JOURNAL
EMI TANAKA: FINDING BEAUTY IN IMPERFECTION THROUGH THE MEDITATIVE CRAFT OF CLAY
In this captivating interview, we explore the journey of Emi Tanaka, a Japan-born ceramicist now based in Sydney. We first met Emi through our candle collaboration with Provider Store; Emi was the talented hands behind the vessels that house our candles.
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KAITLYN BOSNJAK: CREATING ART FROM BEHIND THE LENS
In the vibrant world of photography, few stories are as heartfelt and intricately woven with personal history as that of Sydney-based photographer and dear friend, Kaitlyn Bosnjak. With a deep-rooted passion for film, Kaitlyn’s journey began with a treasured legacy from her grandfather, whose influence remains a guiding light in her work today. Kaitlyn’s artistic vision and dedication to capturing moments are not just a profession but a profound expression of her connection to her past and her evolving present. In this interview, we explore what inspires her to pick up the camera, the joy she finds in the art of film photography, and the elements of her personal and professional life that fuel her creativity. Join us as we uncover the essence of Kaitlyn’s journey and the boundless possibilities she envisions for the future. What inspired you to get into photography? In particular, what attracts you to film photography? I grew up around photography, as my Grandpa was a photographer, so I latched onto it at an early age. He taught me pretty much everything I know about film photography and even bought me my first camera. Even now, most of my kit is cameras he’s bought me over the years! I have a very special connection to shooting film through my grandpa, so it’s something I enjoy doing for him, and myself. There is something so rewarding about getting your film developed and seeing what you created through the lens based on your knowledge of light, creative direction, and overall vision. It never gets old. Images of Kaitlyn's grandfather working as a photographer - one of her biggest inspirations. As an art form, what part of photography do you find most fulfilling?Seeing your story come together - after all of the hard work of planning, putting a team together and collaborating; it’s great to see the finish product and sharing that with others, and seeing/hearing their response to it. Kaitlyn photographing a RUUSK editorial at Coogee Beach. What are some things, places or moments, or who are some people that you are inspired by? There are a lot of people and places I’m inspired by, and for different reasons. To outline one recent moment: A while ago I listened to a Team Deakins podcast (Roger Deakins who is a great cinematographer) - Him and his wife interviewed actor Bill Hader, and the conversation was around Bill’s career. It outlined him working hard, and doing the small jobs to build his way up in the industry, and that really inspired me. He was a production assistant (worked gruelling hours), was rejected from film school, and constantly searched the papers for assisting jobs; I can imagine all of his hard work and hours put it made it that much more rewarding for when he finally created and directed his show Barry. For myself, I can get rather lost and anxious thinking I should be further than I am, so hearing conversations on the note of never giving up on something you really want makes me stick it out even more, and the possibilities are endless, and age doesn’t matter! With photography as well, watching people like Annie Leibovitz shoot large celebrities with a very simple light set up, also makes me feel better about not really shooting with elaborate light set ups (I shoot mainly natural light) so stories like Bill’s and photographer’s like Annie really inspire me and my trajectory. Kaitlyn x RUUSK shoots over the years. How would you describe your jewellery style? And what are your favourite pieces in your everyday jewellery collection? Very minimal - I wear my necklace that has my heart charm that is engraved with the name ‘pop’ (from RUUSK), and my letter B charm I’ve had for years (never leaves me, I’m always wearing it). I’ll also wear my signet ring that Tania made me that has my grandma’s birthstone it. All my pieces are very special to me and have great meaning. Kaitlyn's Oval Signet with a Marquise-cut Tanzanite + Heart of Gold Necklace with laser engraved 'pop'. Lastly, what are you looking forward to most for the future - life or career wise? There is so much to look forward to! I think, mostly, I’m looking forward to traveling more for work and shooting in new places. I’ve also been shooting more video and I’d love to explore it more with making short films. I’ve also launched VOWE with my friend and fellow photographer Johnny Diaz - It’s our wedding photography business; so I’m looking forward to seeing where that takes us! Thank you Kaitlyn for being a part of your With These Hands journal series, we are so honoured to be given a glimpse into your world where art, life and inspiration collide. We are beyond excited to see and cheer you on, on your next career ventures! Instagram: @justfilm_ Website: www.kaitlynbosnjak.com
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WITH THESE HANDS: MILLY DENT
Inspired by the natural world, Milly reimagines the daily routine through uniquely handcrafted, exclusive ceramic goods. We visited Milly's creative space to chat about all things ceramics, relaxation and her passion for creativity. We are so excited to be sharing her gorgeous work with you. Name: Milly Dent Location: My studio is in Marrickville and I live in Surry Hills. Profession/ Business / Passion / Creative Outlet: Ceramic artist and designer! Creative Outlet = Swimming! Star sign: Gemini Quote/words to live by: Don’t sweat the small stuff Favourite places to visit (to eat, drink, play, have fun, relax): - Swim and Snorkel at Gordons Bay - Eat Salad at The Shop, Bondi - Walk in the RNP - Drink at Wildflower or Poor Toms in Marrickville - Relax near the Boat Ramp at Bondi Describe your typical day: I try to wake up with a swim in the ocean! I then head to the studio (often via Iggy’s) and then work on new designs, pouring moulds, hand-building forms, and then I head home and have a yummy dinner with my house-mates! Is your design approach intuitive or measured? How so?: A little bit of both! A lot of working with clay is very intuitive and unplanned, things often turn out unexpected thanks to the unpredictable nature of working with clay. In saying that, I am very organised and measured in all ways I can be in my process of making. I like to have as much control as possible over the things that I can, and let the kiln do the rest! Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?: The natural world around me, shapes, textures, forms, everything! I think inspiration can’t be pinned onto one thing or moment its my experience of living and what I surround myself with! Website: https://www.millydent.com/ Instagram: @millydent Photos by: Kaitlyn Bosnjak Milly wears her Large Organic Pendant Necklace, Large Organic Earrings, Small Signet Ring, Gold Cuffs and the Moon and Stars Ring.
