Ken Done - A blast from my past

While our kids are at the zoo I have popped into my office for a few hours. Coming to my studio on a weekend is so delightful. The stillness is so rejuvenating and I can focus.
 

 

 

Just now, on my way back from the bathroom, I stopped by my neighbour's studio Framing Workshop to say a quick hello and I notice a Ken Done print on their walls. Apparently Richard does a lot of Ken's framing. This print was of one of Ken's older painting depicting his art studio in Mosman situated above beautiful Chinamen's Beach The Cabin Studio. I was amazed to see how Ken's work painted back in 1980 conjured the same mood that I am trying to create in my new home. I notice many similarities especially in the furnishings.

During my preteens Ken Done was massive. His vibrant graphics and designs covered everything and anything from bikinis to coasters to Olympic posters. He was not only our local Mosman legend but our international one.
 

 

Around the same time Stuart Membery was another Aussie Mosman superstar, but I am planning another post about Stu later. Briefly however, the gorgeous Stuart Membery Jamaica lounge which I am currently importing from Stu in Bali is most similar to the one in Ken's painting don't you think? 
 

 

And the bamboo door curtain I recently bought off ebay for our childrens playroom also features here in Ken's painting.

Now that my curiosity in Ken Done has been rekindled I wanted to know more. His recent works are truly sublime. I just gave Amanda a call at the Ken Done gallery situated in The Rocks and she tells me Ken, now in his 70's, has moved away from his design work and is focusing solely on his fine arts. I am truly blown away by his current collection. His Viridian Sea Garden painted last year is my idea of art perfection. What do you think?

PS:

If anyone is looking for a bamboo door curtain, this ones on ebay looks vintage chic, unique & fabulous. And at $5 a real bargain. Our kids love theirs and it has made their space fun and inviting rather than just another room off our corridor. Hearing where they are within the house as the bamboo tinkers softly like rain is both reassuring and soothing. I am a big fan!

 Have a lovely weekend everyone!

B

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Macrame Love!

I am completely obsessed with macramé at the moment. It all started here with my Mother-in-Laws macrame owl, proudly adorning her car dash. She made it many moons ago and for me it was love at first sight. Textured, earthy and wise, a winning combination in my book.

I recently bought this fabulous vintage macramé plant hanger. It fits my home like a glove. I feel grounded when I walk past it and in tune with a generation of woman who valued different things to me.....the things my Mum valued such as making time to make her husband a lovely home cooked meal.

This morning I emailed a client some stage 2 suggestions for their lovely beach side home. I am hoping they like this image I found of a macrame wall hanging as much as I do.

 

Isn't it just the perfect solution when a bit of tone on tone texture is required! I'll keep you posted on their reaction!

PS: I was inspired tonight to make Jas some homemade sweet & sour pork. As my universe would have it he's working back late!

B

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Tree Of Life Artwork Giveaway

Not a week goes by where we don't sell one of these lovely Tree Of Life carved artworks through my online shop. I think they are really beautiful.

I wonder if it's the spiritual symbolism and deeper meaning behind this piece that attracts my customers. Or it is purely because it is a stunning piece in a rare triptych formate (set across three square panels). It would indeed make a terrific (and affordable) 180cm wide bedhead.

Made from mangowood each panel measures 60cm wide 60cm high 4cm deep. They come in a variety of colours;

To celebrate the launch of my new blog I will be giving one of these lovely pieces away to an Aussie follower. To enter, simply sign up to start following my blog and leave a comment on how this Tree Of Life artwork would heal your space or the space of someone close to you.

B

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My Furniture Design

My lovely friend and interior designer buddy Mina came over for a swim last week. While she was visiting my home she asked where I got my console table from. I had a little chuckle and said "it’s a Bronnie original".







I designed this stainless steel mesh console table back in 1998 at university. Being a particularly practical person it was my intent to design a piece of furniture that was completely functional, as well as unique and beautiful.












At the time I was very inspired by the super stylish French interior designer Andrée Putman. I still am today. Her strong minimal yet feminine style is so elegant. Putman used stainless steel mesh in a few of her designs (pictured above) and I was instantly drawn to this stunning and underused material. I found the purity of its texture and colour completely tantalising.







I thought it would be a gorgeous material for an indoor / outdoor console. I imagined the sun streaming through it when outside and the light of a lamp shimmering on it's flawless surface when inside.








Nearly 14 years on this console table has always found a spot in my homes. Although it needs a good polish after being outside at our previous home, it will remain a special piece reminding me of 4 wonderful years at university.

B

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Custom Scatter Cushions just for me!

This week I have been playing with lots of lovely fabrics & trims for some scatter cushions for our daybed at home.

Reflecting on the 3 fabrics I have selected for my scatter cushions I notice how much they symbolise me and my style:

The vintage floral for my feminine sensual side

The bold ikat pattern for my earthy bohemian side

The Belgium linen stripe for my casual classic side

And of course I have spent many hours deliberating over the details of each cushion. The gorgeous blue and white vintage rose fabric needs to be spiced up a little. I am considering trimming two sides of each cushion with a stunning tassel trim. These other lovely accessories are for an oversized bolster cushion in a plain fabric.

 

I also found some gorgeous vintage wooden toggles from an online button shop. Just perfect for the homely feel I am going for.

Customised cushions in special fabrics should be viewed as wonderful unique pieces of art for your home. Designed to sit within your space in perfect harmony, completing the interior and making you smile.

B

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My first post

I have a few questions for you blog world; Does this feel right to commit to this blog right now? How does it all work? Will people mind if I go M.I.A at times? I guess only time will tell.

Here's my first image to share with you...Jason my husband took it from our living room on the first day that our new home really felt like 'our' home. My very special friend Letitica emailed me an explanation on what it means when a Kookaburra comes to visit you as an animal totem or messenger. It was quite amazing and now reflecting on it again very in keeping with the name I chose for my blog. "A Kookaburra has a very powerful healing energy, and its presence in your life can indicate a time when profound healing is occurring. This healing is not just happening to you, but to people around you, and creates a more healthful ripple effect that creates positive changes to come".

It would be lovely if my little blog has this effect on both me and my readers.

B

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