If you are going to Life Instyle in Melbourne this August, a visit Jo Luping Design is a must. A long time exhibitor at Life Instyle, Jo Luping designs and produces art pieces (ceramics, jewellery and art) that are easy to love. Handcrafted in her studio in New Zealand, Jo strives to bring together ideas from all over the world to produce unique products within a sustainable and profitable company framework.
Here is the story behind Jo’s products, an insight into her design philosophy and what she has instore at the next Life Instyle show.
Ceramic bowls: I use design as a platform to tell a story. The story will raise awareness about an environmental issue and highlight natures beauty. Each piece made is a conservation conversation. This collection of ceramic bowls feature line drawings. Drawing is how I interpret and transform the environment into works of art.
Maintaining an environment that is creative, upbeat and happy, where staff feel like they belong and are supported in their own artistic endeavours is high on the agenda for Jo.
Each ceramic bowl is lovingly handcrafted in our studio using the finest quality stoneware clay and glazed witha food safe glaze so you can gain pleasure from both form and function.
Ceramic Jewellery: This collection of ceramic jewellery is inspired by the smooth round organic shaped pebbles found on Makara beach. Each piece is made from a naturally coloured stoneware clay, formed into ceramic pebbles and hand bound.
Sterling Jewellery: Each of the pieces are miniature works of art and have been influenced by the treasures of the Russian Imperial Court. The jewellery is made from white gold leaf, sterling silver, cold enamel, glass beads and shell pearls. Stark, heavily contrasted images of plant life have been incorporated on all the piece and continue the theme of bringing stories of the natural environment into the designs.
How did you end up where you are today?
I started my company Jo Luping Design Ltd as soon as I finished art school and design school. I started part-time as I also worked in the film industry as a camera operator. Five years ago I made a choice to concentrate on just the design business. Since then I have expanded my product range from just ceramic tiles to making jewellery, art prints and textiles.
What’s the best thing about what you do?
I love the fact that I can transform an idea into a finished piece. Seeing the journey from initial concept drawings through to a physical product is always exciting. The design process is constantly challenging the way I think and stretching my imagination.
When did you start exhibiting at Life Instyle?
2005
Why do you exhibit at Life Instyle?
It is quite simply the best show on offer. I tried the other options at the same time as a comparison but the results were definitely better at Life In Style. The concept of “family” is also very important to me and I like the fact that Thibaud and Claire are like extensions of my working family.
What has been your Life Instyle highlight?
Our last show in Melbourne was really successful and the atmosphere or “buzz” was strong. There is a strong collaborative or family approach amongst the exhibitors and our stockists which grows stronger every year. I was also introduced to some pretty amazing Thai restaurants which is always a bonus.
What can we expect from you at the next show?
I am currently working on a range of jewellery that incorporates beautiful emeralds and sapphires but still setting them in a contemporary setting. I am interested in really providing something engaging, versatile and beautiful. I have also started to play with my glass kiln and am looking forward to seeing the finished pieces.
Right now I’m:
Eating….Chicken soup and Fish curries. Not at the same time. Both are warming for the winter months. I read in the latest Mindfood magazine that chicken soup has been proven to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Fish curries are just yummy. It is also Bluff Oyster season and my in-laws brought up 4 dozen oysters in the weekend which only five of us could eat as the others were pregnant or didn’t like them. How sad.
Drinking… Mt Difficulty Pinot Noir. If you haven’t tried it you just have to.
Reading… “Hopeful Monsters” by Nicholas Mosley
Hearing… I am a bit ashamed to say that I am listening to an awful amount of The Wiggles.
Planning… To spend more time drawing and painting.
Buying… I am saving my pennies to buy a roller mill for jewellery making. I know this might not sound that exciting but I am very excited about the possibility of rolling textures into metals.
Enjoying...
Sharing meals with friends, reading books and spending time with my family.
See Jo and her gorgeous range of products at Life Instyle, Australia’s leading boutique trade event happening in Melbourne, August 2010.
For more image of her beautifully crafted wares, visit her website here:
www.jolupingdesign.com
Via Alley represents an eclectic mix of designer goods, and came into existence out of admiration for artists and designers who devote their brains to beautiful things. As Jane explains “We want to highlight not just the end product but also the creative individuals who came up with the idea in the first place. We want people to be surrounded by beautiful and smart items as they go about their daily business.”
