SHIBUI Issue 1 by SHIBUI & Co.

DESTINATION DESIGNER

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GUATEMALA

S H I B U I HELLO

TIME TO SHIBUI Welcome to SHIBUI & Co. and our very first online edition of SHIBUI Issue! SHIBUI was formed over a coffee, a croissant-stealing puppy and some notes on a napkin (as all good business ideas are!). Despite being friends for years and previous work associates, that day was inspired. Together we decided to share our common love of travel and artisan craftsmanship with the world and SHIB-OOM! A global sharing platform was born. Together we curate tales told through bespoke artisans and traditional craftspeople to bring a unique travel experience to culturally-inspired travellers. We hope the stories we share via SHIBUI Issue inspire and enrich your journey, and remind you that although our planet is small, our shared history is vast. Join us.

and

THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN BY ONE OF OUR MODERN MAKERS, SKY CARTER, WHILE ON A WEAVING EXPEDITION IN GUATEMALA. TURN TO PAGE 28 FOR HER STORY.

S H I B U I & Co. est. JuLY 2017 S H I B U I Issue is a bi-monthly online publication published BY S H I B U I & Co. We would like to THANK the following PEOPLE for their support, TIME and contribution WITH this EDITION. Meran SALSKI, Moacir Zeledon, SKYE BRABY and SUPPORTERS. co-founder / curator / OPERATIONS KARINA EASTWAY co-founder / curator / creative BRISEIS ONFRAY PROOFREADER Meran SALSKI ALL eNQUIRIES hello@shibuiandco.com SUBScRIBE to the shibui tribe shibuiandco.com Â©copyright 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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HELLO S H I B U I

CONTENTS

SHIBUI. A JAPANESE WORD USED TO DESCRIBE AN UNDERSTATED, CLASSIC KINDA COOL. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AN ENRICHED BEAUTY ACHIEVED THOUGH MINIMALISM AND PURPOSE RATHER THAN ADORNMENT AND EXTRAVAGANCE. ITS VALUE MUST BE DISCOVERED AND UNDERSTOOD RATHER THAN BOUGHT OR WON.

S H I B U I CONTENTS

MEET THE MAKER 6. GUATEMALA A group of single mothers weave their way to provide futures for their family and community 12. AUSTRALIA Sandra Delany shares her Quandamooka culture through art and storytelling.

TRAVEL PACK + GIVEAWAY 26. IN DREAMS Wherever your mind is taking you, add these to the wish list.

SNAP TO IT 15. Snapping his way around the globe, MR WONDERLUST (Philipp Hauptmann) shares his favourite pics and tips.

MODERN MAKER 28. AUSTRALIA Sky Carter embraces the imperfections in her weaving as a reminder of the beauty to be found in our everyday lives. 35. NEW YORK trained designer Felicity Cooney makes products which go from the Big Apple to the beach.

DESTINATION DESIGNER 22. NEW ZEALAND Arapeta Kaiwai and the traditional art of Ta Moko (Mãori tattoo).

DIRECTORY 39. Find our SHIBUI makers, photographers and designers here.

COVER IMAGE Where rain water meets the sea. Photo by SHIBUI & Co. co-founder Briseis Onfray (@walklikeagypsy). This image is taken where the S H I B U I & Co. concept began on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. THIS PAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Australian maker Felicity Cooney has a range of sophisticated, lifestyle leather accessories perfect for travel (page 35); indigenous Australian artist Sandra Delaney’s work Chasing Mullet (page 12); Sky Carter at work in her studio in Sydney, Australia (page 28).

CONTENTS S H I B U I

MEET THE MAKER

curator BRISEIS ONFRAY THE MAKER Victoria Mendoza PHOTOs Moacir Zeledon SUPPORTING The Single Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cooperative of San Juan la Laguna (Asociacion Madres Solteras de San Juan la Laguna) COUNTRY Guatemala, South America

S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

THE WOVEN WAY

A GROUP OF SINGLE MOTHERS ARE WEAVING THEIR WAY TO HELP PROVIDE A FUTURE FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY. VICTORIA MENDOZA, WITH HER DAUGHTERS INGRID AND BETTY AJU, SHARE ADMIRABLE INSIGHTS INTO THEIR COLOURFUL CULTURE AND CRAFT.

