Attention: indie art & design is taking a short break until mid-June 2024. During this time orders will not be taken but we look forward to seeing all of our valued and future customers very soon!
indie art & design blog
feature interview: natural states
Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by Carolyn)
The "pretty crafty" Issue 3 of our favourite mag, the Peppermint Magazine is out now, and on p76 is "natural states", our indie art & design interview with Simone Madigan from States of Nature!
Newcastle-based designer Simone Madigan loves to print, and to experiment with new products and design styles. Her imagery ranges from bold and graphic to intricate and decorative, and is featured on a range of beautiful products under the label States of Nature. She filled me in on the story so far... By the way - I had the opportunity to take many of the product photos myself. I had a lot of fun finding 'natural' locations & getting the products to pose... hope you like the pics!
Red skirt with flower print by States of Nature (Photo by Carolyn)
I 1. How would you describe your label?
SoN States of Nature manufactures specialist hand-crafted prints using water-based inks and sustainable practices. Designs are printed onto cotton, linen and hemp blends to create clothing, accessories and homeware. Certified plantation timber grown in New South Wales is used to to create a range of brooches. All products are designed and made in Australia. States of Nature is down to earth stuff for down to earth people!
Scarves with circles print by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 2. Is your background in traditonal fine art printmaking?
SoN I have a degree in graphic design but I spent a lot of time in college making prints and experimenting with techniques, from etching and lithography to screenprinting. Luckily I was able to combine my love for design with my love of fine art and I got a job as an illustrator in the fashion industry. As my career developed I continued with printmaking as an outlet for my need to get away from the computer screen. I love the hands-on process of printmaking, even though it can be physically exhausting sometimes when working on large projects.
Scarves by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by States of Nature)
I 3. What sparked the ideas for your first products?
SoN The ideas for my first products came from wanting specific things that I couldn't seem to find anywhere. I wanted to buy clothes and accessories that had a cool design aesthetic as well as being made in a sustainable, carefully considered way. I also like things that are made in Australia, affordable, and durable so that I can wear them to death and not have them fall apart in the wash.
T-shirt & Scarf by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)
I 4. How did you progress into making your full range of accessories, clothing & homewares?
SoN One day I realised that nobody was going to give me my dream job, so I had to create it for myself. I worked away in a variety of jobs while I was researching and planning my business. I had meetings, made mistakes, had some small successes and generally burnt the candle at both ends. And then I took a leap of faith, without a safety net, and I couldn't be happier.
Scarf with red zipper print by States of Nature (AUD $38, photo by Carolyn)
I 5. Your label's name (& designs) reveal your love for the natural world. What practices do you incorporate into production to ensure your products are environmentally-friendly?
SoN My first consideration is the environmental impact of my work, from the materials I choose to the processes I use. I have developed systems so that I am able to use minimal water in my production, also recycled and tank water wherever possible. I create very little waste by-product in manufacturing my goods, by designing with specific methods in mind from the beginning. I use only natural fibres, hemp and organic cotton grown in NSW, and certified Australian plantation timber. I have a great team of local makers who sew my products, so we don't waste resources on the raw materials travelling miles just to get made up.
The States of Nature stall at the winter 2009 Finders Keepers designers markets. (Photo by States of Nature)
I 6. Are design markets a large part of your retail & marketing?
SoN They haven't been, but it looks like they will be in 2009. Because my business is primarily wholesale and online, I don't get a chance to communicate directly with the individual people that like or buy my work. I deal with the wholesale buyers for stores, and the people who buy off my website. The great thing about the design markets like Finders Keepers or Magnolia Square, is that I get to hear lots of people's comments about my designs, and I find that feedback very valuable to help me improve the next product.
Close up of scarves with circles print by States of Nature (AUD $38ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 7. Do you have any products which are personal favourites? (I LOVE your doily brooches!)
SoN I live in my a-line skirts, especially the birds print on blue at the moment.
Tea Towels by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)
I 8. Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
SoN I find inspiration walking my dog on the beach, in the garden, in nature, traveling near or far, and in my collections of vintage fabric and ceramics.
Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 9. What are the best (and worst) parts of running your own label?
SoN The best part is the challenge and freedom of running my own business. The worst part is managing cash flow when I don't get paid on time.
Timber Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $25 ea, photo by Carolyn)
I 10. Who do you bounce your ideas off? Are your friends & family creative or do you keep in touch with other designers online?
