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Annie Sloan Painter in Residence returns to traditional craftsmanship for high-quality design

28/8/2018

 
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Desk
Recently named the first New Zealand, Annie Sloan Painter in Residence, North Island painter Jeanie Simpson has a passion for breathing new life into unloved furniture. Inspired by everything from Art Deco to folk art, her creations are wide ranging in style but are connected by her love of quality materials and traditional craftsmanship.

“I look out for something that a little different and that helps with forming inspiration when planning to paint.”

The process of finding pieces to work with can be time consuming, and simply finding any old furniture isn’t enough. For Simpson, sustainability is a key part of her process so she actively seeks out pieces that are run-down or unfashionable enough to warrant extensive restoration and transformation.

Aiming to work with the history of a piece rather than erase it, Simpson retains remnants of old layers of paint when completing restorations. Bumps and scrapes become sources of inspiration and combine with ideas gleaned from research into particular design styles to create truly unique works that both respect the past and embrace the present.

“Each time I research a new era or design movement, I get totally immersed and enthused about artists, designers and craftsmen of the time.”

The Arts and Crafts movement that flourished across Europe and North America in the late 1800s is a favourite for Simpson. Following the industrial revolution, the Arts and Crafts style reacted to a perceived decline in manufacturing standards that accompanied what was the beginnings of mass production, and embraced traditional craftsmanship and simple forms.

Not only influencing the style of her work, the Arts and Crafts movement bears relevance to the concept of furniture restoration, and connects with our modern-day need for sustainability in design.
Chalk Paint Trestle Tray
​I learnt to appreciate the craftsmanship and history of old pieces. It saddens me to see much of this furniture is really unfashionable now."
​“The sustainability aspect about what I’m doing is really important to me. My parents valued antique furniture over new furniture so, growing up, I learnt to appreciate the craftsmanship and history of old pieces. It saddens me to see much of this furniture is really unfashionable now and consumers would rather buy cheap new furniture every few years”.

Generally of a much higher quality than their contemporary counterparts, the pieces that Simpson works with feature solid wood and handmade construction that is valued by the style-conscious.

“Older furniture is generally much better quality than newer versions. Drawers were made of solid timber - not just cheap chipboard with timber laminate - and everything was assembled by hand. Furniture that’s as little as 40 or 50 years old is often of really good quality.”

“The concept of reusing furniture and making it functional and desirable in a modern home is important and I’m really passionate about it. People don’t want unfashionable furniture in their homes (I certainly don’t!), but that’s where I come in: to try and bridge this gap.”

You can see more of Simpson’s work on her website, www.jeaniusreloved.com.
Jeanie Simpson Chalk Paint Desk
Upcycled toy chest
Upcycled tea tray with chalk paint

Written by
George Arthur


Images Courtesy of
Jeanie Simpson

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Self-taught textile designer leads the way to a sustainable future

5/7/2018

 
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Talented creator, and hand-made enthusiast, Pip Pottage has developed a successful design business inspired by her love of bold pattern and a commitment to a more sustainable way-of-life. Pip Pottage Designs, which combine high-quality design and construction with natural and environmental materials, is rapidly expanding it’s collection of products that are being snapped up by customers all over the world.

Pottage, who calls both New Zealand and Canada home, has always been conscious of the way that our consumer society impacts the world around us. Initially astonished that New Zealand had a gaping hole in the market when it came to organic, eco-friendly and ethical lifestyle products, she took it upon herself to right this wrong.

“I was creating handmade items and I figured it would be a truer representation of my own lifestyle commitment if my products reflected my sustainable beliefs too. So slowly I started switching everything over to organic cotton.  But, there is a catch… Organic cotton is not really super readily available for the small scale maker”

Pottage approached fabric distributors across New Zealand to find out if she could buy eco-friendly, sustainable or fair-trade products from them.
​All but one distributor laughed at me. One old fella actually did laugh.”
So faced with a significant problem with supply, Pottage took herself to night school to learn graphic design with the goal of creating her own textiles: a move from which she’s never looked back.

Now, with a growing customer base and stockists including the Auckland Art Gallery, Suter Gallery and Nelson Museum, Pottage’s designs are demonstrating the trend towards sustainable consumer choices, and have been included in publications including the UK’s Red Magazine and Your Home & Garden.

With a rapidly growing small business on the go, balancing the high expectations that Pottage places on herself with the reality of working and being a mum is challenging at times.

“Life is really busy. Luckily, creativity is a huge escape for me and sewing is akin to meditation.

“I find I’m always having to manage my own excitement for a project(s) with the reality of really only having a few hours a day to squeeze in my business work.”

But, Pottage is showing no signs of slowing down. Always with another project on the go, she has recently launched a limited-edition ‘Everyday Tote’: an often asked after product made of 100% organic fibres that Pottage has been testing and refining for some time.

When it comes to textile designs, much of Pottage’s work is based on her desire to expand the choices available to consumers when it comes to eco-fabrics.

“I’m a colour-lover, but lots of sustainable fabric products are still beige or grey.  I believe if sustainability is going to be the way of the future, then more businesses and designers need to help make these products accessible and more fun!”

Within the next twelve months, Pottage aims to produce her products from 100% natural fibres. Where natural fibres are difficult to source, she currently uses Eco Canvas, which is made from 55% recycled plastic.

“Each and every person I interact with online or at a market means so much to me. When you design and make something and put it out there, you really do pour your heart into it, and it’s more than just an item off a shelf from an unknowing factory somewhere.  It’s a part of me, and they are saying 'Yes, I love what you do too’.”

Check out pippottage.com to see more of Pottage’s designs.
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Written by
George Arthur


Images courtesy of
Pip Pottage

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