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Sep 06 1 comments

Venice Biennale 2010.

Photographs if the Hungarian Pavilion Patricia Parinejad. Beautiful installation using humble wood pencils. Love.

The 12th International Architecture Exhibition is being held until 21st November 2010 at the Giardini and at the Arsenale, and in various other venues in Venice. Entitled ‘People meet in Architecture’, the participating 48 international firms, architects, engineers and artists are illustrating their positions regarding the interaction of new social and natural environments.

The Venice Biennale has for over a century been one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world. Established in 1895, the Biennale has an attendance today of over 370,000 visitors at the Art Exhibition.

This year the 12th International Architecture Exhibition is directed by Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA (she is also this year’s Pritzker Prize winner… this may be inappropriate, but she is my intellectual girl crush material). As the first female director of Venice’s architecture biennale, Sejima’s intention is to explore the relationship between architecture and new lifestyles and values in society. “The idea is to help people relate to architecture, to help architecture relate to people, and to help people relate to themselves… In the end, we would be happy if, thanks to this exhibition, we could feel where our society might be going, what dreams the future might hold for us” said Sejima.

For more information visit the Biennale’s website, or follow the videos via YouTube uploader at Biennale Channel.

Here’s a pick of some of my favourite pavilions and installations this year.

I wish I was going dammit. Has anyone ever been to the Venice Biennale? Is it amazing? Must be.

Floating Croatian pavilion was based on the idea of Mirage, a naturally occurring optical phenomenon in which light rays are bent to produce a displaced image of distant objects or the sky. Pavilion was designed by a group of 14 leading Croatian architects, who have made the recent Croatian architecture visible on the global scene.

“Cloud Spaces“ by Transsolar + Tetsuo Kondo, a delicate steel ramp onto which visitors walk up high into the space through a cloud of saturated air and condensation droplets.

Lisbon firm Aires Mateus Architects are exhibiting these houses with sandy floors, photographed by Nelson Garrido. Called Casa Areia, the project comprises seaside accommodation made of wooden frames covered in natural fibres. Sand covers the floor in the kitchen and living space, connecting them to the beach and landscape outside. Bedrooms are housed in separate structures.

Toronto architect Philip Beesley has installed a forest of acrylic leaves that move as though breathing inside the Canada pavilion. Called Hylozoic Ground, the installation is covered in sensors, microprocessors, mechanical joints and filters.

Visitors to the Polish pavilion launch themselves off a pile of birdcages into a sea of artificial clouds. Called Emergency Exit, the installation by Agnieszka Kurant and Aleksandra Wasilkowska consists of empty metal cages stacked up to form the jumping platform, smoke machines and a neon sign spelling out ‘Emergency Exit’. The pavilion was curated by Elias Redstone.

Blue-foam model city is suspended in the top half of the Dutch pavilion titled “Vacant NL”. The installation is curated by Rietveld Landscape and aims to highlight the potential of temporarily vacant government space for use by creative enterprises. Top right image shows a drawing created with threads and pins.

Visitors to the Romanian Pavilion are invited to experience the population density of Bucharest. A 94 square-meter box encloses most of the space inside the pavilion, with one person admitted to its interior at a time. Queueing visitors can glimpse the enclosed space through three peep holes in the gap between the enclosure and pavilion walls. The interior is illuminated by a large circular hole in its ceiling.

{via here, here and here}

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Aug 27 1 comments

design awesomeness, events, interior design

IDEA 2010 | Shortlisted Projects Announced.

Recognised by the design community as the country’s pre-eminent design awards program, Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) have been held annually since 2001. IDEA promotes and rewards recent work in interior design and product design across 14 different categories, and also recognises emerging young talent and designers whose work demonstrates exemplary sustainable objectives.

IDEA 2010 shortlist has been announced last week. Golly – there are LOADS of projects on the shortlist this year. Tis a bit overwhelming really – see the complete list here. Congratulations to all designers and practices who have had their projects shortlisted in this year’s awards, particularly to the IDEA Gold Medal Award nominees. Fantastic effort everyone – it is seriously good to see so many brilliant projects by our super clever local designers. Australia’s got talent, and I’m not even talking about the TV show. Winners will be announced at the IDEA gala party, which will be held in Sydney in November 2010.

I thought I’d share with you a selection of my favourite projects in their respective categories.

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Major Commercial Interior over 1000m2.

Host by WHO Design. Seriously – how hot is this project? Is it just me? Nah, it can’t be – it’s smokin’! Designed by David Whittaker and Todd Hammond, who I met just the other day which was really nice. Hi Todd! You may also recall that I blogged about this project right here. It was also the cause of my little rant about the lack of good commercial design in our industry. Ok, I’m calling it – this is my favourite nominated project this year. It gets a yellowtrace star (I think I may have just made up an award). Photography by Marcus Clinton.

Goods Shed North by BVN Architecture. Photography by Peter Clarke, Anson Smart.

Best Event Design.

Schiavello Spring Racing Carnival Marquee 2009 by BVN Architecture. Photography by Kate Morris.

Best Hospitality Interior.

