ECHOES IN GLASS
Craft Victoria
Echoes in Glass expands upon the journey of the Looking Glass collection, presenting these works in a diversity of dynamic compositions that feature a variety of dichroic glass colours.
The concept of self-reflection and self-discovery is explored further in this contemplative series of works, a metaphorical depiction of the past, present, and future.
This series aims to evoke memories and convey a sense of intrigue and discovery leading the viewer towards an enhanced conscious state of self-reflection and contemplation. It does this by combining materiality, form, and an intrinsic emotional connection between the latter, resulting in a reflective anaglyphic experience.
Also featured is Daylight Forever which is a sculptured glass infinity lamp that replicates sunlight with a floating, full-spectrum globe. This piece endeavours to enhance creative energy and improve our well-being.
Aug 2024
Photography by Sarah Forgie
MATTERS - CHROMATIC PROCESS
Villa Alba Museum - Melbourne Design Week 2024
Chromatic Process presented reimagined works from the Moodlum series and the Ikebana Vase, exploring pieces from these original collections that celebrate minimalist beauty with an emphasis on materiality and form. Challenging the viewer’s perception, these seamless sculptural works were emphasised through polished chrome-plated finishes paired with mirrored surfaces.
Works were positioned within an immersive space-shifting environment, using mirrors to engage and encourage the viewer to reflect on one’s presence by addressing their own physical and mental experience of the environment, and their position within it. The installation payed homage and enhanced the surrounding interior of the Villa Alba Museum, through reflection and light.
May 2024
Photography by Tess Kelly
FORWARD FOCUS – STUDENT BUILT CHAIRS CREATED FROM WASTE
Tait Showroom - Melbourne Design Week 2024
I had the most memorable experience and the pleasure of being one of the creative mentors to the students at the Hester Hornbrook Academy on a chair-making two-day workshop facilitated by Zachary Frankel.
In a world obsessed with hierarchy and perfection, a collective of students and creative mentors embarked on an experimental and collaborative workshop experience. Dreamed up by Zachary Frankel, students from Hester Hornbrook Academy, a special assistance school supporting students with social and emotional challenges, were tasked to produce a chair entirely from what is perceived as ‘waste’. Using limited tools, the students explored the potential of raw materials, by-products of Tait’s manufacturing processes.
Hester Hornbrook Academy
May 2024
Photography by Elise Scott
ALCOVA MIAMI- AQUA
Gold Dust Motel
AQUA presents a composition of works past and present that articulate fluidity, subtle depth and a sense of enigma. Comprised of thought-provoking pieces that are perceptible in both design precision and organic variation. Objects such as mirrors, tables and a vessel are explored in a variety of materials and oceanic tones evoking a three-dimensional distillation of the space around them.
Proud to have exhibited works with Alcova who unveiled its first overseas edition during Miami Art Week 2023. Set in the Gold Dust Motel, one of the architectural icons of Miami’s modernist period, Alcova presented the work of selected designers, studios, organisations and brands working at the intersection of contemporary design practice, craftsmanship and artistic practice. With over 35 projects on display as well as a public program of talks and club nights, Alcova Miami sparked conversations on new directions in design and its future in a setting that mirrors the artistic dynamism of Miami itself.
Dec 2023
Photography by Piergiorgio Sorgetti
NGV MELBOURNE DESIGN FAIR
Modern Times
Presenting Looking Glass for the first time created exclusively for the fair alongside previous works Containa + Mood Side Fade. Showcased on the Modern Times stand within the NGV Melbourne Design Fair.
“This year we are so proud to be presenting an exhibition of new work by designers James Mcnab, Dean Norton, Jordan Fleming, Ebony Russell, FISCH and Clementine Maconachie. The group are thematically brought together through the concept of light and colour. The emitting, containment and reflection of light within designs that lean towards the sculptural end of the spectrum. From the subtly coloured illusion mirrors of Norton to the contrasting materials and surreal forms of Fleming's sculptural mirrors. The mathematically crisp angles of McNab’s Planes Chair dramatically contrasts with the fantastically baroque porcelain work by Russell. And Maconachie’s gently folded sheet metal sculptures are transformed into sculptural wall sconces.”
Modern Times
May 2023
Photography by Elise Scott
MATTERS
Villa Alba Museum: Melbourne Design Week 2023
For everybody, (something) matters.
Established in 2023 by Marlo Lyda and Jordan Fleming, MATTERS is an emerging collective platform that advocates for time and intention in the process of designing. Created as an outlet for topics relevant in today’s world, MATTERS aims to highlight design as a shared philosophy that is experienced within the community.
Prompted by the question ‘what MATTERS to you?’, a notable collection of Australian and international designer-makers have been invited to explore ‘process’ as the key instigator for new design possibilities. Curated by Australian-born designer Marlo Lyda as part of Futures Collective, each practitioner’s concept is gradually developed, and the results are presented in 3 exhibitions, spaced over 3 years: (NO THINGS), (SOME THINGS), and (EVERYTHING) MATTERS.
