Collect

New In Store Storm Bowl by Jaan Poldaas

2011-11-29T21:10:00.000-08:00

A cloud of colour gathers around foot of the storm

Storm Bowl by Jaan Poldaas

Designed to be powerful accents to add to any interior, these glass pieces explore traditional glass effects with a graphic, contemporary flair. Available in two stunning colourways, warm and cool, we are loving these exquisite pieces.

Pop into Collect or check them out in our online store

November Offers

2011-11-12T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hello all our lovely online friends,

We are pleased to pass on two special offers right in time for the gift giving season ahead. Firstly we are offering FREE shipping Australia-wide for items purchased through our online bigcartel store to help those of you who are time-poor and looking for gift inspiration. Also, if you live local and prefer to pop in and see us at the store in Surry Hills, we have an offer for you too! In association with the NSW Governments Summer in Sydney campaign we are offering shoppers 10% off purchases made during Summer in store. All you have to do is say the words, literally, 'Summer in Sydney'.
We have been working hard putting up many new beautiful pieces online and are very happy to pass on these two great offers :)
Let's continue to support our fantastic local artist, especially during the gift giving season ahead.
Take Care xxx Team Collect

HYPERCLAY: Contemporary Ceramics 8 October 2011- 8 January 2012

2011-10-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Clayton,

Rilke and the Autoclave (detail), 2011.

Photo: Jacqueline Clayton

A provocative and engaging exhibition of work by Australian artists using clay in unexpected and suprising ways, HYPERCLAY: Contemporary Ceramics highlights the versatility of this time-honoured material, and in doing so, re-imagines its possibilities.

Featuring the work of: Walter Auer, Roderick Bamford, Stephen Bird, Jacqueline Clayton, Andrea Hylands, Addison Marshall, Pip McManus, Paul Wood.

Paul Wood,

Guardian's of a goddess (detail) 2011, re-fired ceramics and glass.
Photo: Siri Hayes

Addison Marshall,

Satellite #3 (detail), 2011. Bisque fired ceramic, bamboo skewers, cotton thread.

Photo: Addison Marshall

On a rainy day we went to sea

2011-09-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

So think of those evenings that you picked up a book about pirates and adventures of treasure islands and wonderful sea- folly tales. think of mermaids and sea creatures and grab a cup of tea. Now imagine them with you and feel like you are on the greatest adventure ever, how would you keep them with you? Eels by Tenille Evans is the best way to do so.
Our latest addition to the Collect family is a wonderful designer who is a lover of antiques and traditional techniques. She has brought back to life the art of Scrimshawing, which is how sailors would pass their time and use bones of their huntings and expeditions. She works on bone and makes beautiful illustrations of sea inspired images. Very Moby Dick and Treasure island isn't it.

- Is that candy you're wearing? - No it's a necklace

2011-09-19T23:39:00.001-07:00

There has been so much talk lately about Spring and sprunging, clashing colours as a major fashion 'in' and just the wonderful warm jasmine smell going on that we just thought it was great to give it a go and be 'hip as hop' with the extremely popular Emily Green 'candy' necklaces. she doesn't really call them candy, we do and by we I actually mean me.

These polymer clay beads are absolutely enchanting and a great quirky way to cheer up any outfit without making you feel that it's a wear once only kind of accesory. It's different and it has a subtle fun feeling about it that actually just made me jump to get one for myself and then just wear it all week just because it was new and because I loved it.

Her presentation of watercolour backgrounds and the fluoro colour beads with an occasional pastel and a little neutral makes them a great twist from your everyday likings.

Come on over and make lovely colour combinations getting ready for the Art and About 2011 and the Happy Talk House project that is officially opening tonight at Sandringham Gardens, Hyde Park North, 7 pm.

A natural world of 'otherworldly' delights

2011-09-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Cecilie Knowles is one of our latest adquisitions in the delightful design and objects world we have going on here at Collect. From the ever traditional technique of crochet she creates these beautiful designs that could make you feel like you were a part of a forest.

Her beautiful range of knitted necklaces inspired by the bracket fungi and crocheted with hand dyed japanese wool, are truly one of a kind. Beautiful and sustainable in every way.

Followed by a wide range of lichens with hand made beads and of course always presented in their very own tin can to keep them safe amongst a beautiful paper background made from vintage nature encyclopaedias, hand crocheted as well, from 100% merino wool.

Pop into Collect and see check them out during one of these amazingly warm and sunny days.

A whole new world

2011-09-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

So word on the street is that there is an amazing exhibition going on at Object Gallery and it's totally up to date with the Sydney Design Activities that are going on at the moment, as well as other design events.

This exhibition is Now and When! Australian Urbanism and it is the entry that was submitted to the Venice Architecture Biennial last year. This amazing 3D experience in a 15 min. movie will take you to a hypothetical world in which the australian population has to adapt itself to the geographical reality of an over used territory.

2: Creators of wonders

2011-09-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

2 by Lyn and Tony is a project that Australian photographers Lyn Balzer and Tony Perkins have been working on after a collaborative project with designer Konstantina Mittas for Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival in 2008. As a result these hand made leather, precious stones and cotton thread became alive. They have also worked with prominent names such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Georg Jensen and Ksubi, amongst others

Working primarily with Australian materials Lyn and Tony have created a contemporary and exquisite range of unisex body adornment. Inspired by the Australian landscape and the beauty of the human body they look to reinterpret nature and it's textures in their creations.

