Artwork by Josephine Tonder. Photo - Josephine Tonder
I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was check my Instagram account (‘addict’, I think to myself). But then I came across an artist in Copenhagen @josepinetonder started following me on Instagram. I was intrigued by her work and thinking of possibly using it in a current styling job. What attracted me to it was that it connected me to a feeling and that she was authentic. I could feel what she was feeling. That’s what I look for in art. There are so many regurgitated prints & paintings being offered on the market that, that although look nice, do not evoke a feeling and hence don’t have meaning to me.
I then went onto my Facebook account (‘addict’ – I thought again) and discovered an article about the millennials re-using or repurposing their grandparents vintage furniture to decorate their house. The article spoke of a trend emerging amongst this generation which is less about consumerism and following trends and more about buying with meaning. Interesting read by Jo Jukes if you have time :
Then I got thinking about something that has always urked at me and about how I want to work as a designer. So here I am – “Jerry Maguire” – writing my mission statement. Or perhaps not so dramatic but some thoughts I would like to share 😊
In my travels of sourcing furniture and artwork, I have been somewhat disappointed in the copious amounts of mass produced items on offer. And we fill our houses with the stuff because it follows so a called trend or are told we need it or that it looks good. I think about the energy that is expended in transporting goods from thousands of km away to our living rooms, to only have a short life expectancy before we get completely bored of it and turf it out for something more appealing and on trend. I am certainly guilty of having done this (many times!). I follow trends! I have written articles on trends! Perhaps I’m a little late in the piece and also have been fearful of going against the trend. However today I will follow my intuition and connect more so with how I feel and what feels right. This is how I want to direct my work and my life.
I would like to point out that “trend” is not a dirty word. It can certainly inspire or even contribute to a particular movement. Take for example the Arts and Craft movement of the late 1800’s in Australia the Mid Century movement in the 1930’s to the 60’s. After all, these were movements (or trends!) that have emanated society’s mood and feeling of that time.
We have so many talented artisans here in Melbourne. I have had the pleasure to work with some but I have only begun to scratch the surface of the local talent. This is where I want to be. Working with locals and ‘authentics’ where possible . Working with clients, locals and authentics to produce a piece and hence a space that has meaning and purpose. Something that will last and perhaps be passed down to subsequent generations to come.
I know these ideals are not new – they have been voiced many times before. Although, it’s not easy to implement and execute such ideals. Many are doing it well. I want to be part of the implementing and executing. I want to be part of a movement – I suppose that’s what I am saying.
So maybe let’s take time to feel and look within.
Let’s create with purpose.
Let’s create with feeling.
Let’s create with meaning.
Let’s be part of a movement.
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