New JamFactory Light Fitting Commission Wows!

JamFactory’s  Glass and Metal Design Studios recently completed a commission for a client in Adelaide, and we thought you might like to have a look at it.

This was a truly collaborative effort. The client was keenly involved in the design process, which was headed by Glass Studio Creative director, Karen Cunningham.  The glass shades were hand blown and crafted by the Glass studio, and the powder coated stainless steel and hand machined brass fittings were built by JamFactory’s Metal Design Studio. Installation of the lighting fixture was completed by the JamFactory team in May 2014. 

The client had this to say:

 In terms of how we came to commission the Jam Factory, I felt that the Dining area needed a large scale light fitting to create a focal point and bring the scale of the very high ceilings down to create intimacy around the Dining table. I was concerned that otherwise this area would feel too transitional, like a large corridor to the Living area or the adjacent Kitchen. With the new extension using primarily steel for the windows and very simple modern detailing elsewhere, the slightly mottled effect from the glass shades, along with the metal of the branching support structure complement the Architecture while giving movement and texture.

I couldn't find a light fitting that would produce the desired "hand made" sculptural feel that I was looking for available commercially, so commissioning a piece from the Jam Factory was the logical step. It was a fantastic collaborative experience - we're thrilled with the end result, and people are literally blown away when they walk in, it really does add a very special feel to the space.  

 JamFactory offers a unique design and production service through our ceramics, glass, furniture and metal design studios. We have an extensive record in undertaking projects ranging from public art, corporate gifts, trophies and awards to furniture, tableware and architectural interiors. Whether customising an existing product or developing concepts and prototypes for specific purposes we specialise in combining good design with fine craftsmanship.

Photos: Fernanda Pardo

To speak to one of our staff about the commissioning process phone (08) 8410 0727 or email contact@jamfactory.com.au

JamFactory Studio Tenant Andrew Bartlett assists Taylors’ Wines With a Bold Vision

Furniture Designer and JamFactory Studio Tenant, Andrew Bartlett, has recently completed a wine packaging project with South Australia’s family owned Taylors' Wines with their newest wine: Taylors' 2009 The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon which is the inaugural release of this super-premium wine, which will only be released in exceptional vintages. 
taylorswines.com.au
packagingoftheworld.com

“….  Each 750 ml bottle of The Visionary is individually hand labeled, hand numbered and hand packaged in a bespoke design luxury gift box.   In additional the Taylor family also bottled a very limited number of six-litre imperials of the 2009 vintage of which just ten will be released for sale. Befitting the pinnacle nature of this release the family commissioned Adelaide furniture designer and maker Andrew Bartlett to create a bespoke cabinet for each imperial. Each cabinet has been crafted out of a single piece of hand selected Tasmanian blackwood. The fixtures and fittings, including the individual Spanish crafted locking mechanism, have been finished in rhodium to ensure that they, like the cabinet and the wine housed within, will safely see in the second half of this century.

“My task was to create an experience that was both intriguing and subtle from start to finish. The design, construction and presentation of the cabinet enhances the recipients encounter with the wine without overpowering it,” Andrew said.

When the wine and cabinet are purchased (RRP AU$5,000) the buyer will be presented with an individual Tasmanian blackwood presentation box whose design echoes the full size cabinet. Inside the presentation box will be an individual rhodium plated key to unlock the cabinet, a letter of authenticity personally signed by Mitchell Taylor and a series of limited edition photographic prints featuring a selection of specially commissioned images of The Visionary and its cabinet shot by world-renowned photographer Keith Saunders.

This rare occasion, where the packaging is as complex and layered as the wine itself, is one of the elements that make this a genuinely special wine to own. “There is not another table wine packaged to this level of sophistication and luxury anywhere in the world,” Mitchell said.

Andrew produced a total of twenty sets of boxes for the two vintages.

Be Consumed: Creative Collaborations from the Barossa

JamFactory’s Assistant Curator Adele Sliuzas introduces her upcoming Project, Be Consumed: Creative Collaborations from the Barossa.

In the second half of 2014 JamFactory I am curating an exhibition titled Be Consumed: Creative Collaborations from the Barossa. I thought it would be great to share a little bit about the project as it develops!

Be Consumed is a project that focuses on a number of creative collaborations between leading artist and designers and renowned food and wine producers from the Barossa. It looks at the relationships between food, wine, art and design, and celebrates the distinctive contexts and characteristics of the iconic Australian region.

As curator of the exhibition, I am excited to be working with some of South Australia’s finest! There has been a lot of enthusiasm for the collaboration from both artists and producers, who are keen to share their artisan skills.