Spring blossoms

2011-09-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung and with it we wish our two spring girls a very happy birthday, Happy birthday Michele and Kylie.
Have a lovely blossoming season and while you are at it drop by and check out the amazing Amanda Louden glass works we have with us, just as colourful and bright as the season, and of course full of Australia's beautiful blossoming flora.
Check out her work on our online shop

With Spring new blossoms broaden the colour palette

2011-08-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Brenda Factor and her anodised magnetic brooches perfect for a spring morning at a coffee shop or the beach

Now that spring is starting to appear in different forms and fashions it's quite common to see different little things that just make you realise how it will poop around the corner anytime soon and so it has in our lovely cabinet of treasures at Collect shop.

Check out Alida Cappeletta who explores nature and it's textures and reinteprets them in geometric shapes

Sterling silver studs that remind of blossoms .

Seedling love

2011-08-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Making a bit of an introduction to our support for Spring we bring to you a little note on a ton of Seedling Love, the season of blooms and everything that comes with it is soon to approach and with it different things are born like little buds and in other cases love.

A big congrats to one of our artists jewellery Bonny Lad who got chosen to be a part of a very important date, one of our customers decided to purchase some very Australian pieces for the flower girls of her son's wedding. the beautiful bangles with silver cast gumnuts are one in a million and definitely give us a bit of a tweak when thinking of accessorising for a wedding.

These will be travelling all the way to England for the occasion and will be a 'little something' for girls to cherish and enjoy for life.

So if you are looking to make a bit of a statement on an important date take a stroll with a tea in hand and check more of Bonny Lad's range.

Insects

2011-08-11T22:57:00.001-07:00

I have a love for insects, they are beautiful and tiny and even though they roam around almost unnoticed, they are a big part of the enviroment and help out with the general maintenance of the earth.
Ants and bees are amongst my favourite, little hardworkers who make our life very pleasurable too with polinisation and honey.

In my ant obssessed world I started making and drawing ants a while ago so when I discovered Sandra Bowkett a Victoria based artists who work with porcelain and creates these little marvels my day got a little ray of light brighter.

Her porcelain and ceramics range is made up of a bunch of different images that remind you of every day life. Porcelain brooches of insects and of course including ants. I confess that when I discovered them i gave in and got myself a double ant and a bee. The bee just came in yesterday and I jumped at it before we even put it out with the rest of her display (sorry it was love at first sight).

If you want to check out some of her blue nature and leaves range click here, for lovely insects and crochet pop into our lovely shop if you're in Sydney I guarantee you'll love them.

Enter the Paper Attic: Benja Harney's paper creations

2011-08-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

We are very lucky to be able to bring you an incredible show currently showing in Object's Project Space. In connection with Design Week, Benja Harney, a well known and highly respected paper artist brings to life objects that one might find in their attic. You will find an old wooden rocking horse, much loved ice skates, a discarded umbrella, piles of dusty books and even a mouse hole in the wall, all of which is intricately made out of paper. This exhibition allows viewers to marvel at Benja's incredible talents for all things paper and reflect on their own personal hidden treasures they might have tucked away in the attic or under the stairs.

These objects have a certain nostalgia about them in their uncanny realistic nature. It feels almost as if you have stumbled upon hidden away treasures that bring back childhood memories.

Benja describes himself as a paper engineer and a very apt title it is too. His paper creations are beautiful, intricate works of art. Each objects is carefully hand crafted to transform this humble medium of paper into curious reliquaries.

The exhibition is curated by Tara D'Cruz-Noble and will be showing until 25th September. During Design Week Object will be staying open on Thursday nights between the hours of 5-8pm on the 4 and 11 August.

To see more of Benja's work go to http://www.paperform.com.au/

On ya bike!

2011-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

It's time to jump on that bike and get out into the fresh air and explore Sydney's art scene...

Cycling is a fun, healthy and sustainable way of getting around the city, and the craze is catching on. City of Sydney have been busy developing 10 regional cycling routes, and Object Gallery is located in the middle of one of its most popular bike networks.

The Inner East Circuit has an abundance of cosy cafes, vintage shops and galleries – so you will be pressed for time trying to fit it all in!

ART & DESIGN

OBJECT GALLERY
(417 Bourke St)

BRETT WHITELEY STUDIO
(2 Raper St)

OUTRE GALLERY
(Shop 7/285a Crown St)

Metalab (10b Fitzroy Place)

and EATING OUT ....

BOURKE ST BAKERY

After battling the hill climb up to Bourke St, you'll be ready....

Online Store Update

2011-07-02T19:43:00.000-07:00

We have been busy lately updating Collect's online store!

Check out some of our beautiful pieces of Australian craft here

Object Loves Paper

2011-06-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 4th June Object was pleased to host a workshop 'Works on Paper' by Bianca Chang as part of the A4 Paper Festival (31st May-5th June. ) Bianca is a Sydney-based emerging paper artist who taught the group techniques for creating layered paper sculptures-such as planning, plotting and cutting.

image from http://blog.paperconvention.com/

Although the A4 paper festival is officially over, you can check out the Paper Convention Collective website and blog for more information on this group of artists dedicated to the documentation of paper expressionism!

http://blog.paperconvention.com/

And for more papery goodness, we have copies of the first edition (May 2011)of Paper Runway Magazine which is sure to inspire DIY crafty paper projects.

Lastly, here are some of the lovely paper works from the pop up exhibition in the Manga-Pod during the festival.

