VANCOUVERITES: Talking Shop & Inspiration With “Camp + Quarry” Designer Sarah Rankin

Sarah Rankin is a West Coaster, a Jewelry and Landscape Designer, a dog owner, tree hugger, and a mess maker. Her jewelry line, Camp + Quarry,  is nature-inspired and made right here in Vancouver.  From hand-dyed organic textiles to raw crystal jewelry, each piece is designed to emphasize the unique qualities of the natural materials used. Travel, outdoor adventures, and daydreaming are essential components of the C + Q design process and finished scarves and jewelry will happily go anywhere year-round. Check out her Etsy shop here. Sarah is going to take part in Got Craft on May 6th, and since we couldn’t wait that long, we caught up with her to ask her a few pre-Got Craft questions about what she’s been up to…

Three things about Dunbar that make you want to live there: I love the proximity to Kits and the University Endowment Lands — the dog walking potential is endless. Mountain views and lots of parks and beautiful gardens. Room to grow: I finally have space for a studio and a garden.

What inspires you? I’m a landscape designer by day and find a lot of inspiration in the landscape work I do. Shapes, compositions, and colours in the landscape inspire me, as does being introduced to new techniques and materials for making things. Often it’s the raw form of a given stone that inspires me to seek it out for use in jewelry. The wooden jewelry that I make uses materials and technology that I originally learned how to use to make models in landscape architecture school.

Tell us about your favourite space to work: (IMAGE: sarah-studio.jpg) Now that I have a studio set up at home, that’s where I love to work. It has great natural light and a good set up with a workbench, storage, and peg board that lets me have much better access to materials that I use. I’d love to say it’s always clean or at the very least organized, but that is not the case.

Where do you enjoy shopping in Vancouver? Tell us about some of your favourite local haunts: I love spending a weekend day in Gastown. For food, I always find myself at Six Acres. I’m loving Oak + Fort these days for clothing. They use natural fibres and make affordable basics that are unique and super wearable. And for jewelry I am absolutely in love with the Arielle de Pinto pieces at One of a Few. Someday, I hope to have one of her bracelets or necklaces to call my own.

Is there a local designer that you admire? There are so many talented designers in Vancouver that it’s hard to name just one. I do have a small collection of Heyday Design porcelain pieces. I love the clean, minimalist look of the pieces and how Heyday’s aesthetic is translated from housewares right down to tiny jewelry pieces. They make really great gifts, too.

What is your favourite Camp + Quarry creation right now? Right now I’m making some new pieces that mix raw stones and brass. I have a particular necklace made with brass tubing and rutilated quartz points that I love making. Adding the brass really reinvented this piece and the rutilated quartz points are my favourite stone to work with, though they’re a bit rare and I usually have a very limited supply of them. Read more

GOODS: Railway St.’s “Union Wood & Supply Co.” Tables More Woods & Goods For Home

Union Wood & Supply Company is located at 503 Railway St. in Vancouver, BC | 604-675-9033 | www.unionwoodco.com

The GOODS from Union Wood & Supply Co.

Vancouver, BC | A new week means a new stock of woods and goods. Here’s a sample of what Union Wood & Supply Co. was either making or unloading this week.

1. Antique Ohio School Clock w/ protective cage.
2. Custom Vintage Industrial, Reclaimed Wood Bar Stools
3. XL Crouse-Hinds Vintage Marine Spotlight, can be mounted/hung anywhere.
4. Adjustable height cast iron Floor Inspection Lamp.

Learn more about the shop after the jump… Read more

VANCOUVERITES: Eight Minutes With Local Ceramicist Zoe Garred Of “Fleet Objects”

by Jenny Bachynski | Zoe Garred is the owner and designer behind Fleet Objects, a local design studio that heavily focuses on ceramic goods. With an elegant, fresh, and minimal look, it is hard not to appreciate Fleet’s ability to bring style to any space. Zoe has found a beautiful balance of artistry and functionality in her work. Most pieces seem to reflect the fluid, clean environment that they are surrounded by. I was very excited to meet up with her in person and discuss her best and worst moments (a fire in her last studio being one of them) and how they have allowed Fleet to evolve into the wonderful business it is today.

