Synonymous with exquisite Danish design, the Georg Jensen collection celebrates Nordic culture and craft. Located off Edward Street in the recently refurbished Wintergarden shopping precinct, the new Georg Jensen boutique exudes a sleek aesthetic and a sense of unruffled serenity. Browse striking pieces from the homewares range or stunning jewellery such as bangles from the iconic Fusion collection. We have our eye on the smooth polished-steel curves of this pitcher – the perfect vessel for a colourful punch laden with summer fruit.…
Whether you lean towards craft workshops, picnic events under shady trees or games on the giant sprawling lawns, you are sure to discover delightful treats as part of the festive Made with Love campaign at South Bank. Inspiring a sense of community, handmade gifts and authentic experiences, Christmas at South Bank will bring a sense of old-world charm, including lounging areas, live music and a themed marquee. Throw on a summer frock or don your dapper best and join in outdoor lawn games such as badminton, chess, croquet, ping pong or quoits.…
In addition to his unique fashion sense, way with the ladies and penchant for walking around barefoot, Spanish painter Pablo Picasso’s works of art are among some of the world’s most recognisable. But in addition to his iconic cubist paintings, Pablo also extended his creative hand to other mediums including ceramics, sculpture … and light. The archives of LIFE magazine have recently revealed a series of photographs of the enigmatic artist painting with light. From abstract animals and people, to a dazzling vase of flowers, it’s amazing to witness the man’s creativity in action through the movements of the artist himself as his works pour from his imagination. You can view the comprehensive series, photographed by Gjon Mili, here.
Via Retronaut…
Inspired to bring a touch of greenery to her otherwise urban abode, Britta Riley began to think laterally. Wanting to be able to grow her own food, but lacking the yard to do it, Britta came up with the idea of using discarded plastic bottles as a means of starting a garden in her apartment. The concept soon grew and, as part of her work as a technologist and artist where she aims to problem-solve for environmental issues using crowdsourced R&D techniques, Britta created the organisation Windowfarms. Using vertical hydroponic platforms to grow food in city windows, Windowfarms have brought an element of self-sustainability to urban dwellers. The concept is constantly being improved upon by an online community known as ‘Windowfarmers’, whose feedback via social media allows the design to be tweaked and researched further accordling.…
Once known as ‘the drink of the gods’, sake is Japan’s most famous alcoholic beverage. An industry equal in popularity to the famed rice wine is the production of the vessels from which to drink it. Usually found in ceramic form, cute little sake sets are almost a requisite souvenir when making a trip to Japan. For those who would prefer to try their hand at creating their own sake set, there’s a 21st-century solution that doesn’t require you to get your hands dirty. The Sake Set Creator from Shapeways allows you to create your own sake set using 3D computer modelling. You can customise your cups and sake flute according to smoothness, twist and size and then order your bespoke set in food safe 3D printed ceramic.…
For some, a beloved pet can be a lifesaver – the perfect listener, always ready for a cuddle, and willing to forgive almost anything. But despite their unconditional love, sometimes these furry friends aren’t treated as well as they should be and are cast out on the street or, worse, treated inhumanely. Every year thousands of animals turn to the RSPCA for help and hundreds still remain in desperate need of financial support so they can find new homes. Christmas is a particular time of need for the RSPCA, when pets are given as gifts but sometimes become unwanted or mistreated. The RSPCA has launched its Guardian Angels appeal, allowing people to become a Guardian Angel to an animal in need this Christmas. The campaign’s ‘angel ambassadors’ are some of the survivors who have benefitted from the RSPCA’s foster program – you can read their stories and become a Guardian …
It’s the innate magical ability of music that enraptures an audience. SOULO Voices will take audiences on a globally inspired journey, from Ireland to the corners of Tibet. Four singer-songwriters will perform their solo works: Tenzin Choegyal will unveil traditional Tibetan composition fused with contemporary rhythms and Alan Kelly will perform traditional Celtic tunes. Nadia Sunde from The Swing Set will perform her solo roots music, and Anje West (from The View From Madeleine’s Couch) will release a touch of Brazilian fervour. Experience SOULO Voices at Judith Wright Centre on December 9.…