Outpost by Hecker Phelan & Guthrie. Photography by Thom Rigney.

Dundas & Faussett by Chris Connell Design. Photography by Ella Thomas.

Spice Temple by BatesSmart (Go Mark, Yiani and Herbee – the unstoppable team of three straight male interior designers. Sorry to stereotype here, but seriously – how rare is that?) Photography by Earl Carter.

Crown Metropol by BatesSmart. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

Hilton South Wharf – Joint Venture between Woods Bagot and NH Architecture. Photography by Trevor Mein.

Best Commercial Interior under 1000m2.

Leo Burnett by HASSELL. Photography by Brent Winstone.

MKT Office by Henry Francis Design. Photography by Andrew Richey.

Cornwell Studio by Woods Bagot with Hecker Phelan & Guthrie. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

Best Residential Interior – Multi Dwelling.

Albert Road Apartment by Jolson Corp. Photography by Jason Busch.

Elizabeth Street Sydney Apartment by BKH. Photography by Sharrin Rees.

Best Residential Interior – Single Dwelling.

St Kilda Residence by Carr Design Group. Photography by Derek Swalwell.

Cubby House by Edwards Moore. Oh yes, I blogged it right here. Photography by Peter Bennetts.

Golden Crust Bakery by Jackson Clements Burrows. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

Elm & Willow House by Architects EAT. Photography by Earl Carter.

Mary Residence by Matt Gibson Architecture + Design. Photography by Shannon McGrath.

Brent Knoll by March Studio. Photography by John Gollings.

Westwyck Unit 4 by Multiplicity. Photography by Emma Cross.

Perforated House by Kavellaris Urban Design (KUD). Photography by Peter Bennetts.

Best Product – Furniture.

Block 2 by Henry Pilcher. Ah-ma-zing!! Extreme love. Available from Anibou. Photography by Michelle Taylor.

Secede by Henry Pilcher. Photography by Bo Wong.

Quadrant Soft by Koskela – I blogged about it right here. Photography by Anson Smart.

Fill Bookshelf by Jon Goulder. Photography by Bo Wong.

Best Sustainable Product.

Glissando Credenza by Jon Goulder. Photography by Bo Wong.

Best Sustainable Project.

Seven Seeds by Breathe Architecture. Photography by Andrew Wuttke.

Bloodwood by Matt Woods – you may remember that I blogged about it right here. Photography by The Moment It Clicks, Will Reichelt.

Best Retail Interior.

Lisa Ho Queen Street by Nicholas and Alexandra. Photography by Terence Chin.

Lisa Ho Adelaide by Nicholas and Alexandra. Photography by Terence Chin.

Victor Churchill Fine Family Butcher by Dreamtime Australia Design. Photography by Paul Gosney.

Best Institutional Interior.

Surry Hills Library and Community Centre by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp.

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Aug 23 2 comments

design awesomeness, events

Jelly Mongers | Bompas & Parr.

Edible architecture – Foster’s iconic Gherkin building in the center of the table surrounded by delicious looking multi-coloured jelly.

Decadent black jellies and trifles dusted in gold – collaboration between Fiona Leahy (party planner extraordinaire) and Bompas & Parr. This black banquet was hosted as part of the London Design Festival.

Aphrodisiac jellies – GOLD!

Harry and Sam use jelly to craft replicas of boobies. Hilarious!!

Sam Bompas and Harry Parr. Bonkers.

What happens when you merge food, architecture and art? You get Bompas & Parr, a genius double act that believe that anything is possible. Sam Bompas and Harry Parr are London based 27-year-olds who have in short three years become famous for their jellies, their parties, and their wackiness. The ‘architectural food-smith’ duo design spectacular food experiences often working on an architectural scale with cutting edge technology.

With no formal training in catering (Bompas studied geography and Parr studied architecture), they decided to “do something fun for the summer”, which was initially going to be a jelly stand at Borough Market in London. Since 2007, the guys have created ‘Alcoholic Architecture’ – a walk in cloud of breathable G&T at a pop-up bar in Soho (gold!), scratch and sniff cinema, 2000-person architectural jelly food fight, a bowl of punch big enough to row a boat across and a massive glowing jelly installation for San Francisco MOMA.

Bompas & Parr has also worked with architects such as Foster + Partners and Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners. It’s fair to say that these boys have got it going on! And to top it all of, they look like they really know how to have fun.

Extreme love!

Funeral Jelly Installation – “As part of the Sensate: Bodies and Design exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Bompas & Parr created a glow in the dark funeral jelly installation. Guests were served glowing sherry jellies designed with motifs found at the San Francisco Columbarium. A jelly funeral march accompanied the jellies.”

Yummo. I don’t even like jelly that much, but this table looks delicious.

St Paul’s cathedral – I’m guessing this couldn’t have been too easy to make, even with a mold!

Jelly with Bompas & Parr – “The book begins with an overview of the history of jelly, from Henry VIII’s ‘jelly hippocras’ to the fantastic work of the Victorians. It then delves into the science of creating the perfect jelly, using the very best ingredients and techniques. An array of delicious recipes finally ennsure that you can enjoy everything from super-economical fruity delights to flights of the fantastic. With cutting edge design and photography, and an unparalleled insight into the subject. Published by Anova Books in June 2010.”

