toots zynsky

Our Design Picks | We are Elsewhere

Welcome to We are elsewhere. Now devolved it used to highlight those in the art and design world that were sometimes under recognised and appreciated. We are going to feature some of the articles and shed some light on this great company and then ethos they brought into the world. 

We are Elseware

From galleries, to studios and commissions this collective had a hand in nurturing a lot of the art world.They also add pizzaz to the kitchen and home and have been featured in Elle, dezeen and more. 

Storm Thorgerson

You may not recognise his name, but you will certainly know this man’s work. He is the creator of some of the most iconic single and album covers for a selection of the world’s most famous music artists. 

Storm Thorgerson Album Covers

He is Storm Thorgerson, a British graphic designer, who was world renowned for working with rock artists such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Biffy Clyro, The Cranberries and Muse, and created one of most memorable album covers of all time – Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

tree of half life pink floyd storm thorgerson

tree of half life pink floyd storm thorgerson

Sadly, Thorgerson was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, which he battled for several years but which eventually led to his death on 18 April 2013 at the age of 69. David Gilmour, the Pink Floyd guitarist, released a statement after his death describing him as, “a constant force in my life, both at work and in private, a shoulder to cry on, and a great friend.”

Thorgerson’s work could be best described as depicting scenes of a bent reality, sometimes taking ordinary objects or scenes and replacing them in alternative backdrops with expanses of space. He liked to push people’s preconceived notions of reality and turn them upside down. “I like photography because it is a reality medium, unlike drawing which is unreal. I like to mess with reality… Some of my works beg the question of – is it real or not?”

Whether you like his artwork or not, it is certainly thought-provoking and conceptual, and if you visit his website and view his rather extensive portfolio, you are bound to see a few familiar pieces from your music collection.

www.stormthorgerson.com

Kate Durrant

Kate Durrant studied Conservation and Restoration of Art at the City & Guilds of London Art School and later moved on from restoration to work with interior designers on faux finishes and gilding, working in particular with the technique of Verre Eglomise (gilding on glass). An ancient tradition dating back to Roman times, Verre Eglomise uses gold and silver leaf applied to the back of the glass to create a reflective finish or mirror.

Each piece is hand leafed and painted using eco friendly materials. Creating a very contemporary look in any interior they can also be distressed to create a very ‘antique’ look, resulting in diffused light which on a large scale, creates a beautiful soft light that changes remarkably as the light in the room varies

Designs and patterns are created using a combination of different leafs and colour so lend well to being matched to compliment existing interior themes. Kate has a particular technique in which the design behind the leaf is only visible from certain angles and with direct light on it only the reflection of the leaf can be seen.

Using various colourways and her own unique techniques Kate offers unique, hand leafed bespoke mirrors, panels, table moons, tiles and table tops. For more information visit mothmirrors.co.uk.

Posted by Alice Carlisle, images and information courtesy of Moth Mirrors.

Simon Brown

Simon Brown, leading Interiors and Still Life Artist, will be showcasing his new collection called ‘Standing in the Corner’, at the Richard Young Gallery in Notting Hill until 29th June.

The intriguing exhibition showcases hauntingly beautiful interiors from handpicked locations in England, Ireland and France. The limited edition prints are rich in colour, texture and space that charts architectural decay and convey the grandeur of centuries past. Inspired by these locations, Simon then shot a series of images in his West London studio, which included everyday objects such as cabbages, raspberries through to hand whisks and kitchen spoons. In addition to this he has interesting uses for chinese plasterboard.

simon brown interior design

simon brown interior design

We Are Elseware, caught up with Simon this week to find out more about his new exhibition.

‘Standing in the Corner’, is inspired by romanticism, beauty and sensuality, there is a security in this, a safety, an escape from everyday life – capturing a moment that’s beautiful and sensual. It has been lovely working with Susan Young and Richard Young. The pictures look great but the best thing is people liking them too. My next project is called ‘The Golden Road to Samarkand’ and follows a historical trade route through the Middle East, encompassing the art and architecture and somewhat flawed at this time by the war in Syria however!’.

Simon Brown’s collection is visually stunning, filled with beautiful imagery that is rich in both colour and texture and beams you back to another era. For more information go to www.richardyounggallery.co.uk – Richard Young Gallery, 4 Holland Street, London W8 4LT

Posted by Joanne KingHere in the UK we have some wondrous architectural and transport inventions that have helped to shape the way we live and work for hundreds of years, but have you ever wondered how England would look, and work, if it were designed differently? We Are Elseware love events like this that challenge perception. Not only is it inspirational, it lends itself well to the inception and potential creation of brilliant new designs of the future….

Louise Body

This beautiful new fabric by Louise Body is the ideal way to lighten up a room for Spring. ‘Perched’ featuring Louise’s watercolour painting, is printed on Linen Union and complements the wallpaper within the ‘Stonewall’ collection.

To create such detailed and delicate work, Louise uses a combination of painting, drawing and photographic imagery to produce her range of fabrics, wallpapers and cushions. In addition to Perched, Louise has also created a limited number of prints to compliment the collection, which are numbered and personally signed by the artist.

louise body wall paper

louise body wall paper

Louise says “I felt the need to design a new Bird fabric as my best selling Bird designs are 10 years old now. The design features my watercolour paintings of birds which are partly from reference and part imaginary. The design has a New feel to it which I think sets it apart from traditional Bird designs.”

Toots Zynsky

Its no wonder Toots Zynsky filet de verre view these glass thread fiberous vessels. Fashcinating colours and shapes come out of this method of making glass. While hot, the vessels naturally warp and form to create this amazing looking shape. Check it out on their website. They then turn over the sculpture to reveal an undulating form that is amazing. 

toots zynsky

toots zynsky

Images and information from www.tootszynsky.org

 

Ambrí boards

These handcrafted chopping and serving boards are beautifully designed and built to last. Each board is unique and handcrafted in Blennerville, Tralee, County Kerry in the South West of Ireland. Owner, Tony O’Shea, explained how the business came about; “The chopping board I had at home split and instead of buying one, I decided to make one. My family and friends commented on how great they thought it was and soon I was making more and started selling them in a local shop who sold out of them very quickly. We knew we were on to something and now we supply boards to some of Ireland and the UK’s top restaurants and hotels and online internationally.”

ambri board

ambri board

What makes Ambrí Boards so unique is that all of the trees used to produce the boards have fallen naturally or have had to come down for safety. They are sourced from sustainable 100% Irish hardwoods and the majority vary from 60 to 120 years old, although some of the boards are made from trees dating up to 180 years old. The trees used can vary from elm, chestnut, flamed beech, spalted beech, cherry and walnut, therefore the look may vary in each board. For each tree used in the making of Ambrí Boards, a new tree is planted. Because the boards are made from one piece of wood, they are more durable and splitting isn’t a problem; they are also treated with mineral oil, which prevents cracking.

Each board is named after a landmark in County Kerry, Ireland and vary in size and character. For example, the stunning Gallarus Board (pictured above right) is a real statement piece, which can be used for chopping or serving, and has a wavy edge and carved sides to give it an old rustic look.

For more information, visit: www.ambrichoppingboards.com