#entouragepost

[entouragepost]

Transatlantic Craftsmanship, Ironware

Karin Eaton introduced the original masterwork of Pierre Picard to America, a master blacksmith’s traditional workmanship cultivated for 25 years. Ironware’s inventive design value the ingenuity of old world artistry whispering 21st century narratives. Conservation of an ancient and laudable art endowed with beauty, quality and integrity where each piece forged by skilled effort.

Images by: Ironware International

[entouragepost]

Micro Interview: Bjorn Arnason, Photography

A big print of a sculpture in Höggmyndagarðinn taken by Bjorn Arnason graced his apartment ten years ago. This symbolic photograph, he took in an obscure angle from the back of the sculpture, manifests the start of his artistic journey to photography. His most influential mentor Mary Ellen Mark whom he had the privilege to work as an assistant in Iceland encouraged him to hone his minimal style and ambiguously introduce people. Her training became his alter ego when walking around taking pictures to get the perfect shot that is true to his distinct expression. Becoming a student for two years in her workshops in Oaxaca gave Bjorn the best exposure to the diverse world of photography.

By Bjorn: The environment that surrounds me is usually my inspiration, nature, manmade structures and people. When I go somewhere and plan on photographing I usually have some sort of a plan on what I am going to do but sometimes the surroundings take me to a completely different direction. I set my mind on going to some place like Reykjanes and just go there a few times and see where the surroundings take me, sometimes the nature is my focus and sometimes the buildings and the people in the small towns are more interesting. The technique I would apply more to my work and I already started doing is going closer up to people when I am shooting. Not like really up close but I am a shy person and I find it hard to obviously take a photo of a person but I am getting better at it.

I use natural light in most of my personal projects. I love dark and gloomy light. Like when its cloudy or foggy here in Iceland. I just love photographing nature in that light. You can see it very well in http://www.bjornarnason.com/untitled-iii Like the first pictures, I love how the clouds just hover over the top of the mountain. Like its a soft cotton just slightly stoking the edge of the mountain. Don't get me wrong, I love the sun just as much.

As for working with any kind of project, Bjorn visits the place numerous times to see all the angles of the place to generate the best composition. His advice to people of any age who are starting to build their photography skills would be to find their inner voice, find their personal style, keep on practicing and do not be afraid of making mistakes.

Images by: Bjorn Arnason, Jörgen Hjerdt

[entouragepost]

Fluidity in Design, Stelton

A richer lifestyle enveloped by Scandinavian shapeliness defined by Stelton. Exemplar of Danish design empowered by creative genes fashioning objects into striking pieces of simplistic outline. The new design classic in stark combination of steel, wood and enamel with focus on form and function.

Images by: Stelton

[entouragepost]

New Nordic, Muuto

The unconventional Nordic comes with flawless new design perspectives evident of its roots characterised by honest expression of warm functionality and lasting elegance. Traditional craftsmanship reinterpreted by Muuto in classic whites combined with wood and splashes of cool hues. Truly Scandinavian design expanding horizons for new elements, techniques and creativity.

Images by: Muuto

[entouragepost]

Micro Interview: Watson Tan, Art Front Gallery

Renowned for his model management agency Upfront Models Singapore, Watson Tan brings compellingly fresh art pieces from new aspiring artists from around the globe. Art Front Gallery was established in 2010 where hidden talents are polished, nurtured and left to shine for people to treasure the art they bring to life. A lover of beauty, collecting art started as a personal obsession where an appreciation of the artist’s history, techniques and narrative brought about his curation of unconventional masterpieces. 

A fashion curator for 20 years, he understands artistry is beyond aesthetics. It is important to have continuity of visual admiration with personal emotions where his moods affect his interpretation of every piece in his gallery. Watson look at art and fashion based on times, what is current in the market and industry today. He is aware of the vital needs and demands of the international platform.

By Watson Tan: Most of my artwork have a personal touch, I showcase gallery pieces that I personally feel for. One artist that I am artistically connected is striving new Indonesian artist Iqi Qoror. His art portrays more of internal feelings of people and human beings, it is spoken very strongly in his artworks. For instance, his painting of two men looking at each other depicts crucial decisions in life, it offers determination to move forward even if you might slip and fall from the bananas on the floor. My belief is similar, that sometimes in life you have to make that decision even if you are uncertain if it’s the right one. Being an owner of an art gallery and a model management company, it’s very difficult to make pivotal decisions but this conviction guides me to the right path.

 I don’t like to be dictated by a specific country to look at or be inspired by when selecting artwork. What is important to me is the deep personalised feeling the delineation of the creation affects me. It’s very hard to say that because it’s from China it has to be more colourful, from Indonesia it has to be dark. It is a personal task for me to deliver to my audience, like a show exhibiting a personal curation. Art Front reflects a place where art is never dictated by society. Be dictated by what you feel and that can be a success story.

Art is a variety of style, textures and medium for every country it represents. Watson Tan is able to define the collector’s preference like how he chooses fashion models to suitably represent a brand. Singapore collectors like subtle outlines, Indonesians strong and deep silhouettes, Koreans look into the play of texture and different mediums and Chinese deep but more colourful style. He truly is a dexterous creative mind where fashion and art have no boundaries.

Images courtesy of Ren D'vila

[entouragepost]

Delicate Fiber, Mikmax

Subtle colors cradle you in soft comfort elevating rejuvenating slumber. Mikmax commix harmoniously best quality cotton, linen and design. Delicate fabrics spirited by textures reflecting compassion towards the environment.

Images by: Mikmax

[entouragepost]

Retegui, Marble and Technology

Simplicity and subtlety with inherent character bring out authenticity into Retegui marble creations. Precise techniques complex and elaborate combine marble with composite materials allowing for conception of elegant gentle pieces. Crisp lines give prominence to the beauty of pure stone and its infused components.

Images by: Retegui