Artisan at the 2012 AbaF Awards

We are excited to announce that on Tuesday night, artisan in partnership with BCM won the Australia Council Young and Emerging Artists category at the Queensland AbaF Awards! 

L-R: artisan CEO Liana Heath with Victoria Reichelt of the Australia Countil for the Arts and Paul Cornwell of BCM. Photograph by Sarah Keayes.

The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) annual awards night gives businesses the chance to showcase innovation in their support of the arts. 

The Australia Council Young and Emerging Artists award was given to artisan and BCM in recognition of the Emerging Curator Mentorship Program created by the partnership.

Established in 2011, the Emerging Curator Mentorship Program aims to support the development of future leaders within the arts. With financial support from BCM, artisan's Gallery team is responsible for selecting an emerging curator and providing guidance throughout the mentorship. The Emerging Curator is responsible for curating three exhibitions per year within BCM's Crucible Gallery and presenting curator talks at each exhibition opening.

The program has been a fantastic initiative and we are proud to have received recognition from  AbaF. Thank you to our wonderful partner BCM and the great team here at artisan, particularly our dedicated Gallery team.

We will now go on to be finalists at the national AbaF awards in Melbourne this October.

Read more about all of the AbaF Queensland winners here.

New exhibition - Long Play: The Glory Days of the 12" Album Cover

We've been busy little bees in the gallery this week removing the Reboot displays and installing Long Play: The Glory Days of the 12" Album Cover.

The new exhibition is coming together beautifully and everything is looking fantastic for opening night tomorrow from 6pm.

Long Play is a graphic design exhibition focusing on album cover design from circa 1950 to the late 1980s. Over 150 records will be on display and most of them will also be for sale so get in quick to nab your favourite!

The exhibition includes covers by famous artists, interactive covers, and controversial covers, including the banned original 'butcher's shop' cover for the Beatles Yesterday and Today.

Along with Long Play, tomorrow night will also see the launch of Sherrie Knipe's Waterlogged in Gallery Two, new Window Projects by QUT design students, the Ivory Street installation by Shin Koyama, new product Bio Bin by Alison Schutt (Haasch) and bureau^proberts, and retail feature designer Joost Bakker's 'By Joost' homewares range.

Exclusive Studio Tours: Meet the Makers

We are excited to announce the upcoming artisan Meet the Makers tours. Meet the Makers is comprised of two exclusive half-day guided tours of Queensland's leading creative craft practitioners and design studios.

 

The 9:00am-12:30pm morning tour, focusing on collectives of 'hives' of craft practitioners, will visit ceramic artists Dr Virginia Jones and Trevor Netting; jewellery designers at The Contemporary Artisans Collective; and fashion design workshop The Stitchery Collective.

In the afternoon from 1:00pm-4:30pm, design studios will take the spotlight, with visits to Street and Garden Furniture Co.; lighting design studio Gale and Vallance; and Holloway Eyewear.

Date: Saturday 25th August 2012

Location: artisan, 381 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

(The tours will begin and end at artisan's Fortitude Valley design store)

 
Tickets: $48 per person per tour (includes transportation & a glass of champagne).

To book your tickets, email info@artisan.org.au, call (07) 3215 0800, or book online at http://www.artisan.org.au/shop/.

For more information on the designers, visit our website.

Reboot: Olympic Fever

The Olympic Games have people in Australia and all over the world glued to their computers, television sets, and radios.

If you've contracted Olympic fever, a visit to Reboot: Function, Fashion and the Sneaker will be well worth your while...

Olympic Technology

 

Olympic footwear is the ultimate in state of the art performance. These shoes are designed
by specialist teams with expertise not only in industrial or product design, but mechanical
engineering, physiology, bio–mechanical and sports engineering and sports medicine.
The shoes are developed and tested in top secret high–tech biomechanics laboratories,
many of which are dedicated to producing the perfect running shoe.

Are you an Olympics devotee? Reboot is showcasing some of the most cutting edge sports technology from the Olympic Games in Sydney, Athens, Beijing, and London, including running spikes, boxing shoes, and sailing shoes. Features in the show are replicas of Usain Bolt's gold medal-winning sprinting shoes.

The Birth of Modern Sport

The infamous feud between German brothers Adolf (Adi) and Rudolf Dassler, known as the 'Sneaker Wars', resulted in the formation of shoe giants PUMA and Adidas. It also changed the face of sport forever, turning it from an amateur past-time into a multi-million dollar industry.

Adi and Rudolf formed shoe company Gebruder Dassler in 1924. The company quickly grew in profile and sprinter Jesse Owens was wearing Gebruder Dassler spikes during his four gold medal wins at the 1936 Olympics.

During WWII, underlying friction between the brothers exploded and the two became sworn enemies, with Adi starting Adidas and Rudolf starting PUMA. The family feud divided the brothers' home town of Herzogenaurach and soon each company had its own soccer team, and employees drank in different pubs and sent their children to different schools.

