Emily Henderson is a designer and stylist whose work I really admire. Yes, OK, she rocks! With a new baby and a move from New York to Los Angeles, she's had some big changes in her life, which look like they agree with her. Matchbook magazine's June edition features Emily in her LA home - I love the more relaxed vibe her new abode has.
Pop over and read the full article, including Emily's tips for styling your living room. I particularly agree with two of her tips - to choose a sofa you love, and that a rug is crucial. Her picture wall is pretty fantastic, don't you think?! I've been looking for some vintage surfing prints for our home, so I love that central photo (let me know if you know of any). And who spotted the beautiful "I Love Colour" artwork by the amazing Jane Denton, our very own New Zealand textile artist? Woop woop!
If you haven't already discovered the work of artist, Ema Frost, I'm happy to be able to introduce you today. Ema is an Auckland based graphic artist, illustrator and ceramic designer, with several awards and exhibitions under her belt.
Ema loves intense, vibrant colours and working with highly stylised characters. Beautifully whimsical, her art tells a story allowing you to become a part of her world. She's inspired by Maori myths and legends and Japanese art, and was lucky enough to be invited to spend a month in Tokyo recently at the home of fellow artist and art school owner, Kimiko Matsumoto. Although she loves to travel, this also gives Ema an appreciation for New Zealand, and our native flora and fauna are a strong influence and inspiration.
As well as her prints, Ema has a range of homewares, accessories and ceramic art. Tiny humming birds feature on many of her pieces from temporary tattoo art, ceramic jugs, and the adorable ceramic Dinkies - cute little featureless bunnies.
Her first solo gallery show at The Kapa Gallery in Queenstown was the perfect setting for Ema to unveil her latest work inspired by her time in Japan. Her newest characters, Sleeping Ruru, Hine, Moana Hine, and Mawhero Hine, have delighted fans as they embody her signature style whilst being excitingly different from her earlier pieces.
I'm thrilled to be able to offer you all the opportunity to WIN an art print featuring "Sleeping Ruru". At approximately 233mm x 295mm, Ruru will make a stunning addition to any wall. To enter simply email me and tell me what you'd do with the print if you win, and also what your favourite Ema Frost piece is. The winner will be announced in a week's time, Wednesday 11th July, on my Facebook page, and contacted by email.
If you'd like to know more about Ema, you can follow her on Facebook. She's currently working on a series of New Zealand themed stamps; planning ceramic pieces for the Prestiges Portage Ceramic Awards and for the NZ Art Show in Wellington; and, as if that wasn't enough, she's also working on her first children's book. It's so exciting to see a young New Zealand talent doing so well.
This competition is now closed, thank you to everyone who entered. CONGRATULATIONS TO JAIMEE KIRBY-BROWN. I HOPE YOUR DAUGHTER LOVES HER SLEEPING RURU PRINT.
I've just had a lovely long weekend where I had the chance to catch up on housework, family, friends, and lots of reading. It's amazing how one extra day makes all the difference! Some of the reading (which I also count as research!) was the latest edition of the fabulous Adore magazine.
As you can see from the cover, there's an inspiring feature on work spaces. There are three very different home offices, all absolutely gorgeous in their own right. I love all of them, but I think the last work space, 'the bright office', is the one that speaks the loudest to me - isn't that desk incredible?!
Many of you will know what a big fan I am of the Melbourne shop Fenton & Fenton, so you can imagine how excited I was to see the article about Lucy Fenton decorating her friends' home for sale. Her friends were overseas, so Lucy was starting with a beautiful, newly renovated blank canvas. Nearly everything she filled the home with was from Fenton & Fenton. This is my kind of heaven - layers of colour, pattern and intrigue. I'm sold.
I was happy to read Lucy's comment about how a rug is the easiest way to transform a room, and an absolute necessity in most rooms. Dael & I always use rugs in our room designs, but it always surprises me how few people value their inclusion. Listen to Lucy, people! :)
These were my favourite parts, but there's much more so make sure you read the whole magazine for yourself. You'll see photos from Loni's recent book tour promoting her divine Adore book. I have been lucky enough to be the only NZ seller of the book, and have a single copy left! Email me if you want to purchase it, but be quick, it's as amazing as it looks!