The Single Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cooperative of San Juan la Laguna S H I B U I

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Betty on the loom; naturally dyed yarn ready to weave; SHIBUI roamers Moacir Zeledon and Skye Braby from Cielo Collective, on a recent visit to the Co-op; Betty weaving her magic; woven fabric ready to purchase at the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market stall held in San Juan La Laguna.

S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

WHEN, WHERE AND WHY DID YOU START YOUR CO-OP? Our Madres Solteras Association was created over four years ago because our initial members were subject to discrimination within other local cooperatives due to being single mothers. Today we have 27 members, all single mothers who work together to provide for our children doing something that we love doing. WHAT DOES YOUR CO-OP SPECIALISES IN? We specialise in creating textiles with raw materials that we obtain from our natural environment. We work with organic cotton, bamboo fibre and silk that we get from butterfly cocoons. We work the entire process: gathering of materials, dyeing with natural colours, preparing the threads and working the back-strap loom. IS YOUR CRAFT TYPICAL OF GUATEMALA? It is our cultural heritage and pride, all our work is made by hand and inspired by the natural and vibrant colours of our land and our home, San Juan La Laguna.

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES YOUR WORK TRADITIONAL TO YOUR COUNTRY? Everything! The designs, the colours and the techniques. Each colour and pattern represents our identity, our history and our pride. IS IT TRADITIONAL FOR WOMEN TO LEARN THIS CRAFT AT AN EARLY AGE? Yes, it is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. I began to learn when I was six years old. WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO WEAVE, LOOM AND SEW? I was taught by my mother and I have taught my children. YOUR WORK IS BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED. DO YOU MAKE IT ALL BY HAND? Yes, most of our work is done entirely by hand. Only a small portion requires sewing on a machine.

The Single Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cooperative of San Juan la Laguna S H I B U I

10 S H I B U I

MEET THE MAKER

“

IT IS A TRADITION INHERITED FROM OUR ANCESTORS WHICH WE DO NOT WANT TO LOSE. IT’S THE REASON WHY WE, AS MOTHERS, START TEACHING OUR CHILDREN AT A YOUNG AGE.

”

VICTORIA MENDOZA

YOUR REGION IS FAMOUS FOR VIBRANT COLOUR. WHERE DOES ALL OF THIS WONDERFUL COLOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM? It all comes from our parents, our ancestors and how our culture was represented in the spiritual meaning of our flora and fauna. There is so much inspiration within our environment, we can draw from our lakes, our mountains, our trees and our birds, anything and everything. WHAT MATERIALS AND TOOLS DO YOU WORK WITH? Our raw materials are organic cotton, bamboo and silk. For our natural dyes we use avocado pits, cochineal insects, carrots, coffee, achiote seeds and jiquilite plants amongst many others. Tools we use are the tools to prepare the cotton, bamboo and silk and the back strap loom. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORK DAY? A typical day would have an early start with 2-3 hours of house work followed by six hours of textile work and finished with two hours of more household duties: preparing dinner and cleaning afterwards. DO YOU THINK YOUR CHILDREN WILL CONTINUE THE TRADITION IN THE FUTURE? Of course! It is a tradition inherited from our ancestors which we do not want to lose. It’s the reason why we, as mothers, start teaching our children at a young age.

LEFT Ingrid at their market stall in San Juan La Laguna

DO YOU HOLD WORKSHOPS FOR TOURISTS? IF SO, HOW OFTEN? We don’t have a set workshop program in place but we can easily arrange something if the opportunity arises. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY A TOURIST CAN HELP SUPPORT YOUR CO-OP? By purchasing our products and using them with the same pride and respect that we create them with. And by spreading the word about our association and our story. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR TOWN AND COUNTRY? What I love most about my country is the natural landscapes, our people, our traditions and our customs. DO YOU HAVE A LOCAL TIP FOR TRAVELLERS VISITING YOUR REGION? If you are in Lake Atitlan, be sure to come to our market stall to visit. Enjoy your travels, take time to learn as much about our local culture and traditions as possible and have a lot of fun! HOW DOES A TRAVELLER FIND YOU? WHAT IS YOUR LOCATION ADDRESS? We are in San Juan La Laguna, as you get off the boat follow the main street into town, we are halfway up the hill on the left. SHIBUI & Co. would like to thank the women of this wonderful co-operative initiative for their valuable work and insight. We would also like to thank our roamers Maocir and Skye from Cielo Collective for connecting us and also providing the translation for this story. cielocollective.com.au

