Showing posts with label Designers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Designers. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Artist Spotlight: Fine Art Jewelry & Metal Work by Kat Cole


One of the more exciting parts of my job at Interiors by Jacquin is having the opportunity to meet so many talented artists and designers. My recent studio visit at the home of artist Kat Cole has not only re-invigorated me, but also inspired me to bring you more behind the scenes artist interviews.

You will love the work of Kat Cole. She is a fine art jewelry designer and metalsmith creating work that uniquely mirrors the built environment. You will notice inspiration from industrial surroundings blended with Cole's colorful aesthetic. 

An enjoyable time chatting with contemporary jewelry artist Kat Cole in her plant filled home. 

'Boundary Lines Loop' necklace, steel, 2017. Kat Cole.


Kat Cole is currently a full-time studio artist based in Dallas, TX and is the co-founder of Jewelry Edition. She has been a presenter at Yuma Symposium and Craft Boston, she teaches workshops nationally and has exhibited internationally. You can watch our inspirational, on-camera interview at the end of this post. 

'Built #2' necklace, steel. 2016. Kat Cole.


(Left) 'Boundary Lines Shadow' necklace, steel, enamel. 2017. Kat Cole. 
(Right) 'Urban Color #2' necklace, steel, enamel. Kat Cole.


After admiring Kat Cole's jewelry design, we turned our attention to her amazing indoor garden!


Her one-of-a-kind work is sold online and in stores at Jewelry Edition as well as other retailers. You can find a full list of Kat Cole's jewelry retailers here. I look forward to adding Kat Cole's creations to my jewelry collection in the future! 
Kat Cole's stunning broaches were my favorite! I loved the originality, colors, and movement of the metal. (Above: 'Urban Color #1' broach, steel, enamel, 2017. Kat Cole.)

'Old Well' broach, steel, enamel, found object, rubber 2015, Kat Cole.



I had a lovely time chatting with contemporary metal artist Kat Cole in her plant filled home recently. It is always a bonus when you make a fabulous artist friend at the end of an interview! Follow Kat Cole on Instagram for further contemporary art inspiration.

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Designer Spotlight: Creating Textiles from Marine Ghost Netting


When I learned of the work of textile designer Carmen Machado, I was immediately drawn to the unique textures and bright colors in her furniture designs. I was even more impressed to learn that Carmen's work is improving our beaches and waterways by retrieving and utilizing abandoned marine netting. Carmen Machado's  environmental efforts and contemporary outdoor furniture designs absolutely deserve the spotlight. Continue on to read our recent chat!

Jacquin: Did you enter into art school knowing that you wanted to focus on textiles? How did this interest come about?


Carmen: Yes, growing up I was always interested in textiles. My father had a carpet store where he imported all types of beautiful carpets from around the world. I took my first weaving class while pursuing my Bachelors in Fine Arts at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and this is where I decided to focus on learning to weave experimentally and on different types of looms.


Jacquin: Many readers may not be familiar with the impact of abandoned fishing nets in the oceans. It's actually a very serious environmental issue. How did you become aware of this issue? What made you decide to address this issue through textiles and design?

Carmen: I grew up on the coast in Puerto Rico and would regularly find stranded pieces of tangled fishing line and rope washing up on the shore near my home. In 2011, I started picking up and collecting things I found, mostly out of curiosity and interest in the sun bleached and vivid colours the netting came in. This led to me researching into overfishing and reading about how large of an environmental issue this is and the deadly effects it has on marine life. I decided to pursue my interest more seriously, combining my love for weaving with this environmental issue. I am currently pursuing a Masters on this topic at the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London.

I grew up on the coast in Puerto Rico and would regularly find stranded pieces of tangled fishing line and rope washing up on the shore near my home. In 2011, I started picking up and collecting things I found...
Jacquin: What came first? The general idea to use recycled fishing net and recycled materials -or- your idea for the specific furniture design used in your stunning chairs? Also, tell us about the concept for your recent chair designs?

Carmen: Once I refined my textile designs to incorporate found ghost netting I began thinking about ways to use the final woven material. As it is 100% plastic I naturally thought it would be well suited to be used outdoors. I wanted to make a sustainable product and like the concept of taking the materials from being outside on the beach, then repurposing them into something a person will again value and put it back outside. I have a big interest in interior design and furniture, particularly Danish design. 


Jacquin: How do you go about continuing to source and retrieve dangerous, abandoned netting from the ocean?

Carmen: I regularly visit the coasts here in England and Wales. My family also actively beach cleans in Puerto Rico. I have quite a few beaches that I revisit often because I know I will sadly always find tons of washed up gear on them.



Jacquin: What would be a dream project for you involving both textiles and recycled fishing net (or other recycled materials)?