300 Dish Elizabethan Dessert Banquet. “Inspired by the majestic dessert banquet served to Queen Elizabeth I at Kenilworth in 1575, we created an elaborate 300 dish dessert banquet in the restored Elizabethan gardens. Sugar sculptures of the garden’s aviary; bear and staff motif; and central fountain were created using an array of specially produced moulds.”

Alcoholic Architecture – The UK’s first walk-in cocktail. “This installation saw Bompas & Parr create a walk-in cloud of breathable cocktail. Visitors donned protective suits before entering into a mist of vaporised gin and tonic which they imbibed through inhaling.”

Architectural Jelly Design Competition. (If you are wondering why these jellies look a little bit dodgy, that’s because the boys didn’t make them.) Bompas & Parr invited architects to design a jelly as part of the London Festival of Architecture 2008. The jellies were later displayed at the Architectural Jelly Banquet and the moulds auctioned off to raise money money for building charity Article 25.

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Aug 13 1 comments

events, fashion

Amanda Henderson & Chris Bosse | MYER Spring Summer 2010/11 Fashion Launch.

Summer, sand and seashells were the inspiration for the set designed by Chris Bosse and Amanda Henderson for the MYER fashion show. “We essentially used the geometry of a triton shell which is strictly mathematical but occurs in many beautiful manifestations. We digitised the idea and sliced it into buildable components. The models moved through the shell and then onto the catwalk,” said Bosse.

Question. When do you know you’ve made it as a blogger? When you get invited to a fashion show of course! Ha ha! People often ask me about the best experience I’ve had since starting this blog, and I never really know how to answer that question, cause there have been quite a few wonderful things so far. Luckily, last week I had a super awesome and fun experience which now makes it a lot easier to answer the said question. So here goes!

I received a little e-mail from Amanda Henderson of Gloss Creative (as in, OMG, that would have been enough to make my week alone, but no, the story gets even better). She invited me to the MYER fashion show so that I could also see what she and Chris Bosse had designed for the runway, and so that we could also meet in person. No prizes for guessing my reaction, which was something like – “Holy shit! This is seriously one of the coolest things ever”! Oh, and there may have been an odd squeal in there too. By the way, I interviewed Amanda a few months ago (click here). If you haven’t read the interview yet, I urge you to do it as she is an incredibly generous, creative and inspiring human being. Promise.

One for the boys – sexy ladies in bikinis with Jennifer Hawkins as the star. Although I was trying to argue with Husband that the boys were waaaay hotter in their budgie smugglers. No photos though, sorry girls.

So along I went to the big fashion show held at CarriageWorks last Thursday night (5th August). Now, I’ve gotta tell you that I’ve never been to a fashion show before, so clearly the first thing I thought of was – What am I going to wear? After settling for a little black number (which I hear is exactly the sort of thing you wear to a fashion show, unless you own something by one of the designers in the show, and preferably from their latest collection of course… darling). Anyway, while waiting for the show to begin I realised that I have never been in the same room with so many glamazons before – bloody hell! Models, actresses, TV presenters, musos and all sorts of other major and minor celebrities with perfect skin, hair, teeth, clothes, oh and bodies. Blimey! Needless to say I was feeling somewhat inadequate, so I sought comfort in champagne and seriously yummy hors d’oeuvres (or horses’ doovers as I like to call them). Oh, you know what the best thing is about fashion type gorgeous looking crowd? Nobody eats that much, so there was plenty of yummy treats on offer for mere morals like myself. Score.

All this aside, I was so grateful that I got the opportunity to meet Amanda and Chris, and see their spectacular creation for the show. They designed a giant seashell installation made out of sand-coloured plywood. The structure was 18m long and 5m high, digitally designed and CNC cut, and it consisted of 2000 pieces put together like a puzzle. Even though it sounds quite complex, the end result was so elegant, simple and effortless. Extreme love.

The seashell theme allowed many moods, from sea goddesses at sunrise to sirens at sunset, creating another world for the thirty Australian designers on show. “The shell is reflective of both the blonde colours of this season and the bleached beauty of the Australian beach. I love shells for their organic shapes, they really are the ‘architects of the ocean’ with their efficient and beautiful mathematical formulae,” said Henderson.

Amanda told me that she picked up a gorgeous book on seashells from Page One in Hong Kong (mental note – must go to Page One next time I’m in Honkers) which became the backbone for her design inspiration and creative concept. Chris Bosse of LAVA was her clever architectural co-creator, production was undertaken by Rizer and manufacturing by Staging Rentals. Oh, and apparently the whole thing took only 5 days to design, document and manufacture. How good is that? Clearly only a hugely clever and competent team could pull something like that off in only 5 days. Respect. Also, this three-dimensional installation is a second collaboration between Chris and Amanda. They worked together on the award winning bubble Melbourne Cup Moet Marquee in 2005 (you can find photos of it in my interview with Amanda right here.)