www.facebook.com/ MadressolterasdeSanJuanlalaguna/

The Single Mothers’ Cooperative San Juan la Laguna S H I B U I

MEET THE MAKER

NGALIYA DABILBAN

Artwork by Sandra Delaney

S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

CAPEM NGALIYA JARA curator KARINA EASTWAY THE MAKER Sandra Delaney SUPPORTING Saltwater Murris Quandamooka COUNTRY AUSTRALIA

SANDRA DELANEY IS A PROUD QUANDAMOOKA WOMAN AND ARTIST. SHE WAS BEHIND THE FIRST SPEECH PERFORMED IN ABORIGINAL LANGUAGE AT BRISBANE’S PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CONTINUES TO WORK TO SHARE HER CULTURE THROUGH ART AND STORYTELLING. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF SANDRA? Sandra Delaney – Noonuccal/Coobenpil/ Goenpul woman from Quandamooka Country. I am an artist and also the Chairperson of Saltwater Murris Quandamooka. I have been passionate about sharing Quandamooka culture through art and storytelling. I am a community language consultant and my Aboriginal language is Jandai. I have been working actively for many years to share this knowledge and revitalise Jandai for the community, in particular the youth. WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY BASED? Dunwich, Minjerribah (Queensland, Australia). WHAT ARE THE CULTURAL TRADITION/S BEHIND YOUR ART? Quandamooka people are saltwater people. I am a traditional owner who has bloodline connections to North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, the bay island and the mainland opposite. WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START WORKING WITH THE MATERIALS? I started doing sewing and art and craft from high school and learnt ceramics in the 1970s and have been researching Quandamooka histories since I was a child. My painting and art stems from this knowledge. My family come from a long line of artisans: my mother was a seamstress and has been involved in art and crafts and painting since she was a young girl, as well as my sisters.

DO YOU SOURCE THE MATERIALS FROM STRADBROKE ISLAND AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TO WORK WITH? It all depends on what I am doing. For example, I have just finished a series of ochre dyed silk scarves featuring dilly bags scarves which were a major source of craft for Quandamooka grannies. WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION FROM? My Elders, my ancestors, the natural environment and the stories that have been passed down. From our past and the legacy left by our Elders, the old people, we are inheritors to understandings and to insights into life and the nature of things. We gain knowledge and wisdom from the Elders to guide and mentor us in the conduct of our business. As an artist, I sought to find the interconnectedness among things to gain greater understanding. IT MUST FEEL GREAT WHEN SOMEONE FALLS IN LOVE WITH ONE OF YOUR PIECES. WHAT’S A FAVOURITE COMMENT YOU’VE RECEIVED? Love the pendants. Your book featuring Quandamooka Dreaming stories and the art is so beautiful… it’s amazing. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT WE PRESERVE INDIGENOUS CULTURE? Ngaliya dabilban capem ngaliya jara – our water our country.

saltwatermurris.com.au

Sandra Delaney S H I B U I

FIND YOUR N O R T H WANDERLUST SUNSHINE COAST

WANDERLUST.COM

SNAP TO IT

WHERE IN THE WORLD MR WONDERLUST? curator KARINA EASTWAY COUNTRY BALI

SNAPPING HIS WAY AROuND THE GLOBE, Philipp Hauptmann SHARES HIS FAVE PICS and TIPS TO DROOL OVER.