Carmen: Long term I want to scale up the amount of fishing line/netting that I am retrieving off of our coasts and the amount of fabric I am able to produce. Another dream project would involve designing fabric/furniture for the interiors of an eco resort. I would like to get involved with more Marine Conservation groups and see if I can incorporate my work into their offices. 


Jacquin: Have you been able to find a community of like designers interested in working with recycled materials? How can readers help your cause and support healthier wildlife and waterways? 

Carmen: Yes, I have found a wonderful group of people through Instagram- @2MinuteBeachClean, they are big advocates for doing regular beach cleanups and are always showcasing the work of designers who work with marine waste materials. I have made a few connections through this group who send me parcels with their finds! 

As for what people can do to support healthier waterways... Apart from every individual doing their own part to clean up our coast lines, I recommend cutting single use plastics out of your life as much as you can. It makes a huge difference! 

Visit CarmenvMachada.com for the latest information on her textiles and furniture designs. 


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Friday, April 21, 2017

Eclectic Home Tour featuring Kate Reid of KROMA by Kate


Today we head to the UK to tour the home of illustrator and all around creative, Kate Reid of Kroma by Kate. Kate's creative brand Kroma by Kate has recently been expanded to include surface design and fashion and even more to come. Her eclectic home serves as an influence for her artistry and creative career. Here's our recent chat on home decorating and being a creative entrepreneur!

Jacquin: Hi Kate! How would you describe your artistry?

Kate: I have always had a thing for colour and after graduating as an Illustrator, I became fond of the idea of branding myself so that I could explore more creative outcomes under one name. So, my roots are within illustration and painting, but I tend to branch out to surface design and textiles too. I enjoy working in pen and ink as well as paper collage. I try to balance using older techniques such as screen printing with keeping up with the digital age!


Jacquin: Tell us about your new collection! What was your inspiration? What was your process for creating this collection?

Kate: My newest collection is based around fashion styling and trends using bold motifs and pattern. The collection will include silk scarves, sweatshirts and t-shirts. I am also working on some new limited edition screen prints. I feel that this collection, much like most of my work, combines both modern and nostalgic elements.

Jacquin: I love that you and your husband are both creative types (with your husband working on screen printing, sign writing and more). Have you two had the opportunity to collaborate on any creative projects? What future creative project would be on your bucket list together?

Kate: Thank you! Our biggest collaboration was probably designing all our stationery for our wedding last year. It was so fun to work together, Joff doing the typography and screen printing, and I chose the colours and layouts. I think we make a good creative team. We've spoken about collaborating again sometime soon!



Jacquin: How has your experience been decorating your home as newlyweds so far? What has been your favorite home décor DIY up to this point?

Kate: We love our little space and decorating it has been all the fun. I think our most successful and favorite DIY project has to be our contact-paper marble kitchen cabinets (shown above). If, like us, you rent and need a way to modernise, this is so easy and makes a huge overall difference to your space. We've really loved filling our home with our personal items and making it both comfortable and cozy.


Jacquin: Where do you like to get your creative work done? What makes a great environment for you to be creative?

Kate: I share a home studio with my husband Joff, which is where we do all our creating. It's been great to share with another creative (I had my own studio for 2 years) because you can bounce ideas off one another and always have a second opinion on hand if needed. Freelancing can also get pretty lonely so, when we can, we tend to do weekend studio days so that we can work together. 

A great environment for me to be inspired is one filled with all my work and inspiration. I tend to always have a pin board filled with visuals above my computer as well as any little ornaments or colour palettes close by. I like to see all my things on display! I guess you could call it organized mess but the more colour, the better! - The colours that inspire me the most tend to be pastels and I love little inspiring quotes and messages. I also fill my spaces with lots of plants!

Jacquin: What is your favorite space in your home?

Kate: I am always changing my mind on my favorite space but currently, it is our bedroom. Out of all the rooms in our apartment, it has the least colour but is so calming and tranquil. I think it makes a change for me who is normally drawn to bolder pattern and colour palettes. Joff chose the design and decor for this room which is probably another reason why I love it!


Jacquin: What is inspiring you creatively right now?

Kate: At the moment, with summer approaching in the UK, I am really enjoying the "laid back surf vibes" and bohemian textures mixed with muddy pastel colours. My pinterest shows all of my current inspiration. Trends really inspire my illustrations whether that be fashion or interiors. Here's a few things and creative people I am loving right now...