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With These Hands: Imby from KARMME
Starting her Sydney-based, leather accessories brand KARMME came from a place of practicality for Imby Langenbach. Having founded the brand after an injury and wanting a well-designed yet beautiful bag to keep all her daily essentials, Imby has since come to design handmade leather pieces which are inspired by her travels, especially those with her family, 4-wheel driving through the unseen landscapes of Australia. Name: Imby Langenbach Location: South Coogee, NSW Profession/ Business / Passion / Creative Outlet: owner/designer for KARMME, a leather accessories business based in Sydney. Star sign: Sagittarius Quote/words to live by: “Loving kindness is a freedom of the heart, a luminous blazing radiance.” - Itivuttaka (1st Century BC) Favourite places to visit: Coogee beach for a walk and swim, SugarCane for a great Asian feed, Little Kitchen for the best crumpets and coffee, my studio to potter, the movies, road trips anywhere with my family. Describe your typical day: I try to get up, wake my three daughters for school, go for a walk and dip in the ocean before getting back and see them all off to school. Breakfast, coffee and then to the studio which is next door to where I live, very lucky, no travel involved! Each day is quite varied but generally in the mornings I catch up on emails, wrap and send out orders, try not to waste too much time scrolling IG! Then I might need to see my makers, leather supplier, fabric supplier, dye fabric, work on a new design, update website or think about/organise a photoshoot. I work on our building business as well, which involves design and accounts all before I get ready for the girls to come home from school. I call it shift three of the day, afternoon tea, after school activities, dinner homework etc. I can’t work too much at night so it's usually catching up with my husband before bed! Is your design approach intuitive or measured? How so?: Very intuitive I think...I like to design things that I need, so they are practical but I try to make them beautiful. The business started when I wanted something to put my phone, keys and wallet in after I’d had neck surgery and didn’t want to carry a heavy shoulder bag anymore, I just wanted something simple, practical and beautiful so I made it. That’s how all the subsequent designs have happened, a need then fulfilling it with a beautifully designed and made product. Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?: I am inspired a lot by the colours I see particularly when we go on family holidays. We road trip often so I have experienced the vast land of Australia and seen a lot of its raw beauty. The colours are so mind blowing and I’m often dreaming up a collection as I stare out the window. I love exploring the texture of the leather, so the shapes are often inspired by the fall of the soft supple leather I use. What's your most memorable Australian location?: We have road tripped from Perth to Cape Leveque (West of Broome), Alice Springs to Darwin, Darwin to Cape Leveque and recently Perth to Sydney with smaller road trips on the East Coast too. Cape Leveque which is about 250kms west of Broome in far North West Australia is one of the most magical place I’ve ever been and I’ve travelled extensively throughout the world. Its remote, a red dirt road that you bump along for 4 hours gets you there and then the colour of the water, the iron rich cliff faces and white sand make it seem almost unreal. The first time we stayed there we were in our 4WD tent on the cliff and woke to an incredible sunrise that I’ll never forget. I thought that was my favourite place until on our recent trip we went to far South West Australia, 100 kms or so further from Esperance to a place called Wharton Beach, this blew my mind. Turquoise/aqua water with the finest powdery, squeaky sand. We walked to some remote beaches from our caravan park and had the beach literally to ourselves, such a special place and time for us. Advice you would give to your younger self: It's ok not to be into music and stuff that your friends are into, one day you’ll know why you always need to create it's how you regenerate. With these hands I… make. I make things that I think are beautiful and that I want to use every day. I take care to make things that last well, are practical and versatile, do not follow trends or seasons. I share a little of me each time a piece of KARMME passes through my hands to those who choose to support my business. Website: www.karmme.com.au Instagram: @karmmehq Photos by: Kaitlyn Bosnjak Imby wears her True North Necklace, custom RUUSK Cuffs and Thin Organic ring throughout
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With These Hands: Tara From Provider Store