WHEREABOUTS ARE YOU BASED? I have been traveling a lot during my studies and in the end decided to be based in Bali for now. YOUR TRAVEL PICS INCLUDE ASIA, EUROPE AND CENTRAL AMERICA. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATION TO SHOOT (SO FAR)? All places have their advantages, obviously. But if I had to choose, I would say Asia is my favourite spot. The landscapes and cityscapes are incredibly diverse there. I especially love islands that are not touristy yet, for example Sumba in Indonesia (see the picture of the two fishermen). I love that people do not see you as a walking white wallet in those places and you can really try

to be part of their community for a short time. Additionally, I like to take pictures that have not been taken by a million other photographers before me, so that is another reason I like remote islands. WHAT CAMERA DO YOU SHOOT WITH? I have been using a lot of different Sony models (A7 series) but recently switched to the Fuji X-T2. Even though it sounds like an empty phrase, the camera really is not that important. If I am in an awesome place or close to some interesting people, it is good to have a proper camera, but cheap ones might do the job as well. To me, having a tripod is way more important than having an expensive camera. I believe that the step up in quality of landscape pictures just by using a tripod is incredible. >

MR WONDERLUST S H I B U I

S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

mr wonderlust S H I B U I

“

SOMEONE ONCE SAID TO ME THAT MY PICTURES WERE ‘REVEALING THIS PLANET’S BEAUTY’. I LIKE THE THOUGHT OF ME ‘REVEALING’ SOMETHING BY TAKING PICTURES. IT IS NOT A FAMOUS QUOTE BUT IT MOTIVATED ME A LOT.

”

MR WONDERLUST

PREVIOUS PAGE Yeni Cami Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Pulau Padar Island, Indonesia (Philipp’s favourite place in the world); Lake Danau Batur, Bali, Indonesia; San Blas Islands, Panama

S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

MR WONDERLUST S H I B U I

S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Monks at Golden Rock, Mt Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar (Burma); Berg Eltz Castle, Wierschem, Germany; Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE SUBJECT MATTER? YOU’RE GOOD AT CAPTURING PEOPLE, LANDSCAPE, HIGH-RISE SKYLINES AND ANIMALS WHICH IS UNUSUAL! I started photography because I was travelling and felt that my memory was pretty bad (which it really is). The reason I took pictures was mainly that I wanted to create something that would bring back my memories of my trips later. That is why I took and still take pictures of everything that looks interesting or beautiful to me. I do not see myself as an artist. For me, photographs are not an end to themselves, they are a tool I use to help myself remember and show others the beauty of this world. Long story short, I do not have a favourite subject matter, I just shoot whatever I come across.

TOP PHOTOGRAPHY TIP FOR THE BEGINNERS? As mentioned above, if you want to take photographs of cityscapes or landscapes, my first tip is to use a tripod. It enables you to shoot at sunrise and sunset without losing image quality, even if your camera is not that expensive. After the tripod get lenses rather than crazily expensive camera bodies. Especially extreme wide angle lenses change your perspective in a shockingly beautiful way. And - it cannot be said enough - do not shoot when the light is boring. Shoot during sunrise, sunset and the blue hours.

instagram.com/mr.wonderlust/ steemit.com/@mrwanderlust

MR WONDERLUST S H I B U I

DESTINATION DESIGNER

ta moko Mãori tattoo curator KARINA EASTWAY THE MAKER Arapeta Kaiwai COUNTRY NEW ZEALAND

IN AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND, KARANGAHAPE ROAD IS SOMEWHAT OF AN ABNORMALITY. BOOKENDED BY QUEEN STREET AND PONSONBY ROAD, KARANGAHAPE ROAD (GENERALLY KNOWN AS K’ROAD) WAS THE ONLY STREET IN AUCKLAND THAT HELD A MÃORI NAME UNTIL THE MID 20TH CENTURY. IT WAS A FITTING PLACE FOR SHIBUI & CO TO CATCH UP WITH ARAPETA KAIWAI, WHO PRACTISES THE TRADITIONAL ART OF TA MOKO OR MÃORI TATTOO.

S H I B U I DESTINATION DESIGNER

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT TA MOKO? Moko upholds the integrity and traditional ways of Mãori tattoo and the structure of the design, although the traditional patterns have changed and become more contemporary. For example if a doctor comes in for a tattoo we will have to find the closest fit as there’s no direct symbol translation.