To travel, to really revel in a moment that will forever entwine itself into the depths of your memory, is to give in to your senses so completely that you engage with an experience with your whole heart. The whistle of a warm breeze caressing your ears. The soothing massage of ancient cobblestones under your feet. The sight of an archaic building so beautiful that it makes your heart swell. Close your eyes and re-engage with these senses at anytime and you’ll be transported back across the world to the very place you first experienced them. For some, such sensorial travel memories are a rare treat; fortunately, there are people like author, journalist and photographer Janelle McCulloch to fuel their imaginations.…
With wanderlust pulsing through his veins, Loh Lik Peng’s love for travel has always inspired his adventurous spirit. His professional journey took an inadvertent turn in 2002, when he found himself making the foray from corporate lawyer to hotelier. Since opening his first hotel in 2003, Peng has refreshed the concept of boutique lodgings in Asia, driven by his passion for creating experiences that provoke thought. His vision is now responsible for a suite of unforgettable domiciles across the world, including the New Majestic and Wanderlust hotels in Singapore, clandestine The Waterhouse on the docks of Shanghai, and the Town Hall in London – all members of the Design Hotels group.…
As a photojournalist, Nigel Brennan was completely transfixed by the vibrant sights and sounds of the developing world. In August 2008, his inquisitiveness resulted in him, and Canadian reporter Amanda Lindhout, being held hostage in Somalia for 15 months, throwing his family into a harrowing ordeal to secure his release. The 39-year-old photojournalist became the longest-held hostage in Australian history outside of wartime. Together with his sister and sister-in-law, Nigel has penned a book recounting his family’s traumatic experience. A brutally honest family love story, The Price of Life explores the very essence of what it means to love unconditionally.…
According to Vietnamese legend, the gods sent a family of dragons to defend their country. This family of dragons began spitting out jewels of jade that turned into the islands and islets dotting the north-eastern coast of Vietnam, now called Ha Long Bay. Magically, between these islands and islets, numerous rocky mountains suddenly appeared creating a formidable fortress against invading ships. After the Vietnamese won the battle, the dragons decided to live peacefully in the bay and remain its protector to this day.…
A penchant for sunshine, surf and well-brewed beer are just a few of the passions Peta Fielding shared with her husband Brennan when they first met. Together the duo have channelled their love for these elements into a range of craft beer that is helping to change the face of the amber liquid in Australia. Through impish tongue-in-cheek branding and products that each spin their own unique tale, Burleigh Brewing Co. – based, as its name implies, on the Gold Coast – prides itself on creating the genuine article.…
Product by Process is a fascinating compilation of processes, material and interesting stories about products. It is an attempt to go beyond the polished products and objects that surround us and take a look at how they are manufactured and recycled. In doing so, the video collection highlights some beautiful craft and design, including everything from jeans, knives, chairs, to handmade wooden sunglasses by Capital. …
“You have to be willing to grow. Growth is different from something that happens to you. You produce it. You live it. The prerequisites for growth: the openness to experience events and the willingness to be changed by them.” And so begins Bruce Mau Design’s Incomplete Manifesto for Growth. First penned in 1998, the manifesto details 43 suggestions to inspire daily design ventures. Whilst the manifesto is specifically aimed at designers, it could be applied to any aspect of life. Your life philosophy might align with point 29, which encourages you to think with your own mind, and stipulates; ‘Forget technology. Creativity is not device-dependent.’ Or you might be drawn to point 41, which champions the power of laughter. As a designer and a true optimist, Bruce Mau crafts inspiring ideas and fosters dreams.
