used it to look at someone across a room? No, this isn't meant to sound a like a bad Barbara Cartland synopsis, rather it's just an observation on how entrenched they are as objects in our culture. Many mirrors have been recovered from antiquity so we know they are not a recent addition to our design world. In fact, they also populate the world of literature with remarkable frequency.

To most of us they are objects which bring a sense of completion to a room. They can make a small space appear larger, and even allow a fireplace to appear more stately. Along with the heartbeat of a grandfather clock they are one of the pivotal pieces I can't be without. I have recently come across Miguel Meirelles in Malvern. This antique store in Melbourne has an astonishing collection of mirrors (and antiques) and a distinguished pedigree in restoration. If gilding is your thing then look no further. His eighteenth and nineteenth century pieces, along with fantastic natural fading in the glass, are well worth the visit. www.meirelles.com.au.

I think this early 1900's French sunburst-style mirror is exceptional.

Morning Fresh

2011-08-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Photo: Luc Remond

Before I start on today's entry I need to announce that we have a clever sleuth who solved my question from Sunday. The response from Georgie Hambrook was absolutely correct. The item in question was my Onkaparinga dressing gown. The reference to plumbing was the piping on the edge of the fabric...

Now let's gaze upon another shot from the series Luc Remond took of my pieces in his kitchen last year.

It's hard as a designer to step back from the vessels you create and shoot them in an original way every time it's required. Sometimes it takes another person's perspective and styling to give a completely fresh feel to a collection. I welcome seeing how Bison can look stacked up in a kitchen or on an industrial table. I actually walked past a home yesterday (as I was taken for a run by my Belgian shepherds) and saw one of my droplet vases sitting on a windowsill. It was full of large blooms and the setting looked so congenial. You tend to lose perspective that other people actually value your work and really (thankfully!) use it. In any case, the image taken by Luc is so clean and inviting I just had to share it. Enjoy!

What am I ?

2011-08-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Tonight's post is brought to you by an item which has vanished from my life a long time ago. It's also a brand name which many of you would recognise. Some of us would claim it made Sunday evening more comfortable to watch Disneyland. You could also play with the attachments on this object. It came in several colours and often had something related to plumbing on the edge. It could be used to smuggle chocolates or biscuits into your bedroom at night. Winter was the best time to have this comforting item in close proximity. It lives on in another object which many of us still have in our homes. The name of the company is really difficult to say when missing several teeth!

Clues follow:

Great to have close when sitting here

Always an asset when watching this

I may be comprised of this

I'm not the only brand that starts with this.

For those of you who think you know the answer... let me know your thoughts. Otherwise I'll have the solution to this quiz tomorrow evening.

Birds of a Feather

2011-08-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Interzine.com

I thought after my strongly worded post yesterday that we could examine the wonderful world of feathers. No, not the common garden-variety found in doonas around the globe. Not even the type which featured so heavily in the fascinators women would wear to church in the country of my childhood. We could view three varied examples which illustrate the roles this natural avian product has come to occupy. Firstly... the use of feathers in interior decoration cannot be underestimated. Whether reflected in images on walls, or fringing on cushions, it represents a form of glamourous comfort. When we look at the lamp shown above it says more about opulence (and probably Baroque accessories) than the fact that it has between 2000 - 4000 goose or rooster quills in the shade.

Montezuma's Ceremonial Headdress. Courtesy ANU.

Last year I saw the headdress of Montezuma in the Museum of National Anthropology in Mexico City. He was the ruler of Tenochtitlan from 1502 - 1520 AD. Here the feathers have a religious significance and also represented divine rule. The fact that the colours were so extraordinary would have made it difficult to overshadow his presence.

This leads us to our last image of a ball gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen 2011. This gown was worn at the Annual Met Ball in New York by socialite and fashion patron Daphne Guinness. Here the image shows such breathtaking beauty and decadence in the profusion of feathers that it almost overshadows the wearer. The mastery of McQueen's petite mains (little hands) would have been truly tested in fastening such a complex piece together. The fact that many birds (and Dita Von Teese) use brightly coloured feathers as a form of sexual allure would make for interesting discussion. Maybe another time...

Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen Met Ball 2011

Binge and Purge

2011-08-06T06:38:00.000-07:00

Stock Market ASX Board Friday August 5th 2011

As the world teeters on the edge of a recurring financial abyss I was tempted to reflect on the current parallels in Australian retail. If you take a hefty dose of ambien and go to any large-scale shopping mall you'll be greeted by some frighteningly familiar scenarios. Sparkling shrines to Mammon filled with enough glass and plastic bling to bring tears to the eyes of Ali Baba. Faux wooden parquetry flooring (bleached of course) paired with reconstituted stone sheeting on walls and entrances. Generic stores with advertising campaigns (with 'exclusivity' in the byline) while in the centre around the corner the same brand in the same configuration sells the same products. One would think marketers have mistaken consumers for lemmings!

If the image of 'The Emperors New Clothes' springs to mind I don't think you'd be far from the core of our retail woes. Campaign directors would prefer we sat poised on the fence between consumerism and gluttony in order to perpetuate the traditional cycle of expansion. What is abundantly clear is that we are looking to reconnect to quality and also the provenance of the pieces we purchase. We have been sold so much 'stuff' that our heaving closets and shelves of celebrity cookbooks literally make us question whether we have a psychological disorder.

I have never meant this blog to be a political soapbox but I feel so vindicated by the fact that people are turning back to the traditional arts and crafts in droves In a world of lightening-fast technology it's allowing us to express individuality, a form of social currency in a retail environment where true choice is being stripped away. I'm sure that the brave new world we are entering will be a place where small-scale design enterprises will have a greater legacy than the anonymous mega-chains we see today.

The Napoleonic Bee

2011-08-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

We have a set of 18 water glasses with a simple raised bee motif repeated on the exterior. They are elegant and economical in their simplicity. While these pieces came from Mosaique Imports in Sydney I thought it would be interesting to look at the significance behind the bee motif. Quite often we see objects in daily life which have layers of meaning attached to things such as coats of arms or a Latin motto. The placement of an animal on a heraldic shield quite often signified a special relationship between the characteristics of a species or the flora of a region. Sometimes, as with Constantine the Great ( 272 - 337 AD) he used icons like the labarum to affirm the fusion of faiths (pagan and christian) to his political will.

The bee has the dual values of resurrection and immortality. Napoleon had strategically chosen to use this motif as a means to legitimise and fuse his reign to that of the earliest rulers of France. Sources in the 17th Century found Cicadas (Golden Bees) in the tomb of Childeric the 1st, founder of the Merovingians in 457AD. Homewares designers around the globe 'gain inspiration' from historical periods and styles. It filters down through fabric throws, bathroom towels, down to vases and stationary. All I know is that my glasses have survived the rigors of my dishwasher and they have the added benefit of being beautifully proportioned. Vive la republique!

Top image: La Rochere water glass and tumbler.

Bison on Sunset Boulevard

2011-08-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

Re-purposed timber features at Hemingway & Pickett

The good news is we've had a busy month working on new designs and getting ready for the coming spring /summer. The bad news is now we have to make even more pieces in our collection. I also need to do extensive testing before we launch them in-store. (Speaking of which... if you are after the new fågel pitchers they sold out in days in both Melbourne and Sydney. We have some left in Canberra but I promise I'm making more). We also sent some stock to a great new store in Los Angeles called Hemingway & Pickett. In keeping with all things historical this innovative store is located on Sunset Boulevard. Their website lists their trading hours and location: hemingwayandpickett.com

Toby Hemingway spoke with me nearly a year ago about his idea for an eclectic but polished space in LA. If you look at his website you'll see he packs some seriously green credentials. He designed and built his space using recycled timber to great effect. At Bison we also aim to try and reduce our impact in terms of resource usage and longevity of our pieces. It's always encouraging to see others who draw on that same energy for environmental (as well as design) sustainability. He also carries some very chilled collectible pieces in his store. This would go a long way to calming down those angst-riddled producer types. Drop in say hello. Tell them Brian sent you!