WHAT’S THE HISTORY BEHIND THE PATTERNS? The tattoo pattern of ta moko were originally given to you – it was something you had to achieve. It identified your role (eg fisherman or gardener) and also your status. It was predominately genealogy based and a reference of your achievement and life story. >

ARAPETA KAIWAI S H I B U I

PREVIOUS PAGE Arapeta Kaiwai CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Arapeta at work; Otautahi Tattoo Studio (outside); Arapetaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tattoo work; rose sketch; studio wall decoration OPPOSITE PAGE Otautahi Tattoo Studio (outside)

S H I B U I DESTINATION DESIGNER

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN WORKING WITH TA MOKO? My background is in traditional Mãori carving which I learnt growing up in Ruatoria (on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island). Moko is quite strong there and my grandparents were well educated in the art form. WHY THE CHANGE TO TATTOO WORK? Carving took a long time to see any

results. With tattoo I get to see instant results and I get to express my creative side more quickly. I specialise in fine-line moko work. WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR ANYONE VISITING AUCKLAND? I would say get out and see the beaches and the bay areas. Lots of people come to Auckland and just stay in the city, but we’ve got amazing beaches to explore. You can find Arapeta at Otautahi Tattoo, 155 Karangahape Road, Auckland. +64 9 337 0694 or auckland@otautahitattoo.com

ARAPETA KAIWAI S H I B U I

travel pack

in dreams

DAY-DREAMING OF ESCAPING TO THE COLD OR THE HEAT? WHEREVER YOUR MIND IS TAKING YOU FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO ADD TO THE WISH LIST.

S H I B U I TRAVEL PACK

WANDERLUST GIVEAWAY We’ve got tickets to Wanderlust Sunshine Coast to give away! Simply follow us on Instagram or Facebook and share one of our posts using #shibuiwanderlust for your chance to win!

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT THE IKAT BLANKET (indigo) was beautifully handwoven by the Single Mothers’ Association (featured on page 6) and naturally dyed using leaves from the Indigofera Tinctoria plant. It can take up to one week to make. The blanket’s lightweight feel is ideal to drape over your bed during summer nights or layer in the cooler months. Cosy up with it on the couch, wrap it around you during those windy surf checks or use it as a picnic rug. RRP 349.00AUD. (Other colours also available.) cielocollective.com.au/collections/blankets HONG KONG DINER explores a unique café and street food culture in which western taste overlaps with an ancient cuisine. Featuring a selection of 70 dishes, including bao, buns, hotpots, fried noodles and bubble tea. RRP 29.99AUD, hardiegrant.com POUCH new season handmade leather Moon Clutch in Pearl with strap. POA, felicitycooney.com BEAR EXPLORE FOR BALANCE Vitamin C + Rhodiola tablets to promote immune function and support the production of energy. RRP 90.00AUD, bearjournal.com SHOES new season leather Yen Slide in Cocoa. POA, felicitycooney.com

LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA.

TRAVEL PACK S H I B U I

MODERN MAKER

IS THE LIMIT curator BRISEIS ONFRAY THE MAKER Sky Carter PHOTOs Hannah Morgan Photography and Sky Carter COUNTRY AUSTRALIA

SKY CARTER EMBRACES THE IMPERFECTIONS IN HER WEAVING AS A REMINDER OF THE BEAUTY TO BE FOUND IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES. WHERE ARE YOU BASED? My home and my studio are both in Sydney’s Inner West, only 15 minutes’ drive apart which is great. WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START WORKING IN TEXTILES? I was floating along in life trying to be a proper adult but was not enjoying it very much. About five years ago I made the very big and scary decision to leave full time work and follow my heart. I hired a studio space and began painting. Creative expression had always been an ‘on the side’ pursuit and I yearned to have a space that I could splash paint around in. It was a lot of fun and kind of like a self-taught crash-course in being a professional artist. I was fortunate enough to get commissions and sell my paintings so I could have stayed on that path if I

S H I B U I MODERN MAKER

hadn’t suddenly discovered fibre art one day which, ultimately, transformed my art practice. WHAT INSPIRED YOUR FIRST PIECE? I tell this little story in my weaving workshops about an epiphany I had one evening while watching a movie at home that had a wall hanging as part of its set design. When I saw it, something just clicked for me, I went into the kitchen, ripped up a cardboard box, did a quick bit of YouTubing, made a small cardboard loom and then wove my first ever wall hanging. I used some old fabric and yarn left over from a blanket I had crocheted. I loved it, it felt like I had made the cutest little thing. Before I knew it I had completely converted my studio into a fibre and textile art space and had given away my paints! >