Image courtesy of Bruce Mau Design.…
A handbag is more than a practical purchase to most women. A handbag is the one constant that is worn everyday while the rest of the ensemble changes depending on mood, season and occasion. It’s fair to say that a person’s clutch, purse or tote can often represent their personality. Lily Bloom handbags are adorned with fun, expressive patterns and bold colours. Not only that, the signature fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles. Exclusively at Strandbags, the Lily Bloom collection comes at a time when sustainable fashion is in vogue and provides a balance between functional fashion and eco-friendly chic.…
A photo can capture an intimate glance, a breathtaking view, or a single snapshot of time. Local photographer Mark Lobo’s latest film-photography series, Von Vintage, focuses on keepsakes of the past, captured through the eyes of a dying medium. Harnessing the art of vintage film photography, Mark uses old vintage film cameras in an effort to capture and preserve a bygone era. Capturing the beauty and the intrigue of objects that were once a part of everyday life, but are now gradually making their way to op-shop shelves, Mark focuses on creating images that capture ‘vintage on vintage’. Photographing old-school, vintage and retro items at antique stores around Brisbane, Mark exhibits and sells his Von Vintage prints online. Von Vintage images will be on display at Urban Grind, 121 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, from November 27 to December 10. For more information email mark@vonvintage.com or phone 0415 582 661.…
Digital Editorial Assistant Required // With a range of new publishing projects planned for 2012, map magazine and map creative are looking for an experienced Digital Editorial Assistant to join our passionate team. Working on various map magazine projects and for a range of map creative’s clients, you will work across our portfolio of custom-publishing projects, both print and digital. We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion for print and digital, social media and a true sense of design thinking. Experience across social media is critical. You will be responsible for listening, understanding and engaging in positive conversations with people and igniting positive word of mouth for map magazine. You will also need to have a strong grasp of spelling and grammar, as well as a creative flair and passion for writing, and be able to edit your own work and write large amounts of varied copy …
If Junior Masterchef is kids playing as chefs, then ‘Next: Childhood’, is chefs playing as kids. Next is an innovative restaurant in Chicago that is reinventing childhood classics like peanut butter and jelly, chicken soup, mac and cheese, Jell-O and hot chocolate. The dining experience features fun elements like 80’s lunchboxes with Knight Rider and Strawberry Shortcake and a “campfire” to end the desserts. Next changes its menu themes every 3 months, and previous themes have included “Paris 1906” and “Tour of Thailand”. The childhood theme seems like it would be the most fun for both diners and chefs. The executive chef, Dave Beran, said, ”we’re trying to find those triggers that have that sense of wonder, sense of discovery, the idea that when you’re small, everything seems big”. If you can’t get to Chicago, Brisbanites can discover something similar at Esquire, where they have an equally …
Traditionally, the garden shed has been somewhat of a refuge – a place to while away the hours in solitude and lose yourself in the simplicity of handiwork. Helsinki architect Ville Hara and designer Linda Bergroth have created a unique twist on the backyard escape. The Greenhouse and Shed Summer House not only offers owners a storage space for prized petunias, but also a place to unwind and enjoy the world around you. Made from Finnish pine and toughened safety glass, with solar panels and reclaimed bricks, the transparent glasshouse can be easily assembled with a screwdriver wherever you may be – making for the perfect lakeside cabin or backyard spare room. There’s also a discreet storage shed at the back where you can stash your possessions to maintain a minimalist aesthetic in the rest of the space. The only problem is that, once you escape to such a precious …
A photograph– capturing a fleeting moment in life – can break your heart, make you smile, incite anger and incite overwhelming feelings of love. The photographic works of Singapore-born Australian humanitarian photographer Liz Loh-Taylor evoke unambiguous meaning that makes it virtually impossible to remain unmoved in their presence. Leaving behind a successful career in finance for life behind the lens, Liz’s motivation comes from the well-trodden yet largely ignored social issues in developing countries and their communities, such as poverty, economic development and displacement. From Africa to Mexico, Liz has been inspired by numerous stories of dignity amongst poverty. Her work, always displayed in emotive black and white, has been celebrated through various awards and exhibitions. But what is most important to this inspiring artist is to raise awareness and promote understanding and change in regard to the pressing social issues that are ever-present in the world today.…