Annual Manual-Showing until 19th June

2011-06-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well it sure is a woolly winter Tuesday here at Object! It's been chilly of late, but we are cosy up in the gallery with the aid of our trusty heaters and so there is definitely no excuse for not visiting us especially with Annual Manual: A Guide to Australian Design Now in its final weeks! This exhibition curated by Office for Good Design is a significant award show of Australian emerging talent. 8 outstanding finalists have been judged by a panel and the winners have been awarded the opportunity to have a solo exhibition in Object's Project Space in 2012. Apart from the 8 finalists, there are also 10 more names to watch playing on the gallery AV. You will have to come in and see the winning pieces for yourself but for now, here are some pictures that show the breadth of design in this show.

Thomas Llewellyn (VIC) DRAWING BOARD

Emily Nam (VIC) BODY, CLOTHING,OBJECT,EXPERIENCE

Daniel Emma (SA) D.E

Meredith Turnbull (VIC) EARRINGS, OBJECTS, SCULPTURES

Esther Stewart (VIC) PORTABLE COMPACTIBLE

Kristel Britcher (SA) SUSPENSION SERIES RANGE & CRYSTALLINE COMPOSITION 1

In-ah Shin (NSW) ANOTHER: BEING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RIVER

Aly De Groot (NT) GHOST NET BASKETS

All images from Annual Manual: A Guide to Australian Design Now 2011

All Photography: Jamie Williams

Wintery Warmy

2011-05-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so winter is here! What you need is a nice cup of tea, a good book and a toasty fire to curl up in front of. Failing that we do have some very exciting new ceramics and textiles that we promise will make the transition from Autumn into Winter a little easier. As the weather gets colder the best thing to do is surround yourself with comfy, cosy things and definitely drink lots of tea!

The ever popular hand thrown terracotta and earthenware serving bowls by Cath O'Gorman are back in Collect. These gorgeous colours are the ideal thing to brighten up your days this winter.

The New range of handmade Crazy Paving Coasters and Table mats from Gaye Abandon are perfect for winter time. they are 100% wool, made from Upcycled, felted jumpers. Starting at $42 for a set they are heat resistant, reversible and just what winter called for.
Malcolm Greenwood's new range of ceramic platters, beakers, sake cups and bowls have just arrived and we couldn't love them more. These beautiful ceramic pieces are bringing some warmth to the cold winter air.

These colours inspire the brightest of moods even on the chilliest winter days.

So rug up warm and enjoy all the things that make you happy during Winter.

2011-05-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

Cath O' Gorman is one of our ceramics artists and oh my how we love her work. In beautiful earthy colours and tones she creates a range of different sized Ceramic Serving Bowls, that are just perfect for decoration, using as a fruit bowl or just treating your guests to the lovely meal you just made for dinner.

The beauty of her work is that it's handmade like most of our designs and objects. So if you are looking for the perfect present or want to treat yourself drop by and check her out.

Cath O'Gorman has also been featured in photoshoots for Master Chef Magazine as a part of the styling.

Stay dry and keep the vitamins updated

2011-05-09T23:38:00.001-07:00

The Bourke street Cycle way will be officially opened on Sunday 15th May and will come alive with the ‘rolling festival’. More details can be found here http://www.facebook.com/ILoveSydneyBikeLanes.

Polish off your pedals and roll into Collect this Sunday for a visit. The first 15 customers that walk through the door with a helmet will be lucky enough to receive a gift from us – a Trent Jansen recycled road sign reflector!

Underfoot Overhead- Now Showing in the Project Space

2011-05-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Five Australian makers have come together in Object Gallery's Project Space to showcase work that is evocative, unexpected and yet familiar. Each artist embraces the opposing forces inherent in the natural world - of degradation and transformation; healing and death; sublime beauty and harsh reality. These makers inhabit a strange space...

Michelle Kelly's striking installation Basidiomycota, 2007-2011 engages us in the regularly overlooked 'Fifth Kingdom' of fungi. By magnifying these forms the artist gives us a rare and intimate experience of the organisms that contribute so significantly yet thanklessly to the working order of the earth. This photo is just a peek at the work that really does need to be seen in its entirety, occupying the gallery wall. As Kelly's practice centres around architectural works both for space and also for the body, to coincide with this exhibition Collect has brought in a range of Michelle Kelly's gloriously crafted, organic jewellery for a limited time- definately not to be missed!

Repulsed? Beguiled? Indeed I Follow Ewe, 2011 by Juz Kitson will arrest you at once. A curious assemblage of viscera meets science fiction, where an alternate nature is presented. By collecting and borrowing from nature, these extraordinary and evocative pieces have been born and delicately placed out of context-the array of manipulated skulls, bones and vertebrae once decayed and lifeless are given a new chance and a new history. At first glance Still Life: The Food Bowl by Ken & Julia Yonetani appears to be no more than a pure appropriation of the still life genre. Of course upon deeper contact we discover that this traditional display has been superbly crafted entirely from Australian groundwater salt and this realisation elevates the work to a whole new level. By using the salt, a noxious agricultural by-product, along with drawing on the still life genre, the artists are commenting on the current agricultural practices developed to bring new food produce to the table of a rising European bourgeois class. In fact 550, 000 tonnes of groundwater salt are pumped out of the Murray Darling basin alone each year.... Wow! Now we see the themes of consumption, luxury, vanity and mortality emerge...tres chic!

Natalia Milosz-Piekarska's whimsical wearable pieces celebrate the 'spirit' within objects. The fantasmagorical series Immortal Morsels explores the mysterious world of food and its uses as a medium for worship, healing and protection. The artist uses a veritable apothecary of materials to create this collection of weird and wonderful charms and artefacts. Wacky and delicious all at once!