Tell us about yourself and how Fleet Objects came to be? I think that everyone owns objects that they connect with on a deeper level. They can have a special history, change day to day living, or just be incredibly beautiful. I aspire to make objects that could become something special to people; that they will want to cherish. I don’t know if I’ve reached that level yet, but Fleet Objects is definitely a product of making the things that I’ve wanted in my life.

How has Vancouver inspired you as an artist? I’m deeply inspired by the ocean. Almost everything I make has something to do with it.

Do you remember the moment when you realized that you wanted ceramics to become a job or a business? I started making ceramics when I was a little kid but left it behind to pursue painting. I did a ceramic piece for my industrial design grad project and fell in love with the medium again. It’s such an interesting mix of art and science. I get a rush every time I open the kiln to see what my lump of clay has become. I think I always knew that I wanted to start my own business but it wasn’t until a fire destroyed my studio a few years ago that I had to make a decision about how serious I was about making that leap or letting my ceramics become a hobby.

Working with ceramics seems like such a technically challenging skill. How do you deal with off days or creative blocks? It’s definitely very technical. Most ceramicists I meet describe it as a love hate relationship. There are incredible highs when you pull an amazing piece out of the kiln but there are also a million things that can go wrong that you could never predict. It takes a lot of focus to try and replicate the same result over and over again. That being said I think that repetition and frustration helps me stay creative. I think most creative people need something to fight against.

If someone in Vancouver wanted to learn how to work with ceramics, how would they go about doing that? There are lots of ceramic courses at local art centers to help you get started. You can also learn on your own from books and online tutorials too. You just really need to have a space that you can dedicate to getting messy and find access to a kiln.

A lot of your work has multiple purposes. Is that something that was important to you in the designing process, or was it something that happened naturally? It’s definitely something I’m interested in. I live in a small space and rarely let anything stay in my house that I’m not in love with or is essential. So if I can make objects that can be used for multiple purposes or that are more efficient I think all the better.

Who is another artist that you look to for inspiration? I love the work of Eva Zeisel. I am very inspired by the fluid, organic forms she creates. I’m also really inspired by the Bouroullec brothers who seem to create effortless objects that you can’t imagine not having existed. I’m also really inspired by the way Jamie Haydon shows off materials in a dreamlike way.

What has been your proudest career moment so far? Pretty much any time I hear back about my work I think is incredible. It’s hard for me to imagine that all of those little pieces of ceramics that have left my studio are living their own lives now. I still can hardly believe it when people tell me that they know my work.

What are some exciting things happening in 2012 for Fleet? I just launched some new lighting and jewelry that I’m really excited about. They’re all inspired by fishing floats. If you’ve ever been in a fishing store I dare you not to want to fall in love with the awesome bright painted balsa wood or the giant crab fishing floats and nets.

If you were not running Fleet, what would you be doing? Still obsessing about making something. I can’t shake it. Maybe textiles?

Thanks Zoe! Find out more about Fleet Objects at www.fleetobjects.com.

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Jenny Bachynski was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. In her teenage years she packed up her bags and headed to Vancouver to pursue further education in fashion design. In 2009 she started her own small business Jenny Andrews Recycled Leather Goods, as well as her blog Jenny Loves. After starting her blog, Jenny discovered that one of her greatest joys was stumbling upon beautiful and interesting things, and sharing them with anyone who would listen.

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VANCOUVERITES: Five Minutes With Randi Obenauer, Designer & Creator Of “Ora Bags”

by Jenny Bachynski | Randi Obenauer is the designer and creator behind Vancouver’s own Ora Bags. With an impressive amount of post secondary sewing and arts education, it is no wonder why her handmade creations have been sparking attention everywhere. Using a mixture of new and vintage leather, Ora bags demonstrate a perfect balance between practicality and style (who wouldn’t want a sleek leather bike bag to ride around with on a nice Vancouver evening?). Randi was kind enough to sit down and share some insight into the world of Ora, and what it has been like running her own business.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how Ora started out? As an artist I’ve always been interested in fashion and fabric as a medium, and once I got a taste for working with leather while working on custom car interiors, I was hooked. The irony of my line of bags is that the first ones were born from a desire to actually have a bag I liked – I’m not much of a ‘purse’ kind of girl, so I always had a basic rucksack or messenger bag. I made my first leather bags while I was still in fashion design school, and was overwhelmed by the result, and it’s just snowballed from there.