During MDW 2023, the first instalment, (NO THINGS) MATTERS occupies the ground floor of Villa Alba Museum. Hosting a tactile cornucopia of material samples, interpreted tools, experimental forms, and visual documentation. Inviting audiences to engage with design thinking from its infancy and to follow along on the journey as participants' works manifest into reality.
May 2023
Photography by Matt McQuiggan
ROSSANA ORLANDi master GALLERY
RoCOLLECTIBLE - Milan Design Week 2023
Containa side table in Clear Frost + White showcased by Rossana Orlandi Master Gallery - RoCOLLECTIBLE for Milan Design Week 2023.
RoCollectible 2023, curated by Rossana Orlandi, is a dialogue, composed by 80 designers and artists, who embraces styles, cultures and traditions of more than 30 countries around the world.
The soul and the framework of the collective is the Narrative, that tells the story of the "work": from its conception to its realization, taking roots in the history of each author. The preciousness of the one-off or limited edition piece represents the artistic signature of the Collectible Design proposal that builds up the exhibition.
Rossana Orlandi Master Gallery
April 2023
Photography by Marco Menghi
MELBOURNE NOW - NGV
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV
Melbourne Now, an exhibition celebrated new and ambitious local art and design. With 200+ contemporary projects and events across all three levels of NGV Australia. From fashion and jewellery, painting, sculpture, architecture and ceramics, to video, performance, printmaking and publishing.
24 March / 20 August 2023
AVAILABILITY
Alt Material
Box 54 Created in collaboration with Jordan Fleming in response to the theme Availability for Alt Material.
Box 54 is an exploration of utilising collected samples and materials from our personal design practices. The chair is constructed from salvaged plywood sheets and embellished with mirror and prototype glass samples in a variety of colours, sizes and finishes while the blue gradient shard reflects monolithically through the mirrored seat.
A simple geometric form that is elevated by its kaleidoscopic patchwork surface, expressing the reflective energy and light of its environment while connecting with its audience.
December 2022
Photography by Studio Edwards
IT’S NOT JUST BLUE
Craft Victoria
Mood Side Fade exhibited in Craft Victoria’s end of year show ‘It’s not just blue’
“A gathering of works by Australian artists, crafts people and designers, in a maximalist exploration of the colour blue in all its hues.
Crafted in glass, wood, fibre, metal, ceramic and stone and more, all works embody innovation in contemporary making and the maker’s careful consideration of both material and process. The artists explore rich ideas through material transformation and storytelling—from tensions between function and aesthetic to technology and nature, culture and identity.”
Craft Victoria
November 2022
Photography by Henry Trumble
DEAN NORTON: DEEPLY CONSIDERED DESIGN - CRAFT CONTEMPORARy festival
Modern Times Gallery
‘Deeply Considered Design’ is a five-year retrospective of work since my studio began. Offering a deep insight into my practice, showcasing the evolution of the Mood Side table alongside collections: Moodlum, Daylight, Containa and Concave Convex Mirror, as well as never before seen prototypes, studio elements, sketches and new work created for the show.
Presented by Modern Times Galley and part of Craft Contemporary Festival.
October 2022
Photography by Elise Scott
THE CHAIR - CRAFT CONTEMPORARy festival
Craft Victoria
Float Chair Created for ‘The Chair’ exhibition, the first in a series presented by Craft Victoria honouring iconic objects of functional craft and design with a material driven approach.
Float Chair explores transparent forms and subtle texture overlays. The chair is light, shape-shifting and made entirely of glass. Its seamless form changes depending on its viewing angle, and with the help of material opacity, textured layering, and a dynamic mix of fused straight lines and curved edges. Float Chair is an extension of the Float series and continues the language of visually engaging functional pieces.
“More than any other piece of furniture the chair has been subject to the wildest experimentations and ideas by makers, craftspeople, engineers and designers. The most used piece of furniture, it is lauded for its honest functionality and celebrated for its many shapes and forms.
The chair is an ever-evolving indicator of trend, design, and application of material and technology. Obsessed over by creative practitioners, it is one of the ultimate design challenges.
If the home is our castle, then the chair is our throne.”Craft Victoria
September 2022
Photography by Annika Kafcaloudis
Float Chair
IN SEARCH OF LOST TIME - LAKE COMO DESIGN FESTIVAL
Movimento
Containa: Clear Frost + Blue exhibited at Lake Como Design Festival ‘In Search of Lost Time’ Presented by Movimento.
“Movimento Club, as part of the 4th edition of Lake Como Design Festival, presents the exhibition "In Search of Lost Time" .
The title for the exhibtion is lifted from Marcel Proust’s acclaimed work by the same name, an impressive 4,000-page novel that took over 13 years to finish.
‘In Search of Lost Time’ is an exhibition of 21st century design set within a backdrop of neo-classicalism; the stark contrast between the two ideas asking questions of time, perception and reflection.