It’s a bit of a bummer that I was totally too shy to take any photos during the night in the effort to maintain some dignity amongst the A-list, as I already felt a little bit like a second class citizen. Amanda created a very beautiful tree branch and lantern installation which was suspended over the giant oyster bar in the pre-function / after party area. I know, photos would be a lot better then just my words. Sorry. And for those of you wondering, Amanda was just like I imagined her to be in person – friendly, generous, no-nonsense, personable, humble and all around super lovely.

You know, being a blogger is a pretty awesome job, and sometimes I feel like the luckiest blogger around.

x dana

Photography by Rocket Mattler.

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Aug 11 4 comments

events, products, accessories & other bits

Saturday in Design | Melbourne {August 2010}.

In front of Stylecraft showroom on Flinders Lane.

Gorgeous paper installation by RMIT Interior Design students inside Stylecraft showroom called “Floating Form”. The students had a strict 6 week lead-time and a $2000 budget to work with. The installation consisted of 1200 hand folded ‘chatterboxes’ which linked the two showroom floors and it cost just over $1200. Incredible what a little bit of imagination {and a lot of love!} can do, right? Well done guys – I though that this was one of the best things at SiD this year.

Stylecraft launched a few new products which I really liked, including this lovely 1950s adaptation chair called Babela, designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Frames available in white, black, grey, natural and walnut. Stackable up to 10 pieces and it’s quite reasonably priced. Love!

One of my all time favourites – Jielde LOFT floor lamp by Jean-Louis Demecq from Euroluce. Those colours are just so delicious.

InterfaceFLOR exhibition at Zambesi titled Dekonstrukt/Rekonstrukt. Top “The Stuggle” by Woodhead. Bottom – I don’t remember, sorry! Please let me know if you do and I will amend.

More from InterfaceFLOR exhibition at Zambesi. Top left – Y2 architects. Top right – “The space we inhabit” by Geyer. Bottom two installations by Whitehouse.

More from InterfaceFLOR. Top two – “The Other I” by Space Left. Bottom left by Trout Creative. Bottom right by Moth Design.

Some pics from HUB furniture. Ok, so this is technically cheating as HUB didn’t participate at this year’s SiD but I still love their showroom and couldn’t resist posting these images. I blogged about their Sydney showroom right here. Beautiful cast glass BOCCI pendants in top left image – swoon.

More eye candy from HUB – super awesome Bitossi ceramics (Rimini Blu range in top image, to be exact).

Saturday in Design is an annual trade event for design industry professionals which alternates between Sydney and Melbourne each year. This year it was Melbourne’s turn and I found myself with a perfect excuse to visit one of my favourite cities in the world and mix work with pleasure. Awesome.

I had every intention to visit as many of the 60 odd participating exhibitors and showrooms, but I found myself extremely distracted by the social aspect of the event – I was constantly bumping into colleagues, friends and suppliers from all over the place, many of whom I hadn’t seen in ages. This caused me move at a glacial pace and as a result I’m bringing you a somewhat dodgy and half-assed coverage of Saturday in Design and whatever little stuff I managed to see.

Overall the event seems to have been very well received by both visitors and the suppliers, although I have to say that I was personally left feeling quite underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong – I had loads of fun and there was plenty of buzz around the place, but perhaps Milan is still very fresh in my mind and I’m (unfairly!) comparing this event to Salone del Mobile. I know, that is NOT a done thing, and I sounds like a complete tosser, but I can’t help it!

My favourite thing was the InterfaceFLOR exhibition at Zambesi titled Dekonstrukt/Rekonstrukt which was done in collaboration with 10 leading design firms who reinterpreted the carpet into amazing art installations. Clever people. It’s my thing, you now.

Living Edge showroom in Richmond also housed a selection of Cadrys rugs on the day, shown in top image. Bottom two images show Established & Sons lighting, furniture and accessories. How excellent is the green, grey, white and yellow(trace) colour combo.

Top left – Living Edge cork chair competition finalists (isn’t it time for a new concept guys? Just sayin’?) Top right – one of the Launch Pad finalists was the Legless Stool by Josh Carmody. Remember Josh? He was the very first person I interviewed on the blog a few months ago (you can read the article right here). Awww, I feel like a proud mum for some reason. Bottom left – Arras workstation by Herman Miller. Never thought I’d be blogging about a workstation, but I thought this one was pretty nice. Bottom right – this images is here to balance the workstation on the left. Work and play… Get it? I know, I’m so mega ghay!

Poliform had the most delicious looking food table. Yum. Love the simple lights in the top left image – although we’ve all seen this sort of thing a million times, I never seem to tire from it.

Accessories at Space furniture showroom. Top left – I ache for these Alexander Girard Wooden Dolls for Vitra. Extreme love. Top right – ceramics by Moooi. Space also ran a competition where you could win your own Foscarini Twiggy Lamp.

Foscarini light installations at Space.

Diesel with Foscarini lighting, launched in Milan earlier this year and more prettiness from Space, including the youngest trade visitor Jimmy. Isn’t he the cutest? Love your work Will & Jane!

