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AUGUST 2021
Contents
INTERVIEW WITH BLANC HOMEWARE
BY DEVON HARVEY
What made you chose to go into homeware?
Blanc Homeware was originally started by myself (Harry) as I had always been into homeware, as I love how a space can be transformed with a few home decor pieces. The first item released was the Form Trio Candle Set. Before releasing it, I was finding it difficult to find affordable, 100% Vegan Soy Wax candles in sculptural shapes. Hence what led to the start of Blanc Homeware.
Can you talk us through a day at Blanc Homeware?
My partner (James) and myself now run Blanc full-time together from our little studio in the Brecon Beacons, Wales! Part of what we love about running a small business is everyday is different! We usually start the day fulfilling any orders we have. We then put on a large batch of candles in the shades and scents that need replenishment. We try and update our social media everyday if we can so getting content for that is also a big priority. Then we could be doing anything from Designing new prints to planning future collections!
What inspires your aesthetic as a brand?
We take a lot of inspiration from travelling. Just before the Pandemic, we both visited Stockholm and fell in love with the Minimal, Scandinavian style. We used this as well as the Danish Pastel design trend to influence the direction of the Brand. We also draw inspiration from abstract natural forms. We think all these elements work together to create the minimal, elevated, yet playful aesthetic that Blanc was born with.
What is your most popular product?
Of all time, our “Lovers Set” of two body candles has been our best seller! Having it featured in Glamour Magazine as ‘the best body candle set’ really helped people to discover Blanc.
And finally, if you could a pick the best part of being a business owner, what would it be?
Being able to have full creative control is huge for us as we have a clear vision of what we want Blanc to be. Also the joy we get every single time we get an order and knowing our products will be inside of someone’s home brings us so much happiness! We are so excited for the future of Blanc and expanding to create more unique, beautiful products.
IZZIE WALKER
I am heavily inspired by the forms of the landscape around me and seek to translate these into 2D space, exploring how they can be interpreted using colour and shape. I am also fascinated by the relationship between the figure and the landscape, how one influences the other and the ways in which they co-exist. Reducing forms to their most basic elements and utilising colour to inject life and atmosphere helps me to create bold, exciting and playful visual solutions that engage the viewer. I often work with large areas of flat colour, building imagery by ‘carving’ shapes into these blocks, meaning every element is very much ‘created’ by the shapes surrounding it.
I recently graduated from Falmouth University with First Class honours in BA Illustration. Whilst studying, I largely applied my work in the context of editorial illustration, but I would love to expand my practice to encompass a broad range of applications, particularly exploring surface pattern design.
LUCKY BEAR
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Lucky Bear started punch needling and tufting over the Christmas lockdown in 2020, and is inspired by nature, colours and fun characters.
MOHAMMED OMER SHABBIR
CRISIS OF DESIGN
The nation is fragile.
Since the forced union of states.
The federation attempts to fight back.
Adaptation of ideas, which may change.
Against all odds, lingers on.
Built on weak foundations.
A constitution of lies.
Red verse blue.
Designed with division in mind.
A war of words is all that survived.
Half the nation hates the design.
Inequality the only fire that burns.
The only fire that keeps them alive.
Liberty used as propaganda.
With agendas written on every wall.
Secretly plotting to take back choice.
EMILIA ROSE
Textile designer studying at Bath Spa University with a keen interest in illustration and character creation. I’m drawn to bright and unusual colour combinations, particularly oranges, pinks, and blues! My creative process consists of paintings, ink drawings, and digital manipulation. Any of my prints can be ordered in A4 and A5 upon request via Instagram - emiliarose_prints, or email - emiliaroseprints@gmail.com🍊