SoN I have extremely creative friends and family, and my husband James is the one I bounce my ideas off most of the time. He is a musician, but he has a very good eye and helps me see things from another perspective.
Scarves by States of Nature (Photo by States of Nature)
I 11. You participated in The Springboard Project in 2008. How did the program help you develop your business? Would you recommend this type of program to other emerging designers?
SoN The Springboard Project was fantastic and I found it inspiring and useful in practical terms. There are lots of little insights that I remember from the guest speakers, the workshops and the other participants that help me in so many decisions I make. There's always more information and knowledge to be had, so I'd absolutely recommend this kind of program to other designers.
Wooden Doily Brooches by States of Nature (AUD $35ea, photo by States of Nature)
I 12. What's next for States of Nature?
SoN More design, more fun and more freedom!
Thank you Simone for this wonderful insight into your label! For more natural goodness, visit www.statesofnature.com or browse the States of Nature online store. You'll also find States of Nature stocked in the following stores:
VIC: Claude (the bird) (Armadale), Counter @ Craft Victoria (Melbourne), Duck's Nest (Geelong West), Lulamae (South Melbourne), Mac Pelican (Hawthorn), Safade (Williamstown), The Cats Meow (Melbourne), Village Idiom (Yarraville), Wilkins and Kent (Melbourne)
NSW: Betty Mim (Cooks Hill), Bowerbird Emporium (Murwillumbah), Collect @ Object (Surry Hills)
QLD: Artisan (m)art (Fortitude Valley), Bliss Ecowear (Paddington)
WA: lala orange (Northbridge)
web watch
We were delighted to find indie art & design featured in the Web Watch section of The Sydney Morning Herald's "Essential Style" pages last Thursday 2nd July! Thank you so much to writer Michelle Wilding, and to new indie reader Dana Vandyke for letting us know in time to buy a copy. (Dana's photographic work can be seen hanging in selected cafes and restaurants in beautiful Jervis Bay just south of Sydney.)
Feather & Lighthouse Prism by Dana Vandyke
By the way, the SMH featured image is from our "graphic bags" post about the gorgeous Apple & Bee collection.
A big welcome back from us too... If you've been wondering about our whereabouts over the last few weeks, the photos below should answer your queries! We went to Spain & Italy for a couple of weeks, which of course was fantastic. We had a few days in Barcelona, a week in Ravello and a couple of days in Rome before heading home again. (A small selection of our holiday pics are on Flickr).
The villa & view at Ravello, Italy. Photos by Carolyn & Martin
studio visit: jade oakley
Last week, we were invited to the studio space of Sydney artist Jade Oakley. We chatted about her work and took loads of photos as she prepared for her upcoming exhibition "Estuary" which will open on the 18th of June at Australian Galleries Glenmore Road in Paddington (Sydney).
Jade's recent work has been centred around delicately balanced mobiles. For this exhibition, she drew inspiration from estuaries. "An estuary is a special place. It is where the river breathes out into the sea. This is where life begins, muddy and mysterious. It is a place of crabs, mangroves, tides and tannins; where salt and fresh waters meet. I have used colours that speak of the murky depths of water and mud and mangrove. These mobiles have sprung from my thoughts about estuaries, of dark water filled with primeval life." Jade Oakley
The mobiles are made using materials such as fine wire and translucent papers. Jade applies gouache to the paper, creating subtle graduations of colour & tone. She plans the overall shape and colour shift of the finished mobile, then cuts the shape of each "leaf" before attaching it to a wire "stem". The leaves are gently fixed to the mobile with a (well-practised) turn of the pliers. Jade makes it look so easy! Once completed, the colour effects are stunning - a mobile may appear to have been dipped in ink, or reveal a wash of colour like brackish water over white sands...
The leaves pictured above were quietly awaiting their assembly into a large mobile Jade was creating the day of our visit. They looked amazing with the light shining through them. One by one, they disappeared from the queue and took their place in the lengthening work. Once part of the mobile, the leaves move so effortlessly - it can be mesmerising! You could never tire of a work like this as it would look different at every glance. I also took some longer exposures to try & capture the movement.
I originally know Jade from high school, and when I headed off to SCA (Sydney College of the Arts), she began her studies in fine arts at COFA (College of Fine Arts). Since graduating with Honours in Sculpture, Jade has exhibited her work both locally and internationally. Recent solo shows (both in 2007) include "Circumnavigation" at Bondi Pavilion, and "Tipping Point" at Mori Gallery (which we posted about in December 2007).