These two photos are here just because I really, really, ridiculously love Melbourne and everything it has to offer, from grit to glamour. Such a fantastic city. Extreme love!

All photos by Nick Hughes.

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Aug 03 2 comments

events, interviews

The Design Vlog | Sydney Design 2010.

I received a little e-mail from Emma Elizabeth over the weekend telling me about her new and exciting project called The Design Vlog. For those of you who don’t know her, Emma Elizabeth is a young over-achieving Sydney based designer and a stylist who claims that she eats design 24/7 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don’t you OD on design now EE – remember, everything in moderation!

After a series of pilot design vlogs at Salone del Mobile 2010, Emma Elizabeth and her friend and business colleague, Joclyn, have formally launched The Design Vlog at Sydney Design 2010 at The Beresford just last night. This fun and informative guerilla-style video blog will bring you live reviews and interviews with a string of local and international designers during the course of Sydney Design 2010.

After Sydney, Emma Elizabeth is off to Paris Maison & Objet, London Design Festival, Tokyo Designers Week, Design Miami Basel and so on.

Ummm… Jealous much?

Check out the little teaser video below (e-mails subscribers click here to view the video).

Go Emma, you lil’ ripper! Great to see young people making things happen. By the way, don’t you just love the way her outfit matches the background in the top picture? Gold.

x dana

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Jul 29 1 comments

events

Sydney Design 2010 | yellowtrace Picks.

As most of you design folk would know, Sydney Design 2010 is rapidly approaching (eek!) and with it a bunch of excellent events around our glorious city. Ummm… excitement! From this Saturday 31st July, until Sunday 15th August, Sydney Design will host one if its most dynamic programs in 14 years. The city-wide program boasts more than 70 events and activities, all with an engaging common theme ‘Tell us a Story’.

So if you are like me and can get easily overwhelmed by too much choice, I thought I’d share with you my picks of the events that are not to be missed. So here we go.

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Iron Designer.

If you love getting inside other designers’ heads, then you will probably love this event. Iron Designer is all about revealing the way designers think and how they translate that thought process into something tangible.

Inspired by the Japanese cooking show, Iron Designer introduces a cast of design disciples who battle on stage for the coveted crown. Hosted by ABC media presenter Robbie Buck, a cast of designers go head-to-head to create a piece of work in the space of 20 minutes. Teams from design outfits including: Frost Design, Digital Eskimo, Blue Sky Design Group, Sixty40, 4Design, PIDCOCK Architecture + Sustainablity, UTS School of Design and Tribe Studio.

6 August, Friday
6pm for 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Powerhouse Museum, Coles Theatre and Foyer
Cost: $30 adults / $26 powerhouse members, students or groups

More info and bookings.

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International Speaker: Giovanna Castiglioni.

Announcement to all Design Lovers out there – this one is not to be missed guys! I’ve already got my tickets so hope to see you there.

Achille Castiglioni’s daughter Giovanna will talk about life and work of her father, who was an influential architect, designer, inventor and dreamer. Achille Castiglioni was a leading light among industrial designers of the 20th century, producing iconic furniture, lighting pieces and modernist accessories with an element of whimsy. He once said, “I see around me a professional disease of taking everything too seriously. One of my secrets is to joke all the time.” Heeeelloooooo!!! EXTREME LOVE alert people!!!

For more information on Studio Museum Achille Castiglioni click here.

Thursday 12 August,
6pm for 6.30pm
Powerhouse Museum,
Coles Theatre and Foyer
Cost: $20 adult, $16 Powerhouse member, $16 students or groups.

More info and bookings.

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Young Blood: Designers Market/ designboom mart.

Did someone say shopping? Ummmm… yes please! Even better if you get to meet and buy direct from the best new design talent in the country, right?

This year, Young Blood will be joined by the international designboom mart. Browse unique fashion, furniture, jewellery, graphics and more from around the world.

Friday 13 August 10am-9pm
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August 10am-5pm
Powerhouse Museum
Cost: $5 entry to both Young Blood and designboom mart; includes Museum entry, bookings recommended.
Free for Powerhouse members and Sydney Design Pass holders.

More info on Young Blood and designboom mart.

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Workshopped 10: A Design Decade.

Showcasing a stellar range of Australian furniture, lighting and product design conceived by emerging young designers, Workshopped 10 focuses on the work of designers that are ‘creating the future, inspiring, enhancing and
making a difference’. Now in its tenth year, Workshopped 10 is one of the single largest events of Sydney Design 2010.5-14 August

8.30am – 6.30pm
Chifley Plaza, Sydney
Cost: FREE

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Knitty Gritty & Loopy Transformations.

Knitty Gritty & Loopy presents a series of workshops that use design to transform everyday waste items into by-products of love. Instead of ending up as landfill, ‘unwanted’ material is re-invented as giant fabric mandalas, woven fans, puppets, jewellery and baskets. If you can imagine it, then Knitty Gritty & Loopy can probably show you how to make it.