SKY CARTER S H I B U I

S H I B U I MODERN Maker

“

I AM A BIT OF A TEXTURE FREAK SO I LOVE TO EMPHASISE THAT SIDE OF THINGS TOO, MAKING VERY SHAGGY WORKS, OFTEN TO THE POINT WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO PLUNGE THEMSELVES IN AND CAN’T KEEP THEIR HANDS OFF. IT’S A VERY TACTILE ART FORM. WHAT IS THIS BEST THING ABOUT HAND-MADE? There is something about being physically connected to my work that brings me a deeper sense of satisfaction than, say painting did. Being able to hold something in your lap that is soft feels so good and the process of having my fingers entwined with yarn is hugely enjoyable. I am a bit of a texture freak so I love to emphasise that side of things too, making very shaggy works, often to the point where people want to plunge themselves in and can’t keep their hands off. WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR CREATIVE INSPIRATION FROM? Generally speaking inspiration comes from other creatives, studying, teaching my weaving workshops and being in new environments. Travelling and being out of your usual space is imperative to get my creative process flowing and recharged. It allows me to view the world with fresh eyes. I tend to notice and absorb more when travelling. However I don’t need to get on a plane to get inspired. My husband and I often drive out to far away markets to rub shoulders with locals and find retro or vintage treasures. I am also a packaging fanatic and if I need a moment of fun I will pop into an Asian supermarket and buy something super cool and colourful. There can be weeks when I realise I have not really left my studio so sometimes I need to remind myself to go roaming.

”

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU WORK WITH? Part of the joy of having a studio is having the space to collect and hoard. I have yarns, fabrics and other materials that I have come upon in my travels. Plus a lot of ‘reference’ items like ceramics and textiles collected on travels. I don’t discriminate between synthetic and natural as I feel they both have merits and I particularly love rescuing preloved yarns from another era as you generally get colours that are no longer produced. Because my first wall hanging contained fabric this is a staple in my wall hangings and I still enjoy using fabric to add a chunky, raw and textural element to my work. WHAT KIND OF CULTURAL FINDS OR ARTISAN WORKSHOPS HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED THAT HAVE ENRICHED YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE? I have recently returned from an artist residency in Antigua, Guatemala which was full of wonderful activities and I am still on a high. I had the opportunity to spend time weaving with the indigenous Maya women and learnt how to use their traditional loom which is called a back strap loom. Personally I use several different types of looms in my practice and now I have another one I can add to the list! The intricate patterns and bright colours of the traditional weaving are so enticing and a small piece of cloth can take months for the women to complete, often with a baby strapped to their backs. >

SKY CARTER S H I B U I

S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

“

TRAVELLING AND BEING OUT OF YOUR USUAL SPACE IS IMPERATIVE TO GET MY CREATIVE PROCESS FLOWING AND RECHARGED. IT ALLOWS ME TO VIEW THE WORLD WITH FRESH EYES. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISAN CULTURE OR TRADITION? I really love the notion of the Japanese movement of Saori weaving which is about embracing mistakes and imperfection. I have to say this movement has only been around since the ‘70s but there are many much older cultures and practices that ensure there is a small mark that shows a product is handmade (WabiSabi … look it up!). The Amish for example add a small mistake purposefully to their quilts, the notion being only God can be perfect. While this is not my motivation for the appreciation of imperfections I love this story. I am currently working on a collection that references striations which are considered geological faults, but ironically it is these faults that add beauty to a rock face or river pebble. A great metaphor for us as humans. DO YOU HAVE A MEMORABLE, TRAVELBASED EXPERIENCE TO SHARE? I had the opportunity to exhibit an installation piece in Chicago last year, I made the work here and flew it over, hopped on a plane myself to install it and got to meet and hang out with a wonderful community of artists. I spent a total of six weeks there which was the first time I had the chance to totally immerse myself in one place. I love a bit of slow travel as it allows you to get to the nitty gritty of a city and find its heartbeat. I got to see so many different sides to Chicago, see how people live, know its smells and

OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP RIGHT Sky Carter on a backstrap loom while on her recent visit to Antigua, Guatemala; This is Rosita, a mayan weaver from Antigua who has been honing her craft since age seven; Chichicastenango markets, Guatemala; it’s all in the colour and detail, Chichicastenango markets, Guatemala.