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Monday, January 23, 2017

Designer Spotlight: Ponyo Porco of Taiwan


Ponyo Porco, based in Taiwan, is a print & textile design company focusing on fine art, fashion, and graphic design with the intention of their painterly prints being used across the spectrum. Ponyo Porco's hand-painted print designs lend themselves to uses from home decor to fashion and more and has landed the brand a coveted spot in New York Fashion Week this year. Take a look at our recent interview with Crystal Lupa and Larry Chen, the creative design duo behind Ponyo Porco.

Ponyo Porco at 2016 New York Fashion Week.

I saw your runway show at NYFW this past fall, is this the beginning of Ponyo Porco being a part of the international fashion industry?

Lupa: It was really a good start for us to share our concept and creations around the world as we are a very new team. It’s not easy but we are working hard on developing our brand to be more connected with the international creative industry.



How did you become interested in working for the fashion industry?

Larry: Ironically, we started our careers not that interested in the fashion industry but we both liked to create and design with prints. And since Lupa graduated with a focus on fashion design women’s wear, we combined our specialties to create a brand that is not just about fashion, but more so a print lifestyle brand.


Artist Crystal Lupa, one of the creative forces behind Ponyo Porco.

I noticed that each collection has an excerpt or poem that goes with it, what came first as inspiration – the writing or the collection?

Lupa: You're right. Each print has it’s own poem and original artwork. The poems are always written once the artwork is complete and serves as a description. 

Original artwork for Ponyo Porco prints.

Original artwork for Ponyo Porco prints.

Since your designs have a fairytale aspect (especially with the use of writing) are their any childhood stories, folktales, and stories etc. that inspire the design process?

Lupa: My painting style is definitely inspired from childhood stories and folk art. I often create characters with self-invented logics about the world, and love to express a glimpse of cold, dark charm in the style of naïve amusement. I’m especially attracted to seemingly inanimate organic forms. While trying to endow them with personified characteristics, I also like to demonstrate an event or scene narratively.

Original artwork for Ponyo Porco prints.

 What is each of your favorite pieces, or favorite collections you have worked on?

Lupa: My favorite pieces are the prints of WITCH&CROWS coat and the POOL pleated dress.

Larry: I like the printed coats in all prints!


Do either of you have a fashion icon that you find inspirational?

Lupa: Frida Kahlo

Larry: Yves Saint Laurent


Since, Ponyo Porco is based in Taiwan, how does that influence your work?

Lupa: Although we founded the brand in Taipei, most of the education in art and working experience is in London. So I can say that there is a mixture of cultures in the creation. Taiwan is a beautiful island filled with oriental visual inspiration as well as various foreign influences, both of which greatly impact our work.


How does Ponyo Porco want their buyers to feel when they wear your collection?

Larry & Lupa: Unique, bold, delicate, and playful!

How much does the type of material and fabric influence each piece? Is there a specific way in which you select them?

Lupa: For Ponyo Porco the textures and characteristics are very important. Before we confirm the fabric for each piece, we digitally print on more than 15 kinds of materials for samples. We use 100% polyester fabric for pieces that need to be pleated, because the cotton won’t stay in pleats after a few washes. And for the coats and bomber jackets, we use 100% cotton with a satin finish to bring a subtle glow for more formal occasions.


What do you hope to see Ponyo Porco to become in the future?

Larry: So far we have developed our print ideas into a diversity of products such as clothing, accessories, paper products, and packaging. As we move forward we look to cooperate with brands, manufacturers, and studios from various fields to develop creative products in even more forms. There will also be a great 2017 calendar and a menswear capsule collection. Overall, we hope to become a strong design team and feast for the eyes of the print lovers around the world.

By Jamie Lee, Interiors by Jacquin intern

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Thursday, September 29, 2016

Design Love: The Warren Platner Chair

The Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, via Ish & Chi

You may have seen this modern and eye catching chair across the interior design world lately and that's because it's pretty amazing. This is one of those stunning designs that have stood the test of time, and remains a flawless addition to a space. The Platner Chair is the design work of architect, interior designer, and furniture designer Warren Platner who released this unique chair design in 1966. This chair works well in mid-century modern interiors, contemporary interiors, and any interiors with a fun, eclectic feel and that's why this chair is my eye-candy of the day. 

Designed by Jonathan Adler via Dwell
Modern French apartment via Vogue Living Austrilia
Home of designer Jayme Armour of Atlanta via myDomaine, Photography Sarah Dorio

Designers John Wooden and Dustin Dorr via Luxe.

 What do you think of the Warren Planter Chair? I must say that I quite like it! This gorgeous chair was also in the recent home tour of model Marisa Howard, featured here on Interiors by Jacquin. Take a look at how Marisa styled this iconic chair in her dining room. (P.S. This home tour is filled with amazing artwork!) You can purchase your own Platner Armchair here or go for the wider Platner Lounge Chair for a space like the bedroom. You'll love it! 

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