The workshops also function as an ongoing installation to encourage waste awareness by telling the story of where things come from and where they go. Discover what’s involved in the creation of everyday items such as paper, magazines, eggshells, plastic containers and bags. Then find out what happens to them when they are discarded as waste. By inspiring and educating while instilling positivity through action, Knitty Gritty & Loopy increase your fun levels by reducing your carbon footprint. The series of workshops will eventuate into an exhibition at the Hill Street Precinct where a large woven cane house will be used as the central storytelling feature of the project.

Workshops: 11am-3pm, Saturday 31 July, 7 and 14 August.
Exhibition: 11am-3pm, Saturday & Sunday, 14 & 15 August
Workshop is at The Sewing Room, 8 Hill Street, Surry Hills.
Exhibition is at Hill Street Precinct, 2 Hill Street, Surry Hills
Cost: FREE

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Benini and Fashion Photography.

Bruno Benini is recognised as one of Australia’s leading 20th century fashion photographers. For five decades the Italian immigrant recorded the evolution of fashion, from the 1950s through to the 1990s. Establishing his studio in Melbourne in the mid 1950s, Benini refined his craft, working alongside famed photographers Helmut Newton and Athol Shmith. His marriage to artist Hazel led to the formation of an innovative partnership – Bruno as the elegant photographer and Hazel as the creative fashion stylist. Together, the couple produced some of Australia’s most memorable and elegant images.

Drawing on the remarkable fashion photography archive of Benini, the exhibition features vintage and recent photographic prints, original colour transparencies and black-and-white negatives, and biographical material, dating from the 1950s through to the photographer’s death in 2001.

31 July 2010-February 2011, daily
10am-5pm
Powerhouse Museum
Cost: Free with Museum entry

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Small Stories Big Picture.

Small Stories Big Picture is a self guided cycling tour is being held each Saturday during Sydney Design 2010, where 25 people will be invited to join a cycling tour of the Sydney suburb to showcase the creativity buzzing around the 2010 postcode.

This is a great opportunity to “get on your bike”, unleash the photographer within and explore some lesser-known parts of Surry Hills. Each participant will be provided with a bike, a LOMO camera, a map and passport to aid in their self-guided tour which will start and end at cloth and Metalab, meeting in the middle at I Ran The Wrong Way. These three venues will also be showcasing Designers’ Sushi exhibition – an exciting new project which challenges designers and creatives to re-imagine everyday objects (and yours truly is also participating – eek!). You will also get to collect stamps from bespoke retailers along the way, which can be used for discounts later on.

The whole event will wrap up at the end of Sydney Design 2010 with an exhibition of selected photographs and a party at The Beresford on August 18th, where there will also be a photo swap and a raffle of the LOMO cameras.

Phew. So much action packed into a fabulous little event, no?

Saturday 31 July, 7 and 14 August
Collect your passport, camera and bike from Metalab or Cloth, according to your booking.
Cost: FREE
Bookings: Email | Online

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PechaKucha Night.

Pecha Kucha is an open forum of ideas, a slide night for anyone with something creative to share. Approximately 10 speakers on the night present 20 slides and are given 20 seconds per slide.

10 August, Tuesday
7pm for 7.30pm start
The Ivy Room, The Ivy Hotel, 330 George Street Sydney
FREE entry

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Future Classic & Australia INfront Designer Disco.

And just because I like to party… Dancing and design – does it get any better? Make your way to the Civic Hotel for a night of cool beats. Australian INfront are bringing the Designer Disco to life with the record label Future Classic. This offshoot of Future Classic’s insanely popular underground clubnight Adult Disco burns the disco flame until late, late, late. Meanwhile, in the laneway behind the venue, an exhibition of lightbox artworks illuminate and enlighten.

The array of cutting-edge Sydney designers involved include Alter, Future Classic, Greedy Hen, Leif Podhajsky, Like Minded Studio, Miricro/Maricar, Sensory, Sopp Collective, String Theory, Toko and We Buy Your Kids.

10pm till late, Saturday 14 August
The Civic Hotel & laneway, 388 Pitt Street

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Jul 21 2 comments

art, events

Cockatoo Island | 17th Sydney Biennale.

Spectacular installation inside Turbine Hall by Chinese born Cai Guo-Quiang titled ‘Inopportune: Stage one’, 2004. A series of nine cars frozen in an arc of explosion. Very cool!

This was one of my favourites – by New Zealand artist Rohan Wealleans titled ‘He with Glands of Wasp’, 2009, also at Turbine Hall. Three bejeweled animal sculptures – hybrids of a bear, an elephant and a deer made of polystyrene, fibreglass and paint.

Installation details as per above. I just loved the way these sculptures were set amongst the machinery at the Turbine Hall (how AWESOME is the space, btw?) The sculptures oddly fit in so well and became a part of the greater space, but at the same time looked as though they were running amuck. Brilliant.

Beautiful graphic and typeface design by English artist Jonathan Barnbrook, who was also commissioned to create an overall visual identity for the 17th Biennale of Sydney, including the catalogue.

