Studio Visit: Shino Takeda

Shino Takeda and her new creations

Must have a fan-it's been one hot summer in NYC!

the kilns-where the magic happens!

the vats-such hardwork mixing the glaze

clay and color samples for glaze

finished products

adorable spoons-new pieces available in our shop

bowl and hanging vase

salt spoon and dish/tea cup

As far as functional objet d'art, I love ceramics and have been in awe with the process of making them. The fact that they've been around for thousands of years, I sometimes dream of being on some archeaological dig finding an ancient Mesopotamian vessel.  So when I was in New York City last month, I couldn't miss the chance to visit the studio of one of our favorite ceramicists,Shino Takeda.And it only reinforced my admiration for the skill, hard work, effort, and time that goes into creating such beautiful objects. I love learning about the process since it's an adventure of discovery in itself-from using the hand built technique, initial bisque firing, the waiting time for drying, mixing the glaze (which I admit seems like a great arm workout), glazing (oh the colors!), more wait time to dry, filling the kilns, firing again (where nature and science come alive!), and voila! Nature takes hold and the piece comes to life, which may not always be what is expected or planned for. But hey I think that's what makes pottery really special.

It was such a pleasure to not only learn about the process but to meet the person behind the pieces. I'm honored to get to know such a talented maker such as Shino. She's warm, down-to-earth and cheerful. I enjoyed chatting with her over our yummy Japanese lunch like long time friends just catchin' up. She grew up in Kyushu Island and was exposed to ceramics and art at an early age. Trained as ballet dancer (amazing!), she transitioned into the world of ceramics initially as a hobby.  Shino is now involved in a joint venture called Katakana with fellow ceramicist Romy Northover. It's a design/lifestlye collaboration presenting home wares and supper clubs.   

I truly enjoyed getting a wonderful glimpse of Shino's life as a ceramicist. The process is the perfect blend of the potter's hands and skill as well as science with an element of surprise.  Just like life, it's about the journey of discovery and exploration!

Thank you so much Shino for graciously sharing your story and studio with us!

Fashion Love: Partimi

I've been loving pattern and color in my wardrobe lately especially for this season. And after coming across the stunning collection from Partimi, it only reinforces my affinity for textile prints. Eleanor Dorrien-Smith founded this London-based label in 2009 after graduating from Central Saint Martins’ Fashion and Print BA in 2008 and working for Mary Katrantzou, Tata Naka, John Galliano and Eley Kishimoto. Her design aesthetic involves fluid silhouettes and simple shapes, just the ideal canvas for her beautiful prints such as the ones inspired by her natural surroundings. 

All images from Partimi

Travel: Dedon Island

 

While some of us are already back from a holiday, maybe still planning one or opting for a "staycation" this summer, it's hard to resist the allure of Dedon Island resort discovered via Lonny magazine. While there are 7107 islands in the Philippines and may even fluctuate depending if it's high or low tide,I'd love to spend some time at this stunning place on the island of Siargao next time I'm there. Remember my swing rest post recently?Well, you can swing away while loungin' on them at this amazing resort, owned by the same outdoor company Dedon (hence the name) who makes them.  Designed by French architects Jean-Marie Massaud and Daniel Pouzet, I love how the design incoporates local materials and craftsmanship while integrating the architecture into the beauty of the natural setting. And the consideration for every detail in this setting,including that cool Foosball table (love this game!)...pure tropical bliss!

All images from Dedon Island

Design by Bravo!

I love the organic element of wood in the home especially if it's combined with the warm tones of copper. Santiago-based Chilean design studio Bravo! has mastered letting this natural material be the center piece in their no-fuss minimalist lines collection of furniture and home accessories. I'm especially loving their collection of home wares such as the La Familia containers.

All images from Bravo!

Textile Love: Maposie Scarves

Although most fashion lookbooks usually come out ahead of the time, I try to do a fashion post relevant to the season. But this time, I just couldn't resist sharing these gorgeous textile prints of the Maposie scarves designed by French designer Elsa Poux. I've been following her work and these are just snippets of her truly amazing Fall/Winter 13/14 Collection. Combining lines and geometric patterns as well as vivid colors (loving the reds/oranges tones), I want to wear 'em all whatever season it maybe.

Images from Maposie
Photography by Eugenia Sierko

Flyin' Friday

Carson Ellis image via

Happy Friday!I can't believe it's already the end of the week and beginning of August. July just flew by! Well, I'm lovin' this flying image. There's just something enchanting and captivating about this artwork by Portland-based illustrator Carson Ellis. Hope you're enjoying your summer so far or hangin' in there with winter for our friends in the southern  hemisphere. Have a great weekend!

Swinging in Style: Dedon Swingrest

When I first came across these Daniel Pouset Swingrests by German luxury outdoor company Dedon, I was smitten at both the design and functionality of these hanging loungers. Celebrating their 20 years, Dedon has collaborated with many designers from Philipe Stark to Jean-Marie Massaud and produce such beautiful handwoven furniture crafted in the Philippines. It's the middle of the summer and we crave to spend more time outside, so what better way than to lounge in comfort while swingin' away. My tolerance for vestibular input has diminished as I got older...no rotary input for me, remember those tea cups ride in Disneyland or spin out ride at Magic Mountain? Maybe it's the nest-like relaxation one can get or the location where they took the photos, but this is definitely on my wishlist for our outdoor space in the future.

All images from Dedon