Emily Valentine-Bullock's work prompts us to consider how we classify animals - as pet or pest? In Mynah Squardron, 2011 the artist uses feathers as paint to create a colony of aeroplanes that stimulate us with the uncomfortable nature of the feather. Have we perhaps changed our contemporary view towards wearing bird parts because of fashion? Or are we more caring towards animals today? These are the questions that this body of work begs us to consider.

..................................................................

Curated by Kate Ford Underfoot Overhead is showing until 19th June along with Annual Manual: A Guide to Australian Design Now in the Main Space

Happy Easter!

2011-04-20T23:11:00.001-07:00

OBJECT GALLERY AND COLLECT OPENING HOURS ARE:

GOOD FRIDAY 22ND APRIL CLOSED

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 10AM-5PM

SUNDAY 24TH APRIL CLOSED

MONDAY 25TH APRIL CLOSED

TUESDAY 26TH APRIL CLOSED

HAVE A WONDERFUL BREAK!

(featured above is a lovely Tamara Hahn porcelain celadon bowl $42 from Collect)

Tjanpi Desert Weavers

2011-03-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Look what came in a few weeks ago! These bright and colourful necklaces and bracelets are hand painted by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers of central Australia.

"When we have got all the tjanpi we need, we light a fire and make a dinner camp and sit around and have tea and put the kuka on the fire and share out all the bush tucker and talk together about different, different things. It’s the same way when we make tjanpi work, sitting around with family and sharing stories. Sometimes joking around, sometimes talking seriously, but always sharing stories. Family is where we learn from each other and how we hear all the news."
Jennifer Mitchell, Tjanpi weaver, 2006

Nanette Goodsell in Collect

2011-03-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Some lovely new items from Nanette Goodsell have arrived at Collect. Not only do we have Baskets, but we have necklaces too! This is certainly an exciting new branch (ha) of Nanette's work.

COLLECT WELCOMES

2011-02-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

PRINCESS C, LADY J and the UPPERCRUST

LARGE BROOCHES $45

MEDIUM BROOCHES $35

SMALL BROOCHES $30

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2011-02-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sis/98171915/

In good Company

2011-01-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of the latest object exhibition In Good Company presented by &company. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the complex relationships and process behind 'local, sustainable, intelligent' design.

Designers of today are stepping up to the challenges of a changing world, stretching creative powers, re-imagining new ways of living, and exploring the potential role of design.
Design is an often elusive process that calls for creative collaboration with mates, mentors, makers, marketers - a complex network of skilled and passionate individuals. In Good Company will take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the people that make it happen. Sit side-by-side with the creators in their studio, workshops and even the dinner table. Join us in a celebration of the local creative industry that underpins Sydney's design community. Focusing on coffee, food and cycling, Object will also be running design clinics in Feburary.

In Good Company features:
Design By Them, Trent Jansen, Dinosaur Designs, Cloth, Oliver Smith, Mud, Vert Design, Koskela, High tea with Mrs Woo + more.

Lots of great design pieces to buy...

Exhibition runs from 29 January - 3 April 2011

Duppy Musique Povera

2011-01-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

The project space welcomes Dylan Martorell with Duppy Musique Povera, 29 January - 3 April 2011.
A visual artist and electroacoustic musician, Dylan Martorell creates sound-based installations and sculptures through an improvised layering of elements drawing on whatever materials and objects are to hand. In Duppy Musique Povera, Martorell will present a selection of his hand-made musical instruments built from found materials such as discarded tins, plant matter, wood, rocks and metal.

ROBERT BAINES: METAL

2010-12-09T00:21:00.000-08:00

Bloodier than Black Brooch, 2008

We have a Wonderful exhibition on in our main Gallery at the moment, be sure to stop by and have a look. The Exhibition will run until January 16th 2011, before touring nationally.

Robert Baines is one of Australia's most prominent and influential jewellers and goldsmiths. His exceptional craft skills and extraordinary body of work are being honoured through the 2010 Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft Series.

Each year Object Gallery celebrates the accomplishments of an Australian Maker. 6th in the series, “Robert Baines: Metalwork” is sure to delight and intrigue. Gallery entry is free and open late on thursday nights during December.

Baines has profoundly shaped Australian jewellery, object-making and international historical scholarship. With wry humour, his work challenges our understanding of the world as much as they delight with their technical brilliance.

10 Christmas gifts for the man that has everything...

2010-12-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

Me and Amber hand screen printed card – car $7

Tony Cameron Puzzle box $44

Gerry Wedd book $45

Paperweights between $58-$175

Pair of F!NK beakers $66 or a F!NK storage vessel $110

'Claystone pottery' mugs $55 each

George Plionis money clip $130

Andrew Bartlett wine rack $180

Husque bowls $171ea

Cufflinks - Lisa Cahill $110, George Plionis $280, Janis Valdivia $159

Ps. We are open late on Thursday nights on the lead up to Christmas, so you can stop by for a visit after work.

Five fantastic, festive, fresh fruit cocktails to compliment the Edols and Elliot jug

2010-11-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Social Silly season is here and to help impress your guests while entertaining, try these 5 Festive summer recipes that look great in an Edols and Elliot Jug.

Watermelon, lemon and rosemary
2 cups (500ml) water
3/4 cup (185g) white sugar
1 sprig rosemary (about 10cm long), leaves stripped and chopped
2 cups lemon juice
1 medium watermelon, seeded and cubed
8 cups ice cubes

Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir in the rosemary, and set aside to steep for 1 hour. Place half of the lemon juice, and half of the watermelon into a blender. Strain the rosemary syrup through a mesh strainer into the blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Strain into an Edols and Elliot jug, then repeat with the remaining lemon juice and watermelon. Refrigerate till cold. Stir the drink before serving over ice.