More examples of Jonathan Barnbrook’s site specific graphic and typeface designs located across Cockatoo Island. The bottom one was my favourite. It read “ Fatigue, cynicism, existential pointlessness, unoriginality, bombast. > The seemingly endless search. > Then suddenly A MOMENT > gives you beauty, poetry and deeper understanding > to make your irritating journey worthwhile.” Genius!

Lots of kids everywhere (Saturdays is a craft day for kids with a bunch of organised activities such as these watercolour sessions). I love that photo of the kids with red balloons.

More industrial awesomeness on the left. On the right – installation by French born artist Kader Attia, titled ‘Kasbah’, 2010. A 350sqm patchwork of corrugated iron, satellite dishes and scrap material depicts shanty town roofs. This installation wins the ‘most fun’ award, as visitors were encouraged to walk across the ‘roofs’ even though it seemed super dangerous.

Turbine Hall interiors. Industrial heaven.

Ummm… Amazing! Peter Hennessey’s “My Hubble” (the universe turned in on itslef), 2010. A bold, life-size sculpture of the Hubble Space Telescope – a space-based observatory that has revolutionised astronomy by providing deep clear view of the universe. Made from plywood and steel, it looks like every model maker’s wet dream. Word.

OK, so it’s Wednesday and there’s no interview. What’s going on – you ask? Nothing, I just needed to take a little breather, and I felt like mixing things up a little. Back to normal next week so stay tuned. Besides, I have a little Sydney treat for you today, even though its something that’s been running for a little while and it took me ages to get there myself.

I am ashamed to admit that last weekend was the first time I’ve ever paid a visit to Cockatoo Island. I know, shame on me, I seriously cannot believe its taken me this long to go there! To say that I loved it would be an understatement – it was definitely one of my favourite places I’ve ever seen, a true industrial wonderland with such incredible history. And to experience it during the Biennale on a signature Sydney crystal-clear winter afternoon was an absolutely treat.

From 12th May 12th to 1st August, Cockatoo Island plays host to 120 works by 56 artists, curated by David Elliott, Biennial’s Artistic Director with this year’s theme “The Beauty of Distance: songs of survival in a precarious age”.

So… If you live in Sydney and you haven’t already been, make sure you get yourself down there by the end of this month. Free ferries depart in front of MCA at Circular Quay at regular intervals (ferry queues during weekends are pretty massive, but you can always get a $5 water taxi if you are time poor). The island is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is FREE. Hooray!

Above and below are a few of my favourite things on the day. The photos were just so difficult to cull, so please excuse the overload. Husband rocked out his latest eBay purchase {some fully-sick-yet-cheap manual focus lens} and we were both pretty happy with the result.

x dana

A truly amazing installation by Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa titled ‘Hubble Bubble’. This installation was initially located between the sails of the Sydney Opera House, but it was forced to relocate to Biennale’s Performance Space after wild winds and bad weather across Sydney. A forest of hanging garlands was created from fluorescent green kitchen colanders. Major FUN!

More of the ‘Hubble Bubble’, because I loved it so much… one of those moments when I felt truly grateful to live in this beautiful city. Sydney, I heart you.

Scenes from Cockatoo Island. Straight out of a vintage sci-fi movie, right?

More industrial bits. Love those buttons on the left, and lots and lots of random basins everywhere.

Just a few pretty pictures from one of the exhibitions inside a house at the Convicts Precinct (sorry, can’t remember the name of the artist).

Top – sculpture by Perth based artist Rodney Glick. His sculputres were super weird and deeply rooted in some sort of symbolism which I didn’t get, but the dude in the top images was pretty cool I thought. Bottom – super creepy sculptures by Chinese artist Shen Shaomin titled ‘Summit’, 2010. Taking the annual G8 Summit as a point of reference, Shen has created a hypothetical meeting of the most significant communist leaders, most of whom have passed away. Their life-sized corpses inside crystal coffins were arranged in a pentagon, with Castro an alive exception shown lying silently on his deathbed. Creepy! But quite amazing.

Multi-channel video installation by English artist Isaac Julien titled ‘Ten Thousand Waves”, 2010 had its world premiere at the Biennale. This work was inspired by the tragic deaths of the over 20 Chinese illegal migrant workers who drowned in England in 2004 while picking cockles in Morecambe Bay. If I am perfectly honest (which is pretty much all the time), multi-media and video art often frustrates me as I find it quite lame. But this work was really beautiful, although I didn’t get to see the entire thing.

Just a few of my favourite images taken on the day. Husband has skills, don’t you think?

All photos by Nick Hughes.

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Jun 22 2 comments

events

Exhibition of New Work by Yuko Fujita at e.g.etal.

The neckpiece on the left is titled “Lost World”. Materials: bowls, spoon handle, bookend, 18ct gold, shell, 925 silver, silk code, paint. It represents a lost environment (habitat) where all life existed harmoniously and dynamically. The neckpiece on the right is title “Memory Reading”. Materials: found wooden clog, wooden spoons, 925 silver, paint. It refers to an extinct creature and its rich and various experience memories that we can no longer share.