The Sneaker Wars were continued into the next generation by the brothers' sons, Horst and Armin Dassler. After the first major battleground, the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, each subsequent Olympics saw the brand battle intensify.

While other brands such as Onitsuka Tiger, Mizuno, Converse, Reebok, and Nike have since joined the battle, it was the fierce competition between adidas and PUMA that catapulted sport (and the humble athletic shoe) into the institution it is today.

You can read all the juicy details of the Dassler Sneaker Wars at the Reboot exhibition, as well as see the evolution that the humble sneakers has undergone over the years. 

Reboot: Function, Fashion and the Sneaker

Reboot will finish wrap up on 16 August, which only gives you a few more days to take a look. Whether your cup of tea is the Olympic element, fashion collaborations, or the Converse Blank Canvas Project, make sure you put it in your diary. See you soon!

Designed by Fukutoshi Ueno and "Dressed" by Easton Pearson

              

Last Thursday night we had an exclusive launch in our gallery of the Bambi Frame. Born from a recent collaboration between designer Fukutoshi Ueno and fashion designers, Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson (Easton Pearson) the Bambi Frame Screen series fuses beauty with function and playfulness with sophistication. At the launch, guests nibbled on delicous food and sipped on delightful drinks from Laruche. Thanks to the Pigeon Papparazzi from The Good Guide who came along to record the wonderful event. Come and check out the Bambi frame for yourself. They will be on display in our retail store until the 16th of June 2012.                                                                                            
               .

Photos taken by Dennis Vogelsang at The Good Guide             

Wine Tasting Event at artisan

Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor & Dai Li: Faramita Opening Pictures

Last Days of "One True Religion" exhibition at artisan

If you haven't been to artisan to have a look at the exhibition of Peter Walker's beautiful surfboards then you must come and see them before the exhibiton closes this Friday the 23rd of September at 2pm. Hope to see you there!

Opening at artisan tonight - Thursday 25th August

Image: Peter Walker, Spitting, 2010. Synthetic polymer paint on Paulownia. 6'6". Artwork by Phil Hayes. Photo: Grant Hancock.

Tonight (Thursday 25 August) from 6–8pm at artisan we have two brilliant exhibitions opening. In the main gallery, superbly crafted wooden surfboards ride the wave from sport and recreation into art and design in One True Religion: Peter Walker Surfboards. 

Meanwhile in the Crucible gallery space we have Matt Dabrowski and the Many Hands of Glamour bringing us the captivating Crystal Grinder.

Photo: PHOTOCO JO&CO Image: MDATMHOG Videocuts: MR WICKES Sound Control: PEETGARDNER

Both shows continue until Friday the 23rd of September 2011. A slightly shorter display time on these shows so don't miss out! See you at artisan soon!

Exciting Opportunity - Cherish 2011 - Christmas Retail Showcase

Applications are now open for Cherish 2011, artisan's annual Christmas retail showcase.
The (m)art design store at artisan is calling for expressions of interest for new stock ranges.
The application kit can be downloaded here and submissions close on 15th August 2011.

BEHIND THE SEAMS - artisan and Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival Exclusive Tour

Artisan in conjunction with Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival is delighted to announce the ‘Behind the Seams’ studio tour evening.

‘Behind the Seams’ comprises a three hour guided tour of Queensland’s fashion related studios where attendees have the opportunity to see first-hand designers in their working environment.

Designers participating in this year’s Behind the Seams, include:

·       Paul Hunt

·       Matt Dwyer

·       Sharka Bosakova

·       Marni Franks

·       Kylie Bickle

Date: Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Location: artisan (m)art , 166 Grey Street, South Bank

(Guests will meet at artisan’s m(art) store before transportation to the various studios. Guests will return to South Bank on completion of the tour.)

Tickets: $65 per person (includes drinks, light dinner and transportation) 
To book your tickets now, click here

Click here to visit the Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival website
Click here more information about the designers 

Public Program this Monday 27 June - 3D Printing for Jewellers

If you are a contemporary jewellery designer making innovative designs then this is a session not to be missed.

Rapid prototyping, or 3D printing, will shortly revolutionise the way we live and the way we design. Artisan will host a special talk by SOS Components, a Champion of Design. SOS Components is one of the most recognised prototyping companies in Australia. This session is designed to introduce jewellers to the new processes of 3D wax printing and will facilitate a glimpse into the future of manufacturing using new technologies. This will be of interest to anyone investigating new applications for production of contemporary jewels.

WHEN:           27 June 11:00am -12:00pm

WHERE:        artisan gallery 381 Brunswick Street Fortitude Valley

RSVP:           Essential as places are limited, to info@artisan.org.au or 3215 0800

Capital Growth feature on Indesign Live!

Julian Munro, Pingvinov Banka

We are very chuffed to see our latest exhibition Capital Growth: The Piggy Bank Project  featured on Indesign Live! Have a look and a read here. 