Pineapple and ginger
1 tin (850ml) unsweetened pineapple juice
1 bottle (750ml) good ginger beer (like Bundaberg)
½ an ice cube tray of tea ice cubes (To make the tea ice-cubes just make some strong black tea, let it cool then pour into an ice cube tray)
a handful of fresh mint sprigs
the pulp from one large passionfruit (optional)

Pour it all into an Edols and Elliot jug, stir and serve immediately. Make sure each glass gets some tea ice cubes.

Frozen strawberry whip
1/2 cup (125ml) lime juice
2 cups (500ml) cold water
1/4 cup (60g) white sugar
1 1/2 cups (250g) frozen strawberries, sliced
5 cubes ice

Place lime juice, cold water, sugar and strawberries in blender and blend on high until smooth. While blender is running, add ice cubes one at a time. Pour into an Edols and Elliot jug and serve immediately.

Lavender lemonade
2 cups (500ml) boiling water
1 cup lavender flowers
2 cups (500ml) cold water
1 cup (250ml) lemon juice
1 cup (240g) sugar
In a large saucepan combine sugar, water and lavender. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Sieve to remove the Lavender. Stir in lemon juice. Cool for 15 minutes. Refrigerate lemonade at least 1 hour, or until chilled. Serve over ice, if desired, and garnish with lemon slices.
Note: This recipe also works well using fresh root ginger or fresh mint instead of the lavender.

Pimms Punch
1 cup, 250ml Pimm's Orginal
1 wedge cucumber (about the size of a finger)
1 red apple, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1/2 fresh lemon, sliced
1/2 fresh lime, sliced
2-3 leaves fresh mint
1 litre bottle sprite or lemonade
Optional ingredients:
2-3 fresh pineapple rings
2-3 fresh strawberries, sliced

Mix all ingredients in an Edols and Elliot jug. Serve chilled or over ice.
Note: Adjust the amount of Pimm's and lemonade to your preferences.

New Edols Elliott

2010-11-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Edols Elliott aim to create breathtaking effects in glass and make objects that they would like to see in the world. Indeed these skilfully decorated cane glass pieces make it a delightfully colourful world here at Collect at Object. Benjamin Edols has been blowing glass since 1987 and is undoubtedly one of the best glass blowers worldwide. His work has received great international recognition and he is invited around the world to teach specialist glass workshops. Through technical and creative success, Edols Eliott pieces continue to be sourced for leading public and private art collections.

We have a new range of Edols Eliott colourful cane glass vessels in store including jugs and beakers, bowls, vases and paperweights. Prices start at $99, a trifle for a beautiful and collectable piece of Australian made Edols Elliot glass.

New Polli Jewellery

2010-11-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce that Polli jewellery has hit our shelves!

Designed and handmade in Australia by Maja Rose and Tess Lloyd, Polli jewellery is inspired by Japanese and Danish paper designs, and also by sustainability. Indeed the Polli girls have a social conscience- the company has a low CO2 rating, manufactures products locally and donates a part of their proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
We have pieces from the stainless steel and kohl gold collections in stock, featuring botanical graphics and also geometric woven patterns.
Pop in store to have a look at this lovely new range and perhaps tick a few Christmas pressies off the list. :)

Have you made the pledge yet?!?!

2010-10-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

The gift giving season is soon upon us, so lets make it our mission to encourage all our family and friends to buy handmade this Christmas!!!

http://www.buyhandmade.org

Exhibition opportunity in the Collector's Cabinet!

2010-10-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

For all those glass artists, and in conjunction with the Ausglass 2011 conference being held in Sydney in January 2011, Object is dedicating it's Collector's Cabinet to glass. We are looking for your stories...

OPEN CALL OUT FOR GLASS SUBMISSIONS: we want to know your stories!!
Object presents an open call out for artists, of any stage of career, to create a glass artwork that is collectable, covetable and engaging. It will be displayed in the Collectors Cabinet at Object Gallery from the 20th – 30th January 2011 and will form one of the exhibitions that will be part of the AusGlass Conference 2011 Peripheral Vision www.peripheralvision.org.au

What you will need to do:
· Find a piece of glass in a second hand store that will be suitable for cold-working (remember to collect your receipt) or ask a friend to ‘gift’ you a blank (remember to document the story as to how this came to be)

· Cold-work it in any way that you like, perhaps it reflects the shape and feel of the original piece, perhaps it re-invents it from Nanna to nice, it’s up to you!

· Write a 50-100 word explanation about where the original piece came from, or who gifted it and your relationship to them. These stories will be displayed with each piece.

All the pieces will be available for sale, so this will be a great chance for collectors, family and friends to own a one of a kind piece. Please note that due to the size restrictions of the cabinet, the object cannot be larger than 30 x 30 x 30cm. Limited spaces available so click here to get more details from our gallery staff.

WE CRAFT THIS CITY!!!

2010-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Paper pom poms with Ebony

Well, a champagne breakfast with delicious homebaked treats (recipes from Frankie magazine's Sweet Treats and Afternoon Tea cookbooks!) www.frankie.com.au and now....could it get any better...craft workshops all day long with the folks from the We Craft This City exhibition...