Melbourne jeweller, Yuko Fujita, has transformed recycled objects into bold pieces of jewellery for her upcoming exhibition titled Kodama (return to me) to be held at e.g.etal, a seriously fabulous contemporary jewellery gallery and retail space in Melbourne.

Fujita gives distinctly domestic and ordinary origins a new chance to shine, while consciously reflecting on the many lives they may have had since beginning as a tree. Careful not to erase the memory of previous incarnations, Fujita has carved and chiselled each object by hand.

Responding to an inaudible echo of the forest (Kodama), Fujita’s pieces recall imaginary plants, creatures or endangered habitats. This uplifting collection of jewellery resonates with ancient themes and traditional materials while producing work that is powerfully contemporary.

Yuko Fujita is producing an exhibition of work based on wooden items she has found in op shops (bowls, spoons, clogs, etc) to make amazing pieces of jewellery. The title, ‘Kodama’, has two meanings – echo or spirit of a tree. When Yuko talks about the pieces she talks about each piece containing an echo from the tree that once was.

Her exhibition will tie in with the State of Design Festival Look.Stop.Shop program. This year the theme is “Change by Design”.

Dates: July 14 – 31 at e.g.etal, 167 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.
Opening night: Thursday 15 July (subscribe to the mailing list to receive an invite by clicking here)
Exhibition design: Katherine Bowman.

Neckpiece title “Lost World”. Details as per above.

And just in case you need further incentive to visit e.g.etal, here are just a few of my favourite pieces from their collections. I can’t wait for my upcoming trip to Melbourne where e.t.etal is always a regular stop for me.

Stud Earrings by Daehoon Kang. Hand dyed plastic, sterling silver. I am so getting a pair of these!

‘Tinkering With Nature’ Brooches by Vicki Mason. Powdercoated brass, PVC, thread.

‘Hybrid Cluster’ Brooches by Vicki Mason. Sterling silver, PVC, thread. Gorgeous, no?

Wisteria Earrings by Yuko Fujita. 18ct yellow gold, oxidised sterling silver.

Twist Bangles by Nicky Hepburn. Sterling silver and 9ct Gold.

Coil Rings by Anna Davern. 18ct yellow and rose gold, sterling silver. Those of you who know me will recognise that this is a ring I’ve worn every single day for the past five years. Courtesy of that awesome Husband of mine.

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Jun 11 2 comments

events

Creative Sydney | 10×10 Project.

Knitted Backdrop at The Finders Keepers. Reef Knot installed a 42sqm knitted backdrop for the music stage as well as some column-cosies. Creative direction, fabrication & production by Michelle McCosker & Alasdair Nicol.

Knitted Installation at Good Vibrations Festival. Creative direction & production by Michelle McCosker & Alasdair Nicol. Collaborating artists: Jamie Gerlach, Kirsten McCosker, Laura Pike and Jade Waskiewisch. Commissioned by Sandy Grice. {Hmmm – Husband and I went to GV this year, but we didn’t see this. Dammit!}

Event Design for the City of Sydney New Year’s Eve Celebrations 2009 by Pip Runciman.

Earlier this week I received an e-mail from the lovely Pip Jamieson {you can see my interview with Pip right here}, who was super excited about the official launch of Creative Sydney 10×10 Project – and rightfully so! 10×10 is a brilliant on-line project organised by Creative Sydney in partnership with The Loop, where ten Sydney industry icons selected their top ten Sydney-based emerging creative businesses or practitioners. And let me tell you – the talent on show is INCREDIBLE!

The curators of the 10×10 Project are Liane Rossler, Margaret Pomeranz, Ross Dawson, Sixty40, Rob Hirst, Chris Bosse, Rhoda Roberts, Heidi Middleton and Sarah Jane-Clark (Sass&Bide), Lee Lewis and Rebecca Carrasco. Phew. What a line up, eh?

It is so brilliant to see these established and highly respected professionals embracing and acknowledging younger emerging creatives. In addition to promoting the work of outstanding talent, the 10×10 Project offers business support and professional development programs in association with Creative Industries Innovation Centre. Sounds pretty awesome to me!

On that note, have a tops weekend everyone. And there will be no blog post on Monday as we are having a long weekend here. Hooray!

x dana

Fuzzy’s Parklife 2010 poster by Benja Harney, who is an incredibly talented self-taught paper engineer.

A spread of paper sculpture and sets created for Australian Travel & Leisure Magazine Christmas gift guide 2008. Also by Benja Harney.

Animist Exodus 2009, Solo exhibition at Anita Traverso gallery in Melbourne, by Adam Laerkesen.

Bungan Beach Project, Residential Interior Design by Les Inteuriers.

Fashion Design by the acclaimed and playful label Romance Was Born.

Costume for the Sydney Dance Company’s “Are we that we are” by the insanely talented Jordan Askill.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt – Creative & Art Direction, Design & Creative by Republic of Everyone.

Wood Owl – neither a painting nor a sculpture, apparently. Whatever it is, it’s very beautiful art by Joshua Yeldham.

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Workshopped 10: A Design Decade.

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