Capital Growth: The Piggy Bank Project opened last Thursday and the exhibition continues until 2 July. Make sure you pop past for a look and to vote for your favourite Piggy Bank for the People's Choice award!

Interview with Amy Cochrane

artisan interviews talented young jeweller Amy Cochrane, whose nature inspired creations can be found in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011.

Amy Cochrane, Gum tree bud earrings 2010, cast sterling silver. Photo: Sam Lintern.

Tell us about your background – how did you come to be a creative practitioner?
I always enjoyed art classes at school however there was always a lot of painting involved and have never particularly liked working with that medium. Once I branched into sculpture in my later years at school I was much more enthusiastic and eager to explore.

After leaving school I completed a Bachelor of Fine Art at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. As students we were encouraged to network, attend and partake in exhibitions. I chose to take the advice on board and as a result my practise has slowly evolved.

Amy Cochrane, Bone dry series 2010, sterling silver, scrap tin, bone and stainless steel. Photo: S. Jones

Where do you find your inspiration?
My artistic practice is prompted by the disregarded objects I find within my surroundings. The process of gleaning is central to my work, it is the starting point from which I explore and deconstruct found objects and the landscape in which they were discovered.

What other creative people do you admire?
My practise is currently directed towards the making of jewellery I am inspired by artists who’s practice has had a similar focus such as the late German artist Hermann Junger, and Australian contemporary jewellers Marian Hosking and Roseanne Bartley.

Amy Cochrane, Six axes 2010, sterling silver and carved timber. Photo: Sam Lintern.

What’s next for your practice?
I am currently engaged in postgraduate study, completing a Master of Teaching at Griffith University, as a result my practice has been put on hold. However I intend to continue to exhibit and to begin making new work very soon.

I couldn’t live without…?
I could not live without my family and friends who constantly provide me with support.

Amy Cochrane, Wattle seedpod pendants 2011, cast bronze, heat coloured. Photo: S. Jones.

Favourite café/restaurant?
I would prefer to sit down to a home cooked meal prepared by my Grandmother any day. She never ceases to amaze me with new delectable delights.

Favourite weekend pastime?
I thoroughly enjoy rummaging through goods at a flea market or car boot sale.

Amy Cochrane, Wattle seedpod series 2009, cast sterling silver and stainless steel. Photo: Z. Wolfe.

Interview with Sophie Bottomley

artisan interviews Sophie Bottomley, whose architectural sculptures are on display in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011 until Saturday 14 May.


Sophie Bottomley's works in Critical Craftings: Unleashed 2011. Photo: A. Higgins

 Tell us about your background – how did you come to be a creative practitioner?
From early on I have always loved to make things, however I never thought I would be able to make a career out of it. When I finished high school I decided to study architecture which I fell in love with and slowly found my own way of working which has come to be the most valuable experience of my creative practice to date. However, architecture in university and in practice differ greatly and the types of conceptual projects we were able to develop at uni were not the kinds of projects you are able to do in practice, unless of course you are Frank Gehry or someone of his league. After 4 years I stopped studying and took a year off, where flicking through the pages of Pol Oxygen Magazine I encountered some practitioners that seemed to get away with conceptual ideas of space in the name of art. At this point I decided I had to stop fighting it and see if I could make this art thing work. I have just completed a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in Sculpture at QCA and am just in the beginning of my Honours year.


Sophie Bottomley, Feeling outside the box one's in (detail) 2010, pine on pine stand. Photo: A. Higgins.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Inspiration generally strikes when you least expect it but currently I find books on philosophy, qualities of architecture, and how the body perceives space to be some of the most inspiring. A discovery can strike from anything that’s why it’s important to always immerse yourself in as much as you can. I am always looking at design and art magazines and blogs, as well as going out and seeing art. Sometimes just being outside of your everyday environment can provide many unexpected encounters.


What other creative people do you admire?
I think anyone who is making a life for themselves following a creative pursuit is someone to admire. But more specifically I love the work of Mikala Dwyer, Roni Horn, Tara Donovan, Ann Hamilton, Matthew Barney, Hany Armanious and Robin Rhodes.

Sophie Bottomley, To escape from silence (detail) 2010, paper on pine stand.

What’s next for your practice?
I am currently studying Honours at QCA where I aim to push my ideas of space even further in the sculptural field. It has long been my goal to merge my love of architecture and sculpture in the creation of large scale spaces that evoke an emotional or sensory reaction in the occupant. Perhaps I’ll even try to change the face of public art and the ‘plop art’ phenomenon that so often occurs.

I couldn’t live without…?
The people I surround myself with daily and my dog - definitely the artist's best friend being a constant companion in the studio.

Favourite café/restaurant?
Currently Flute at Coorparoo.

Favourite weekend pastime?
Trips to the beach, Bangalow or Maleny.


Sophie Bottomley, Within two limits (detail) 2010, air-dry modeling clay on pine stand.

Sophie Bottomley, Feeling outside the box one's in 2010, pine on pine stand. Photo: A. Higgins.