Ebony Bizys with papercraft and lovely Japanese paper knick knacks, Craft Cartel show us how to make crocheted explosives and Knitty Gritty & Loopy will teach us how to make amazing knited baskets out of plarn (plastic yarn, sourced from all those plastic bags that invade our homes) If you are in the area, pop in, or join us next week for the Crafting Power Hours...12.30 - 1.30pm. If you can't make it during the week, come along next Sunday from 2pm and bring your crafting projects or learn new skills over a cuppa..

Stereotyped in Object’s Project Space 4- 26th September (Final Week)

2010-09-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

Stereotyped: Sound and Typography is an experimental exhibition that brings together composers and graphic designers, film-makers and sound engineers, musicians and typographers to challenge the definition of the ‘designer’ in the 21st Century.

Sound design, the manipulation of audio elements to achieve a desired effect and, typography, the art and technique of arranging type, were once highly professional fields of specialization. Now, both mediums are used by a myriad of disciplines to create meaning in diverse forms. Moreover, with the evolution of digital technologies a plethora of amateur sound and typography ‘designers’ have cropped up- anyone with a computer can create sound and type at home.

Consequently, Stereotyped is a cross-disciplinary collaboration that tests, interrogates and pushes the stereotype of a designer. Curated by Joan-Maree Hargreaves, Object’s Producer- Digital & Publications, Stereotyped is an unforgettable sensory experience that challenges commonly held beliefs.

Crafternoon this weekend!

2010-09-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Knitty, Gritty & Loopy. 2009. Photo: courtesy Liane Rossler

Celebrating one of Sydney’s most loved green spaces, ArtPark turns Hyde Park North into a craft workshop and exhibition space. As a part of Art Park, and in association with Art and About 2010, Object Gallery presents Crafternoon.

Bring your craft project out of the closet and join us in Hyde Park. Be inspired by some of our most eclectic and exciting crafters.
Bring your own materials, or work with some of the existing materials supplied by each workshop host. There will be a focus on reuse and repurpose of materials, so keep in mind we would like you to contribute!
Bring your own: plastic shopping bags, red yarn, toilet paper rolls, old toy parts, crochet hooks, weaving materials, and icy pole sticks

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September 11-3pm
we will be hanging out in the park, chatting and making.
Drop in at any time, and join in on a variety of workshops!!

Reef Knot will be making pin cushion flowers from an array of second hand fabrics and other materials
Denise Litchfield will be transforming discarded plastic toys into junk fashion
Knitty Gritty & Loopy will be using plastic shopping bags to weave baskets and other forms
Cecilie Knowles will be hosting a paper crafting workshop, using scraps of paper that were destined for the rubbish bin
In Stitches will be hosting a collaborative experiment whereby visitors repurpose materials into a larger collective sculpture
Craft Cartel will be crocheting and knitting their soft, decorative explosives.

Don't forget to come and visit the exhibition 'We Craft this City' featuring some of these amazing makers. Exhibition starts on Saturday 2nd October at Object Gallery (417 Bourke St, Surry Hills) and runs till 10 October, with daily 'Crafting Power Hours'. Go to object/spring series for more info.

Craftalicious!!

Secrets & Stories Exhibition at Object Gallery 11-26th September (Final Week)

2010-09-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

SECRETS & STORIES: EXPERIMENTS IN HAPPINESS

Is the result of a unique collaboration between Object, designer Michael Alvisse, students, staff and parents from Dulwich Hill High School of Visual Arts and Design.

After recent trips to Bali where family and community are clear priorities, Michael was inspired to share his experiences. With this in mind, students were encouraged to uncover secrets and stories drawn from the shared memories of their families. Over many months, Michael guided the students through a design process, showing them how to develop and realise a concept.

As you enter the exhibition you pass through a balinese arch and into an alternate universe, reminiscent of a Pop-Up picture book. Walking amoung the vines, animals emerge, representing each student and what they hope to become in the future.

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Calling All Parents and Kids!!!!!

FREE Mask Making Workshop in conjunction with the exhibition SECRETS & STORIES. Join the students of Dulwich Hill High School of Visual Arts and Design as they take you through this fantasy like Pop Up Book Exhibition, read stories and help you create your own mask to take home!
Saturday September 25TH FROM 10.30AM- 12.30PM

OBJECT GALLERY 417 BOURKE ST SURRY HILLS

Collect Welcomes Spring

2010-09-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

The earth wakes

Butterflies kiss flowers

Love letters of Spring

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Butterfly necklaces by Melinda Young

Flowergirl brooch by Rosie Hannam

Chrysalis Butterfly wall pieces by Lightly

Vintage Flower earrings by Liana Kabel

Ceramic brooches by Sandra Bowkett

Small Measure Up brooch by Liana Kabel

Butterfly brooch by Katrina Freene

Washi Flower jewellery by Sonya Edbrooke

Pendants by Jyoti Peart

Flower ring and brooch by Jane Pollard

Notebook by Poppies For Grace

What everyone needs ...

2010-08-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you my most prized possession, a Tamara Hahn pourer. It is simply elegant and softly beautiful and ingeniously designed. It sits on my kitchen bench full of delicious olive oil.

It’s hard to see in the picture, but there are two soft indentations on either side of the pourer, so it sits comfortably in your hand when holding. The spout is long and slender, and only the perfect controlled drizzle flows out (no accidental gulps). I had never used an oil pourer, until I owned this one, and I didn’t realise how much pleasure it could give me, I recommend it to anyone who will listen.

Tamara once explained to me that it is nearly impossible to design a spout that will pour oil without a dribble, so instead the pourer has been designed to embrace the inevitable dribble, and sits upon a turned timber base, that absorbs and is nourished by the excess oil, without leaving a mess on my bench.

