Meeting makers in the Undercurrent
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With the days ticking down to Canberra’s much-anticipated Undercurrent Design Market, we meet some of the talented makers who will be selling their wares.
“It’s not just about buying a product; the real bonus is meeting the maker and often walking away with an understanding of what goes into the creative process. Many times, you leave with more than just a connection; you gain insight into the maker’s magical creative process. To me, that knowledge and insight into their making and creative process are priceless.”
That, in a nutshell, is what Undercurrent Design Market at the National Portrait Gallery is all about.
Founded in 2009 by Richard Baz and Melanie O’Hanlon – the powerhouse husband and wife duo behind The Curatoreum – Undercurrent has a reputation as one of the city’s most aesthetic market experiences and will this year feature 55 Australian makers of craft, fashion, jewellery, accessories, art and design.
“It’s a delightful gathering where creative minds come together to showcase their unique creations. The market buzzes with a bustling atmosphere, filled with passionate makers, each pouring their heart and soul into their craft.
Michelle Kistima-Menser originates from Cape Town, South Africa and creates the YOU ARE BRAVE textile range from her Marrickville studio in Sydney, where she produces hand-screen printed fabrics and table linens.
Michelle of YOU ARE BRAVE in the studio. Photo credit: Sharon Hickey Photography.
It’s her first Undercurrent market and the “highlight of my market calendar for 2023”.
Michelle says it offers makers an opportunity to stand out.
“It can be difficult to be ‘seen’ amongst the many other wonderful makers out there.”
“Well-established and well-curated markets like Undercurrent understand their makers and their creative journeys. They support us by truly believing in what we do and passing that on through wider promotion.”
For Lucy Ings, who works from her home studio in Canberra producing small-batch ceramics, markets like Undercurrent are vital for creators.
Lucy works with a range of clays, producing both hand-built and wheel-thrown pieces, and creates functional pieces such as vases, planters, plates and bowls, as well as decorative items and jewellery.
Beaded Hoops by Blackburn Studio.
She says Undercurrent “allows makers to connect directly with their customers and gain invaluable feedback about their work. They also enable direct sales, which are a vital income stream.”
Earrings by Blackburn Studio.
“Undercurrent also allows customers to see a wide variety of makers under one roof, and introduces them to makers they may not have otherwise come across, which is how many of my customers have found me.”
Anna Scheen is also a ceramic artist, as well as being a painter, and contemporary jeweller. Her work leans towards the subtle and her porcelain work is super fine, often contrasting the pure whiteness of the porcelain clay with midnight blackness.
She started a retail/wholesale ceramic business (under the label Linogirl) in 2007 and works from a small garden studio in the Macedon Ranges just outside Melbourne.
Having come down with Covid just a few days before the event in 2022, Anna is super keen for 5 pm on Friday 24 November.
“I like to think of the past few years as life throwing us a challenge to ask us to slow down and keep evolving”.