”

feel its sun. That was a special experience and I will always cherish it. While I was there I also spent a few weeks at the Chicago Weaving School under the tuition of the very talented and knowledgeable Natalie Boyett who has created something special. I got to experiment with different techniques that have gone on to inform my practice in a hugely positive way. The school has over 80 floor looms (can you imagine) and it’s full of a mixture of octogenarians and millennials keeping weaving traditions alive. IF YOU COULD BE WORKING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE? I think the US is the place to be. Brooklyn is a special place, part gentrified and part real. A combination which means you can get a good coffee while still feeling grounded as a human being. In the US there is already an established community and understanding and acceptance of fibre and textile art as an art form, more so than in Australia, where I feel it is still considered fringe and niche amongst the general population. Also the huge population of the US means everyone has a ‘tribe’ they can find. Having said this I am currently trying to convince my husband to get a job in Tokyo, I would love to live there for a while. HOW DOES CULTURE, ART OR TRAVEL MAKE YOU FEEL? Travel makes me feel privileged (so fortunate to be born in Australia) and globally minded with a broad perspective that allows me to feel empathy and truly appreciate what I have in life. Art and culture make me feel ‘fed’ and fulfilled, like there is a purpose to life.

skycartercolour.com.au instagram.com/skycartercolour/

MEET THE MAKER S H I B U I

Taste the world with Hardie Grant Books hardiegrantbooks.com

modern maker curator KARINA EASTWAY THE MAKER Felicity Cooney COUNTRY AUSTRALIA

FELICITY COONEY IS A NEW YORK TRAINED DESIGNER WHOSE FOCUS IS ON ETHICAL AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION AND BOLD DESIGNS. HER HAND-MADE BEACH BAGS AND SANDALS ARE SOME OF THE COOLEST ON THE FASHION SCENE.

FELICITY COONEY S H I B U I

“

I FIND COLOUR INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE. I LOVE THE RICH, BRIGHT COLOURS OF THE AUSTRALIAN BEACH AND BUSH. DESIGN WISE, I MAKE THINGS THAT I WOULD LIKE IN MY OWN WARDROBE. I’M ALSO A HUGE FAN OF JAPANESE DESIGN - I LOVE THE MINIMALISM AND CONSIDERED SHAPES AND COLOURS.

”

36 S H I B U I

MODERN MAKER

We love your bold designs and colours where do you get your inspiration from? I find colour inspiration everywhere. I love the rich, bright colours of the Australian beach and bush. Design wise, I make things that I would like in my own wardrobe. I’m also a huge fan of Japanese design - I love the minimalism and considered shapes and colours. What materials do you use and work with, and why? I work largely with kangaroo leather because it is a sustainable and ethical leather. It also has superior performance in comparison to other leathers - it is strong and stretchy, making it perfect for sandals and other everyday essentials. Why sandals and bags specifically - and where did you learn the craft? I grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and I always appreciated a more relaxed way of dressing. I love wearing sandals, but couldn’t find ones that reflected my own personal sense of style. I studied fashion design in New York at Parsons School of Design and learnt how to make shoes there - I guess that my products really sit in the middle of New York meets beach Australia aesthetic.

Tell us about your decision to study in New York and then the move back to Australia? I always wanted to study in New York because it is a global fashion capital and I was able to learn from and work with amazing people. I decided to move back to Australia because I wanted to start my own business and I missed the sunshine and the more relaxed pace of Australia...snow is not my natural environment! Even though the patterns are machine cut, there’s a lot of handmade love which goes into each pair of shoes. How satisfying is that? It’s fantastic to be able to see my creations come to fruition and see my customers wearing them! I love using the laser cutter because it allows me to be more flexible and prototype my designs more quickly. One final quote - what’s your top travel tip for New York? New York has everything for everyone! Some of my favourite things to do were to go to the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, eat a Murray’s bagel and shop at Bird in Williamsburg.

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