Tamara works from her studio at the JamFactory centre for contemporary Craft and Design in Adelaide, where she has recently completed an associatship. Tamara’s ceramics revolve around the idea of imperfect beauty. Forms are deliberately altered or taken out of symmetry. Swollen bellies are added to some, and deliberate indents to others. Tamara is inspired by human form and her work comments on what is perceived as beautiful in our society. The work is about self-expression, personal narrative and social comment. By pushing forms out of the symmetrical, the idea of perfect, flawless beauty is lost, and the beauty of the unusual is highlighted.

I use this subtle unassuming pourer almost daily, and I can’t speak highly enough of the richness it has added to my time in my kitchen. So if you haven’t got one, I think you should consider coming in to our store to have a look at it maybe even try holding it. I think it would also make the perfect gift for a special master chef in your life. In the collect store, we also stock the equally beautiful Tamara Hahn decorated beakers and bowls.
I hope you are keeping well and warm,
Sarah.

Jess' rings match the sky...

2010-08-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

We have had some spectacular wintery weather here in Surry Hills these past few months. One day, after the rains had cleared, Jess looked outside and noticed that her set of Bubble Rings by Melinda Young matched the clearing late afternoon skies - so she took this lovely picture of cloud shapes upon clouds... Melinda has made a stunning new collection of her hand cut and finished acrylic jewellery for Collect to accompany the Blue exhibition, including her ever popular pendants and rings as well as a brand new range of earrings.

Blue!

2010-08-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Object Gallery is currently showing two exhibitions. Blue in the main gallery has been curated by Object's own Kylie Johnston and Annette Mauer. It features the work of 9 makers from around Australia: ceramists Gerry Wedd, Honor Freeman & Mel Robson, glass artist Brenden Scott French, textile artist Lucille Martin, jewellers Brenda Factor & Melinda Young, book sculptor Nicholas Jones and mixed media artist Emma Davies. Each maker has responded to a phrase relating to the colour blue to provide inspiration for the new work shown in the exhibition. The results are absolutely stunning (if we do say so ourselves!) here is a slideshow of Blue:

You can read more about Blue here

As a special retail treat to accompany the Blue exhibition we have given our entire Collectors Cabinet over to blue work by a diverse range of makers represented by Collect - there is an abundance of exquisite glass, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and objects - all in blue!

Accompanying Blue in the Project Space is Big: Sydney's Small Studios a collaborative project by designer Stephen Goddard and photographer Keith Saunders that features a glimpse behind the scenes of 12 of Sydney's independent design studios. Aside from the fascinating subject matter, the exhibition design is pretty neat too! Here is a slideshow of Big:

You can read more about Big here.

Both exhibitions are a part of Object's Spring Series an exciting and innovative exhibition and event program that runs until October. Find out more about the Spring Series here.

‘Tubeway armies’...we are all addicted!!

2010-08-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Hailing from the frosty Melbourne (they know how to keep warm down there) these arm warmers feature unique ‘two-of-a-kind‘ combinations of stripes and textures with stitch, button and appliqué detailing. Both smart and casual, our arm warmers make a practical, eco friendly gift for all age groups. Or the best kind of gift – a gift for yourself! Keep your hands, wrists and arms toasty and stylishly snug and your fingers free for crafting, keyboarding, cycling, dog walking, music making and pram pushing!

‘Tubeway Armies’ are part of the ‘Body Parts’ range of winter accessories, a collaboration between Gaye Naismith (Gaye Abandon) and Melanie Hill (Textile Allsorts), the range transforms recycled, felted wool jumpers into comfy and funky winter accessories. Olenka typed earlier “I personally love armies because they are adorable, and keep our wrists warm while allowing us to do the normal dexterous things that we just can’t manage with gloves on i.e. write, type, dial the phone etc. Using vintage buttons and buckles, each pair is cleverly composed and individual.”

To co-ordinate with your ‘tubeway armies’, we also stock the super soft and cosy one-of-a-kind scarfs that have been cut from recycled, boiled, 100% wool sweaters and joined with a strong zig zag stitch. These also double as a warm and stylish necklace that can be worn in a variety of ways. If some of the sweater pieces in these necklace scarves look familiar, it’s because they're cut from the bits left over when making the arm warmers.

‘Gay Abandon’ aims for a no-waste policy and endeavours to upcycle every part of the sweaters that are cut up so the bare minimum ends up in landfill. All the electricity used during production is sourced from 100% wind energy, and the water used to shrink them is re-used on the garden. So you can keep your conscience healthy.

And while you’re here, why not buy a handsome sweater to dress your hot water bottle in? They’re great for stopping your feet from burning on direct hot-water-bottle contact.

The ‘Hottie Jumpers’ with fold up collar, like the other ‘body parts’ range, are all handmade entirely from upcycled, thickly felted, wool jumpers (but only the very softest!) and finished with repurposed buttons. Each one is unique, and there are so many colours, there’s bound to be one made just for you. To see more juicy colour combos and other ethically produced, eco-friendly winter accessories visit us at the collect store. Post proudly brought to you by Sarah.

Bison at Collect

2010-07-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hey there,
Penny here. As you can see, the girls at Collect love their stock, and I'm no exception! We currently have some fabulous Bison pieces available. Bison is an ACT based ceramics business. All their pieces are hand thrown and hand glazed. This means each piece is quite unique, in shape and colour. Despite this, they are super durable, both dishwasher and microwave safe.