Wooden counter face made using recycled pallets

Images courtesy of Hemingway & Pickett

Renovator Challenge

2011-08-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

After watching an episode of 'The Renovators' this evening I was tempted to see where they sourced their furnishings from. I should have realised the huge Freedom Furniture credit at the conclusion of the show was the cause for my concern. I don't know how you would respond to the 'decorate or perish' principle of this series but you have to admire their chutzpah. That being said I have given myself a challenge where I have 10 minutes to find five objects which I would put together in a blank room. I will hop on Etsy and Ebay (as opposed to Harvey Norman, Domayne, et al!) to find my bursts of inspiration. Wish me luck... (sound of ticking watch)..."Mr Tunks. Your time starts Now!"

Mid-20th Century Danish Piece

1950's Manners Poster from USA

Vintage chairs with painted fabric

Emerald Green Bottle. Probable 1960's

Danish 1970's wooden footed bowl

After being told to put down our tools this is the chaotic mix I have pulled together. The Mid-20th Century chest of drawers would look great with the poster above it. The green ceramic flask would sit to the right of the poster with the wooden vintage (also Danish!) bowl slightly to the left of the vessel. Finally... one of the re-upholstered and hand-decorated chairs would sit angled (to the left) by the chest of drawers. Now... if only I had used my time more wisely I could have fitted in a graphic rug and and an industrial lamp. Bigger and better to come oh readers!

Vroom Vroom

2011-07-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

I guess you are looking at this going 'he's thrown us a curve ball this evening!' Well... despite my focus on fashion and flora I'd like to draw your attention to the sleek lines of the Carmen Ghia. I have a barely suppressed Pavlovian response every time one of these classic autos purrs past me. My father had a red MG when he was a young man and I'm afraid I've never possessed the typical 'sports car'. We did have neighbours in Albert Park who drove a vintage gold Mercedes with their stuffed pet cat in tow. I never quite understood the cat in the car bit but I assume it looked better than a hat in the rear window.

In a nutshell the Carmen Ghia (sounds like rollers my mother used!) was designed in the mid 1950's. Also called the Karmann Ghia they were originally produced by Volkswagen in Germany and later Brazil. They were out of production by 1974 but their distinctive silver brand is easy to spot. They were a transition towards luxury cars after the recovery from World War 2. To me they represent a time where optimism in the future was strong and the domestic architecture of the period was free of the strictures of rationing. In my humble opinion it sure beats a Commodore with fluffy dice !

Cool Beauty

2011-07-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

Next to my home is this wonderful old Japanese maple. It signals the changing of the seasons like clockwork and showers me in autumn with a red blanket of discarded foliage. In spring filtered light bathes the room with a soft green hue as leaves emerge. The sense of continuity and comfort is the key to it's significance. After twenty years plus in the one home you see a pattern in the neighbourhood which is repeated every season. You also know when to feed the magpies on your footpath so they don't swoop the dogs (or yourself!).

This image was taken this morning after another night of minus five degrees. The garden was cloaked with a dusting of white crystals which vanished as soon as the sun's rays hit them. My Japanese maple stood like a quiet sentinel outside my home and I shot this frame as I looked up at a cool blue sky. It almost appeared that the branches were mapping out the formation of crystals themselves. If you look closely at the image you can see the first buds forming. It looks like I'll have a completely different photo opportunity shortly.

Flow Chart

2011-07-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Zipper8Design

Inspiration is a fickle mistress. One moment you are basking in the warmth of a splendid design revelation...the next in a morass of impracticality. Today's post is a 'how to' guide from my somewhat fragmented approach to building a collection. The set of three images have no bearing in terms of chronology or location, but they clearly have a singular theme. One comes today from Etsy.com from New York while the second image is the cover of Vogue Italia from April 1991 (Steven Meisel). Our final shot is a spiny lizard who illustrates to us that the forms we incorporate into fashion and design can have a very primal origin. I don't know how many crocodiles or ostriches would fancy ending up as a Hermes handbag!

Sorry about the poor quality scan.

My point is that how we interpret what we see is such a personal thing. How our recollections and exposure to images stimulate associations could explain how we reference designs subconciously. What I do know is that I'm a voracious consumer of magazines and a keen viewer of The Simpsons. That may be more of an indicator of a mid-life crisis however than an indicator of any great artistic bent.