The exhibition is curated by Movimento Club, the set design conceived by Greta Cevenini and produced with the support of Italstand.”
Movimento Club
May 2022
Photography by Lorenzo R.Gerli + Marcello Pirovano
Photography by Lorenzo R.Gerli
Photography by Marcello Pirovano
ROSSANA ORLANDi master GALLERY
RoCOLLECTIBLE - Milan Design Week 2022
Containa side tables Clear Frost + Black/Mondrian showcased by Rossana Orlandi Master Gallery - RoCOLLECTIBLE for Milan Design Week 2022.
‘Rossana Orlandi Gallery, long headquartered in Case Candiani, one of the most historic Milanese building complexes dedicated to creativity, opens her doors for this Design Week with RoCOLLECTIBLE 2022 | Designers & Crafters, bringing creatives, craftsmen, and designers from all over the world to her city'‘
Rossana Orlandi Master Gallery
June 2022
Photography by Andrea Ceriani
origin’s - COLLECTIBLE DESIGN FAIR BRUSSELS
Movimento
Containa Clear Frost + Mondrian Blue side table showcased by Movimento Club as part of their exhibition Origin’s for the Collectible Art Fair in Brussels.
“Where does an idea come from? Exploration? Experimentation? Evolution? A mistake or a stroke of genius? Most likely, we are influenced by our surroundings; the places we’ve been and the things we’ve observed. Wherever it may be, every origin is truly and unquestionably unique.
As a collective, our origins are diverse and widespread. As individuals, however, our origins might be closer than we think. ‘Origins’ questions where we’ve come from and where we’re going, as individuals, as a collective and as a global design scene”
Movimento Club
May 2022
Photography by Ben Baltus
Melbourne design fair
Curated by the National Gallery of Victoria
New works, Daylight Forever + Moodlum Zinc Chameleon Mirror along with Concave Convex Mirror showcased with Modern Times as part of PRESENT within the inaugural Melbourne Design Fair.
Melbourne Design Fair is an initiative of the National Gallery of Victoria delivered in collaboration with the Melbourne Art Foundation.
Melbourne Design Fair is part of Melbourne Design Week, an initiative of the Victorian Government.
March 2022
Photography by Elise Scott
NARRATIVE GOODS
Modern Times
Containa Editions 01, 02, 03 + 04 were created for Narrative Goods, an exhibition by Modern Time and part of the Craft Contemporary Festival.
“Narrative Goods explores the possibility of functional design to inspire delight, provoke conversation and embody story, bringing craft together with a conceptual expression of ideas”
Modern Times
October 2021
Photography by Elise Scott
The art of bathing
Kate Challis Interiors
Flaot Side 550 featured in The Art of Bathing, a window display by Kate Challis Interiors for The English Tapware Company’s Sydney and Melbourne showrooms.
“Each quarter, The English Tapware Company refreshes its window displays with a new creative vision. Local designers and artists are invited to explore their creativity using The English Tapware Company products in combination with bespoke pieces that reflect the interests and identity of the contributor.”
Kate Challis
April 2021
Photography by Patrick Redmond
COMMUNITY
Alt. Material
Connection + Community forms a documentary + sculptural/functional piece in collaboration with Sarah Hotchin designed in response to the theme COMMUNITY, for Alt. Material, an exhibition part of NGV Melbourne Design Week 2021.
A celebration of our design community, unfolding the design journey from concept through to manufacture. Exploring shared connections, experimentation, and the design process.
A collaborative storytelling piece realised through a variety of design mediums from graphic implementation, film, material exploration, and collective fabrication techniques.
“Community speculates on the future uses of storefront spaces. A catalyst for new opportunities to utilise space and re-animate our high streets. Covid-19 has crystallised a social and economic movement bubbling beneath the surface of this past decade. We have seen mass introspection and a re-examination of how we live and want to live. How does the designer respond to issues of proximity now that we are forced apart yet desperate for global connection?”
Alt. Material
March 2021
DUCTILITY
Alt. Material
Concave Convex Mirror was created in response to the theme DUCTILITY for alt.material, part of NGV Melbourne Design Week 2020.
Mild steel spun over a custom timber mould with recessed graphic illusion mirror. This piece explores material ductility and the perception of form.
When viewed at eye level from left to right at a 45° angle, the mirror appears to bend inwards and protrude outwards, reflecting the curved form of the outer steel frame.
March 2020
Photography by Mischa Baka
MELBOURNE FRINGE
Fringe Furniture 33
First showcase of the Electroplated Mood Side, a new finish edition to the Moodlum Collection.
Also the first showcase of Ikebana Vase, Art of flower arrangement.
A formed steel vase with a number of circular openings, strategically placed for dynamic flower arrangement
September 2019
Photography by Mischa Baka
DEN FAIR
Dean Norton - Moodlum Gallery
Moodlum was officially launched at Den Fair Melbourne 2018. We showcased the full collection against a striped back felt setting.
June 2018
Photography by Mischa Baka