There is a great range of objects to choose from, including mugs, egg cups, bowls and vases. Not to forget the quintessential milk jug!

I had a friend from Canada visit the store who commented; "Hey! Why are there Buffalo stamped on the pieces?" Of course she was referring to the Bison logo, however this did get me thinking, why are they called Bison?

After some investigation, I had my question answered. Inspired by the ancient tradition of painting onto stone, Bison's creator Brian Tunks became fascinated by ceramics whilst on historical excavations. Clear connections can be seen between Tunks' original training, in archaeology and the aesthetics of his work. Simple, functional and beautiful, the pieces have smooth semi-gloss glazes, leaving the user with a fantastic textural quality when holding the piece. The pieces are designed to survive a lifetime with you, and embody an ageless quality much like their ancient inspiration.

One of the nicest things about Bison wares is their simplicity. Produced in a small factory just outside Canberra, there is no excessive adornment. The pieces are soft colours, have beautiful textures and (I think) most importantly, are great forms to hold and use on a daily basis. You can feel that they have been hand thrown.

Most makers will agree, an object that is hand made has an extra quality about it. It’s something that manufacturers have difficulty replicating. It's the softness of surface, the bumps and lumps, subtle differences in texture, colour, and form. It’s why makers MAKE. Most have an inherent obsession with material investigation. Bison have experimented and explored clay for many years, and their success is evident in their collection of wares.

Bison have stockists and stores in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. Visit http://www.bisonhome.com/ for more info about Bison or pop into Collect to purchase from our current selection!

New Tjanpi baskets in store

2010-07-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hi readers!

It’s Pen here - I haven’t been in to work for a few days, and when I came back we had a whole range of new stock! It’s always lovely coming to the store and finding new treasures, but I was particularly taken by our new range of Tjanpi Baskets!

Tjanpi (pronounced: J-um-Py) is a collective managed by the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council. It is an organisation completely governed and owned by Aboriginal people, and all profits from the baskets are used to sustain Tjanpi Desert Weavers. Based in the heart of Australia (Central Western desert region) Tjanpi is an employment opportunity for local women passionate about weaving. This employment program is special because it provides income whilst embracing local cultural activities.

“While out collecting grass women take time to hunt, gather food, visit sacred sites and teach their children about country. At its core Tjanpi is about family and community. It is work that more than accommodates social and cultural obligations, it encourages them.” www.westerndesertmob.com.au

I love Tjanpi baskets because each one is so unique. Textures, colours, form and weave all vary greatly depending on the making and aesthetic style of the artist. Some are quite subdued in earthy tones often ornamented with emu or bush turkey feathers. Others are quite outstanding in the use of pinks, yellows, greens and blue dyed grasses! Each work has a life and personality/vitality of its own and visitors will often find themselves drawn to a particular basket.

At home, they look beautiful on a shelf with other treasures - My favourite basket sits next to a very special glass piece in my living room. The warm yellow hues in the glass glow next to the natural tones of the grasses and raffia used in the basket.

But they can also be very practical. Some of the flatter dish-like pieces make great places to keep jewellery on your bed side table. (...and won’t scratch because they are made of lovely soft grasses!) If you are looking for a wall feature, these baskets look great hung in groups by small hooks.

These baskets never stick around long at Collect, and most are under $35 each, so as soon as word gets out they go flying off the shelves! I recommend popping in and checking out the new collection. You won’t be disappointed!

It's beaker season!

2010-06-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

We seem to be engulfed in wet, windy, wintery weather these days, which means the Collect ladies are all putting their favourite beakers to good use with delicious cups of hot tea!

We have some beautiful handcrafted beakers in store at the moment by Christopher Plumridge, Honor Freeman, Liz Low, Lisa Boyter, Virginia Jones - just the thing to warm the cockles of yours or someone else's heart!

Come in out of the weather and enjoy some winter warmth at Collect!

Collect

2009-07-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

Collect

*New In Store* Storm Bowl by Jaan Poldaas

*November Offers*

HYPERCLAY: Contemporary Ceramics 8 October 2011- 8 January 2012

On a rainy day we went to sea

- Is that candy you're wearing? - No it's a necklace

A natural world of 'otherworldly' delights

A whole new world

2: Creators of wonders

Spring blossoms

With Spring new blossoms broaden the colour palette

Seedling love

Insects

Enter the Paper Attic: Benja Harney's paper creations

On ya bike!

*Online Store Update*

Object Loves Paper

Annual Manual-Showing until 19th June

Wintery Warmy

Underfoot Overhead- Now Showing in the Project Space

Happy Easter!

Tjanpi Desert Weavers

Nanette Goodsell in Collect

COLLECT WELCOMES

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

In good Company

Duppy Musique Povera

ROBERT BAINES: METAL

10 Christmas gifts for the man that has everything...

Five fantastic, festive, fresh fruit cocktails to compliment the Edols and Elliot jug

New Edols Elliott

*New* Polli Jewellery

Have you made the pledge yet?!?!

Exhibition opportunity in the Collector's Cabinet!

WE CRAFT THIS CITY!!!

Stereotyped in Object’s Project Space 4- 26th September (Final Week)

Crafternoon this weekend!

Secrets & Stories Exhibition at Object Gallery 11-26th September (Final Week)

Collect Welcomes Spring

What everyone needs ...

Jess' rings match the sky...

Blue!

‘Tubeway armies’...we are all addicted!!

Bison at Collect

New Tjanpi baskets in store

It's beaker season!

Collect

New In Store Storm Bowl by Jaan Poldaas

November Offers

Online Store Update

New Polli Jewellery