She has also completed some amazing commissioned work, been involved in many community art projects, and been Artist in Residence at Bundanon Artist's Centre, Noosa Regional Gallery, Vermont Studio Centre in Vermont, USA and Bondi Public School.
We're really looking forward to seeing more of Jade's new works in Estuary. The exhibition opens on Thursday, 18th June 2009, 6pm-9pm, and continues until Saturday 11th July at:
Australian Galleries
Glenmore Rd
24 Glenmore Rd, Paddington, NSW, 2021.
Opening Hours:
10am - 6pm Monday to Saturday
12pm - 5pm Sunday
Phone: 02 9380 8744
Jade will have many mobiles on display, and if you're in Sydney, make sure you don't miss it! As beautiful as the photos are, you really need to see her works in real life to appreciate the delicate balance & beauty as the leaves turn their circles and the whole mobile shifts shape. You can (very soon) see more of Jade's work at www.jadeoakley.com.au.
squirrels with secrets & pretty dresses
Poketo Skirt (left, AUD $95) and Tux Dress in Black (right, AUD $195) from Secret Squirrel Clothing
Hi there Indie kids, so lovely to meet you all. As I pondered over what I should share with you in my debut post, the thought occurred to me that it might be nice to share a bit of myself with you all. A getting-to-know you sort of deal. So here we go: I adore dresses, especially the wintry kind that, when teamed with some thick black tights, patent black heels and a cute beret, equal perfection. So when I stumbled across Sydney label Secret Squirrel's winter '09 collection, I couldn't resist sharing it with you all.
From humble beginnings under a canvas umbrella in Sydney's Glebe Markets, Secret Squirrel's playful yet elegant creations can now be found in a handful of retail and online boutiques in Australia and New Zealand. It is the beautiful love-child of designers Bri Cheeseman and Andrew Prince, who produce two seasonal collections a year.
Velvet Smoking Jacket (left, AUD $189) and Christina Dress - Lace (right, AUD $209) from Secret Squirrel Clothing
Their latest collection, Darker Than Blue (AW09) sees their classic cuts teamed with antique lace, opulent silk and just a hint of velvet. The winter collection also sees the duo team up with another cult Sydney design duo, We Buy Your Kids, to create some super cute and quirky t-shirts.
When asked about their creations, Bri says that Secret Squirrel aims to make clothes that will stand the test of time; collections that are simple and elegant without necessarily looking like it. "We are young and modern, and a little innocent, but there is a splash of gorgeous and grown up about us, too."
Christina Silk Dress (left, AUD $198) and Smock Dress (right, AUD $209) from Secret Squirrel Clothing.
My personal favourites from the collection are the Christina dress in red silk (above left) and the navy silk smock dress (above right). To see more of Secret Squirrel's luscious collection, or to purchase one of these beauties for yourself, visit www.secretsquirrelclothing.com.au.
Smock Dress (left, AUD $209) and Button Skirt (right, AUD $115) from Secret Squirrel Clothing.
Even better news: right now in The Grand Social's online store, Secret Squirrel items from the sweet summer collection Kaleidescope are on sale. Pretty and cheap! What more could you ask for. :)
Kimono Dress (left, AUD $220) and Tux Top (right, AUD $145) from Secret Squirrel Clothing.
You'll find Secret Squirrel's Darker Than Blue collection hiding at the following Australian stockists:
NSW: Pigeon Ground Records and Clothing (Camperdown), Somedays (Surry Hills), Abicus, Made 590 (Newtown), Glamourpuss (Erskinville), Lee & Me (Wollongong)
VIC: Some Buddy Loves You (Fitzroy), Little Salon (Fitzroy), Dorothy & Evelyn (St Kilda), Pussycat Black (Brunswick), Lu Lu Design Store (Balaclava), Hummingbird 60 (Northcote), Wolf Whistle
WA: Subway DC (Perth, Freemantle, Claremont), Atlas Devine (Leederville)
ONLINE: www.birdmotel.com.au, www.thegrandsocial.com.au/secret-squirrel
Posted by Jacquie
introductions!
Welcoming two new contributors into the world of indie art & design!
A big HELLO to Jacquie and Melissa. Jacquie lives in Adelaide and is studying French at uni, and Melissa is a graphic designer who has recently returned to Sydney after a few years living overseas. (She is also Carolyn's little sister.)
Thanks to you both for joining our little team & we look forward to discovering all the design + art + fashion you love best!