For Tara Bennett, Designer and Founder of design hub, Provider Store in Surry Hills - she finds she's most inspired when she is travelling. Either sourcing pieces from craftsmen through her travels around the world or handcrafting her own range of candles and ceramics, all of the pieces found in Tara's store are made with intent and care. Tara shares her story with us, including how Japanese culture and design has come to inspire her. Name: Tara Bennett Location: Surry Hills, Sydney Profession/ Business / Passion / Creative Outlet: Provider Store Star sign: Aquarius Quote/words to live by: “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today” Favourite places to visit: Japan is my favourite country to visit and get inspiration. Paris is my favourite city to admire the buildings, see amazing art and fashion. In Sydney, I love drinking coffee at Artificer, having an afternoon beer at The Rose in Erskineville, eating at Cairo Takeway or Taste of Turkey on Enmore Road and walking Pocari (her adorable Shiba!) in Sydney Park. Describe your typical day: I am in the studio around 8.30 each day but it’s always different. Sometimes it’s making candles, sometimes it’s taking photos, teaching workshops or serving people… Unfortunately the bigger you get the more boring things you have to do like accounting. Is your design approach intuitive or measured?: Intuitive for sure. I just follow what I love and roll with it. I have a very organised chaos personality so I struggle with structured processes. Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?: Travel. When I think about when I am most motivated and inspired it’s either while I am travelling or as soon as I get back. Whenever I am in Japan I always make a little trip into the supermarkets and drift around the aisles looking for interesting labels. I always walk out feeling inspired… weird I know but you should see my cool collection of mackerel cans. Tara wears; Organic Bangle, Peak Ring & Onda Band Advice you would give to your younger self: You should have quit for your day job sooner. With these hands I… Source one-off hand made pieces, meet craftsmen from around the world and hand make reusable homewares. Website: providerstore.com.au Store address : 381b Riley St, Surry Hills Instagram: @theproviderstore Photography: Kaitlyn Bosnjak | @justfilm_
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With These Hands: Hannah from The Unfold
Having founded The Unfold after moving to Australia from New Zealand (we're obviously going to claim her as one of our own!), photographer and stylist Hannah Darkins is a true creative spirit at heart. Through our recent collaboration with her, we chat to Hannah about her career to date, places she visits when she's back home and where she draws her creative inspiration from. Name: Hannah Darkins Location: Based in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney Star sign: Leo Hannah wears: Small Organic Pendant necklace, Small Signet ring, Lola ring and Moon & Stars ring. Profession/ Business / Passion / Creative Outlet:I run my own small business called The Unfold where I work for brands and small businesses creating visual and written content for their digital platforms. At university I studied dance however when I moved to Australia I changed career track and went into event styling and floristry and eventually ended up doing what I do now which mostly involves styling, photography and content creation. To me it’s all ‘creative storytelling’. What I do and what I love are so intertwined, to which I am so grateful. Quote/words to live by:I am constantly asking myself “what can I learn and what can I contribute.”"Our willingness to show up changes us. It makes us a little braver each time." - Brene Brown“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” - Audre Lorde Favourite places to visit:I love going back home to New Zealand. The local coastlines at the top of the North Island where I grew up are so amazing, in particular my favourite little beach called Whale Bay where you have to park and walk a 20 minute trail to get there. The waters are pristine blue and the bay is surrounded by native Pohutukawa trees. It’s heaven on earth. I also really love spending my spare time sourcing unique pieces from second hand/vintage stores. Describe your typical day:If I don’t have a shoot on that day I’m either sourcing props, planning for shoots, following up enquiries, editing from a previous shoot or working on a website for a client. When not working I’ll be walking my local esplanade or hanging out somewhere by the ocean. I love coffee so you’ll often find me at my favourite local coffee shop too.Is your design approach intuitive or measured? How so?:Definitely both. The measured side of me usually manifests through my intentions - I want my creative output to either evoke a feeling, tell a story or have a purposeful process behind it. After that initial stage - when I am hands on creating something - it becomes more intuitive and I often make decisions in the moment and create with the flow. Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?:Everywhere. Inspiration is honestly everywhere. When I use to dance a lot, inspiration for a choreography came from using all my senses. Sometimes it’s the most simple of things, from the smell of toast to the colour of a curtain or the sound of the coffee grinder working at the cafe. I collect random objects and am constantly taking photos of patterns, texture and colour. A lot of my inspiration for work starts with colour. I am quite picky about colour as I feel it is integral to feeling and is often what impacts a first impression. And of course people. People inspire me a lot- the way someone can make you feel and the warmth in their eyes and the stories they carry - this fuels me. I love human stories... I could go on forever about this so I’ll stop here.Advice you would give to your younger self:Have faith in the path you cannot see. With these hands I…Hold another,I praise,I pick up a shell from the shoreline,I capture a moment,I tell a story,I write down my heart. Website: www.theunfold.netInstagram: @theunfold Photography by: Kaitlyn Bosnjak | @justfilm_ Bridal top: Lilia Cass / @liliacassceremonial Ceramics: @with__form
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