Is Ora a one-woman show? Do you do all of the designing and creating yourself? I love to collaborate with other artists for my photo editorials, as Vancouver has so many talented photographers, stylists, and clothing and jewelry artists. When it comes to the making process, it is entirely a one woman show. I’m so happy to have a studio in the Dynamo Arts building, it’s really inspiring to work in an environment shared with so many talented individuals.

What is your favorite aspect of working with leather? I love the feeling of cutting and sewing leather, the smell and the hand of the different types. Leather is equally forgiving and unforgiving, so I enjoy the challenge of perfecting things as you often can’t backtrack and resew. With the introduction of some of my most recent styles in entirely new rather than recycled leather, I am really enjoying the ability to design pieces that are really minimal.

If you could collaborate with any Vancouver designer, artist, or business owner, who would it be? I’m currently in the process of discussing a potential collaboration with local brand Sitka. I feel very in alignment with a lot of their initiatives towards sustainability and their West Coast vibe. I’m also currently the Womenswear Designer for local brand Voleurz, perhaps later down the road there could be potential for an Ora-Voleurz collaboration if we expand into accessories.

Read more and check out the 2012 Look Book after the jump… Read more

Union Wood & Supply Company

Details

Union Wood & Supply Company
503 Railway Street Vancouver, BC V6A 1A7
Telephone: 604 675 9033 | Email: sales@unionwoodco.com
Web: www.unionwoodco.com | Facebook | Twitter
Hours: Thursday 10-5 | Friday 10-5 | Saturday 11 -4 | and anytime by appointment

Gallery

The People Who Make It Happen

Owners: Craig Pearce and Cara Donaldson

About The Business

Founded in 2009, Union Wood & Supply Company is a retail and on-site furniture-making/interior design shop located in Strathcona North that specializes in vintage/industrial custom furnishing, antiques and home decor. Our multi-faceted custom furniture is designed to be simple, bold and true using materials mostly reclaimed and repurposed from salvage yards, antique stores, demolition sites and other sources. The curated items that we hand pick from all over the continent compliment the same Americana-inspired aesthetic. Every piece is vintage, man-made locally, or part of Union Wood Co’s unique product line. We don’t carry imports or reproductions, as these items lose the importance of the story connected with vintage pieces. We work closely with clients and designers who are similarly inspired by the simpler times of centuries past, but live in (and design for) today’s modern lofts and heritage homes. Our original works are for sale at our store, through our website, and at select retailers. Custom work is also available on commission.

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EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL: A Few Minutes With First Time Participant Kari Kristensen

The Eastside Culture Crawl (November 18, 19, 20) is hands down one of the best things about Vancouver during November. It’s the time of year when Eastside painters, sculpters, jewellery designers, carvers, photographers, potters, furniture designers, glass blowers and printmakers open their studios to the public an the vibe of the already cool-as-hell neighbourhood rises to unprecedented levels of awesomeness. The Crawl covers Terminal Avenue to Burrard Inlet between Main Street and Victoria Drive. That’s a lot of ground to cover and a lot of artists to meet. This year there will be over 300 participating, so we figure it’s a good idea to meet a few in advance in order to better familiarise ourselves (and perhaps you) with what to expect. Meet Kari Kristensen. This is her first year as a participant. We caught up with her while she was taking a breather in Paris and asked her about what she had planned for her inaugural Crawl weekend.

Three things about your neighbourhood that make you want to live there: I’ve lived in East Van since I moved here 9 years ago. I love East Van. I am walking distance to the drive and all of its great restaurants and food shops. There’s also an expanding restaurant scene happening on Hastings Street, which is fantastic. I am close enough to my studio that I can walk or bike there. And lastly, I live across the street from Trout Lake which is great for exercise for me and my little dog.

How many years have you participated in the Eastside Culture Crawl? I’m excited about this year being my first as an artist. My previous studio was on Granville Island, a terrific little shop for printmakers called Dundarave. I moved into 1000 Parker Street almost a year ago for a change of venue and to specifically be part of the Crawl. of course, I’ve gone to the Crawl almost every year.

Three words you would use to describe the ECC to someone who had never attended: Fun, inspirational, eye-opening. Of course, I’ll have to get back to you after the 20th to see if my opinion has changed.