The Final Verdict

2011-07-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

After showing you the original model for this vessel I thought it would be good to see the final product. This small 'flock' of fågel pitchers was shot today in the Canberra studio. It's hard to imagine the finished piece when you see a line drawing and a mess of changes scribbled across a page . When we actually reach that point it's a great feeling (accompanied by a good dose of nerves) as we open the test kiln. Sometimes the colours and shapes we trial are anything but desirable, but they are a stepping stone. With some forms I simply start with a word, 'fertile' for example, and watch how this evolves to become a series of organic vases.

Our greatest problem (if you could call it that) is that a flood of concepts often follow after a successful shape comes to fruition. I'm thankful every day that the longer I'm in this business the more fulfillment it provides me. After all... how many people do you know who get to play in clay and colour for a living?

Photo: Brian Tunks

Introducing the Fågel Pitcher

2011-07-27T08:44:00.000-07:00

When we make pieces in our studio we draw on the heritage of thousands of years of collective knowledge and practical experience. I have shards of Mesopotamian, Hellenistic and Ottoman pottery, which all would have influenced the work we produce today. From the pressing of our logo in the foot of every piece, to the application of the sprig mold on various forms, the talent of my staff is supported by techniques past down and modernised over numerous millennia. We employ three forms of production to manufacture our range. Hand-thrown vessels are crafted on the wheel, a hydraulic press makes plates, and we slip cast to produce forms that are not in the round. The above Fågel Pitcher is made using the latter process.

Fågel is actually Swedish for 'bird.' If you look at the angle of the spout and the form of the beak you can clearly see its genesis. The pitcher is a new form we have just finished testing and the photo shows the shape at the model stage before we start making molds to pour from. Each piece is removed and cleaned by hand and then we manipulate the 'beak' to create a lovely angle for the spout. Up to sixteen pairs of hands touch every piece on its path from raw clay to finished item. With this level of complexity maybe I would have been better off designing cushions!

Vale: Margaret Olley

2011-07-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Sad news today with the death of the revered Australian artist Margaret Olley. Her still-life works often captured the warmth and light of her home in Paddington, and she was still painting in her 88th year. I had seen her numerous times at social events or openings in Sydney. You always wish in retrospect you'd gone up and introduced yourself and discussed the motivation for her choice of colours. Maybe she would have been cantankerous or intensely private, but I guess now I'll never know. One undeniable fact is the impact her body of work will have on future generations of aspiring artists... or those who'll simply find quiet solace in her brushstrokes.

I admire her courage during a stiflingly conservative period. Travelling to East Sydney Tech (from Lismore via Brisbane) to study, she eventually became the subject for William Dobell's winning entry in the Archibald Prize of 1948 . This was followed up by Ben Quilty's entry in 2011. There's a wonderful resonance with her life. It starts with her exploration of painting in Sydney and her close friendships with some of Australia's brightest artistic luminaries. She became one of our great benefactors to the arts. Her donations to The Art Gallery of NSW and The MCA built upon her own legacy as much as they reflect the talents of many other notable artists. Rest well.

Prints Charming

2011-07-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

I was watching 'The Renovators' this evening and agreed when Robyn Holt said to one of the contestants that her room needed artwork on the walls. In order to breathe life in to a neutral space you require 'colour and movement' on large surface areas. If you haven't got a spare $40000.00 for a Minnie Pearl painting then perhaps collectible vintage posters are worth a look. I swear that if I glimpse another feature wall with heavily patterned wallpaper I'll escape to the hills! Back to posters... have you ever purchased them online, or does the worry of buying fakes scare you off?

I have obtained them from sellers all around the world (even in markets in Havana) and have yet to be disappointed. Regardless of subject I tend to find the best format is approximately 90cm x 128cm . This seems to be the standard for a number of prints from the 1950's and they frame up beautifully. As you saw with my earlier post on Asterix and Obelix they can change the mood of a room simply by the use of context. Vintage product or brand posters tend to be very simple in their message and often used bold colour and font. In modern homes (where warmth tends to be seen as public enemy number one!) they enliven a space and make a great conversation piece. Considering they can range from several hundred dollars upwards, posters make a viable option to start a collection.

The two last images come from Galerie Montmartre in Melbourne. www.galeriemontmartre.com. They have an amazing collection for sale and possess the rare ability to discuss the provenance and style of the works.