Why is Vancouver a good city for art? Vancouver, and BC in general, has a rich art historical foundation that’s endlessly impressive. This is the the city of Jack Shadbolt, Arthur Erickson, Emily Carr, Toni Onley, Bill Reid, Robert Davidson…you can’t help but be inspired when you see their work around. Read more

GOODS: Fernwood’s Parsonage Cafe Gets A New Look By “Inoui Design Collective Inc.”

Inoui Interior Design & Project Management | Vancouver 778.558.5070 | Victoria 250.590.7378 www.inouidesign.ca

The GOODS from Inoui

Victoria, BC | The ladies of Inoui Design Collective Inc. are finally ready to reveal the new look for The Parsonage Cafe in Victoria.  Home of the worlds greatest chocolate chip cookies as well as the 2010 Canadian Barista Champion, this local gem has been completely overhauled. A sleek wood interior with industrial accents including a new custom concrete bar, reclaimed factory lighting and custom art by The Woodpile Collective, have helped give this Victoria legend a look that’s in line with their amazing brand, service and did we mention coffee?  Go get some! Read more

EASTSIDE CULTURE CRAWL: A Few Minutes With “Astrosatchel” Designer Janna Hurtzig

The Eastside Culture Crawl (November 18, 19, 20) is hands-down one of the best things about Vancouver during November. During The Crawl, painters, sculpters, jewellery designers, carvers, photographers, potters, furniture designers, glass blowers and printmakers on the eastside open their their studios to the public and the nightly vibe of the already cool-as-hell neighbourhood rises to freakin’ awesome levels. The Crawl covers the area between Terminal Avenue to Burrard Inlet between Main Street and Victoria Drive (handy map). This year there will be over 300 artists participating. That’s a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of artists to meet, so we figure it’s a good idea to meet a few of them in advance so as to better familiarise ourselves (and yourselves) with what to expect. First up:  Janna Hurtzig of Astrosatchel.

“Inspired by nature, the Astrosatchel label combines Scandinavian design, Asian pop culture influences and a Canadian cottage feel”. Janna is the driving force behind the iconic eastside tote bags, wallets, diaper bags made from vegan friendly Naugahyde vinyl.

This year, Janna is has thrown a little bit of cashmere into the mix with her Winterluxe line of scarves, mittens, arm warmers, pillows and rugs made using recycled cashmere. Scout was familiar with the Astrosatchel totes and purses (there are more than a few of Janna’s designs floating around the Scout office), but cashmere? It didn’t take much more than a mention of the word paired with Janna’s reputation as a stylin’ seamstress to send us snooping through her eastside studio.  Here’s what we found out… Read more

The “Caste Pojects” Duo Opens Up A Cool Pop-Up Design Shop At 10th And Kingway

An email from Caleb Beyers, who we last saw at Gastown’s Catalog gallery…

So, I wanted to write and let you know about my latest project: a pop-up shop that I’ve opened with my wife Hanahlie, under the banner of the design studio that we run together: Caste Projects. It’s in the temporary retail space that’s set up in the Rize building on the corner of 10th and Kingsway (the same building in which The Cheaper Show was held this year). We’ve gathered together products from a bunch of local designers (as well as a few national and international ringers). I would say that most of the stuff falls into the hand-crafted design goods category, but it’s all got a pretty specific, polished-but-not-fancy aesthetic. We’re also showcasing some products that we’ve designed, including some hand-felted animals, laser-cut perpetual calendars, a hand-felted rug, a sofa/day-bed/bookshelf, shelving made from molo design refuse, and a giant wool bear.

It looks some pretty sweet curation went down. Participating designers include Henderson Dry Goods, Tannis Hegan, Zillion, Red Flag, Stranger Things and many, many more (including our pals from The Found And The Freed).

We’re really looking forward to checking it out! Visit their website here, and cruise their Tumblr there.

Cool Thing We Want #282: Adorably Tiny L41 Home As Seen At The “IDS West” Preview

We’re very happy with the home we have, but we saw this 220 sqft sustainable, high-design, high-quality, energy-efficient L41 home designed by architect Michael Katz and artist Janet Corne at the IDS West preview show last week and now we can’t stop thinking about how great it would be to scoop up a little piece of dirt on one of the Gulf Islands and plunk this ultra-compact abode on it.

EVERY COOL THING WE WANT

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