Be Consumed is a unique opportunity for producers from different industries to work together, share ideas, skills and stories. The collaborative aspect is at the core of the project, with a major focus on mutual exchange. We are interested in seeing the kind of creative ideas that come out of different people working together. 

Morning meeting with artist Stephanie James-Manttan and Producer Jan Angas at Hutton Vale Farm

Having met with a few of the artists and producers, I can already see the parallels that run between the collaborators processes. Artisans of Barossa spoke of the ancient tradition of wine making, while their collaborator Andy Baldwin noted the similarly ancient tradition of glass blowing, his chosen medium. At Carême, ceramicist Susan Frost noted some parallels between preparing pastry and preparing clay. Other collaborators shared a similar ethos in terms of making, whether it be art or food. These simple ties are what will allow the artists and the producers to develop an understanding of each other.

Be Consumed is an important project for JamFactory, and as part of our first year in the Barossa, it is a chance for us to get to know the locals. The collaborations kick off professional and personal relationships, as well as strengthening creative networks within existing communities.

The selected artists work across various mediums, including ceramics, jewellery, glass and furniture, echoing JamFactory’s commitment to craft and design.  They have been commissioned to produce new works for the exhibition, and throughout the next few months will be developing ideas that respond to the producers business. Curatorially, I am really interested in seeing how the works evolve throughout the collaboration. The artists may choose to reflect upon the core concepts of the producers business, draw ideas from stories of the region, or respond directly to the processes used in production of food or wine. I am looking forward to seeing how these stories are drawn out and unfold. 

Making Cheese at Barossa Valley Cheese Company

Be Consumed: Creative Collaborations from the Barossa brings together 12 strongly craft-based artist and designers with 12 Barossa food and wine producers who are equally dedicated to the fine craft traditions of their industries. Exhibiting artists include Andrew Baldwin, Honor Freeman, Susan Frost, Jon Goulder, Stephanie James-Manttan, Leslie Matthews, mono (John Quan and Kumiko Nakajima), Wayne Mcara, Julia Robinson, Prue Venables, Janice Vitkovsky, Gerry Wedd. Barossa producers are Jan Angas of Hutton Vale, Appellation, Artisans of Barossa, Barossa Coffee Roasters, The Barossa Valley Cheese Company, Carême Traditional Pastry, FermentAsian, Fino, Maggie Beer, Saskia Beer, Seppeltsfield Winery and Yalumba.

Exhibition dates:

JamFactory at Seppeltsfield 18 July - 17 September 2014

JamFactory Adelaide 26 September – 29 November 2014

Pickled Vegetables at Fino

JamFactory's Assistant Curator Adele Sliuzas

CUSP: Install at JamFactory- by Cynthia Colli of Object: Australian Design Centre

I’m sitting here today planning day 4 of the install of CUSP: Designing into the Next Decade at JamFactory in South Australia and reflecting on the past three days of the install. I’m happy to say that all is looking good – in fact, doubly good because CUSP will be showing in two locations at the same time! CUSP‘s South Australian leg of the national tour is split over two venues, the iconic JamFactory in Adelaide and JamFactory’s new and beautiful sister gallery and store in Seppeltsfield Winery, in the Barossa Valley. We’re excited that the CUSP experience will now reach two geographically separated audiences, and for those keenly interested in cutting-edge design thinking, offers an experience that has you travelling to two great South Australian locales.

Planning this split has taken the Object: Australian Design Centre and JamFactory teams months of planning. You would think, much like I did, that the simultaneous installation of a 300sqm exhibition over two venues that are close to an hour away from each other in five days may present a hiccup or two, but the opposite has been true in this instance. I’m really impressed by the teamwork here and seeing the ability and drive of every one of our crew to get CUSP up and ready for viewing come February.

CUSP, being the ever-evolving entity that it is, has developed some great advancements to some of its exhibits. As this national program will always be on the very ‘cusp’ of design, no showing on the tour will be the same as the previous one. It’s so interesting to see the designer’s works and design theory change, grow, develop. For example, Stephen Mushin, industrial designer with the creative and ecological mind like a Tardis, now presents his thought experiments in colour! When visiting, make sure that you take some good time to thoroughly follow the whacky, but all theoretically sound, ecological ‘futures’ that are possible when you think outside the box. Mari Velonaki presents the latest culmination of the immense research project that she and the social robotics team at University of New South Wales have undertaken. MaterialByProduct have again brought the beauty and the further deepening of meaning in fashion design to the JamFactory Adelaide gallery, with two new artisanal and production garments. Get close and personal with the garments and their stories, feel them, see their handwork and printing, and follow them on their journey via social media.

Adelaide and Seppeltsfield are wonderful places, with welcoming people, highly skilled artisans, vast, earthy landscapes and a buzzing design community. I, and the whole Object team, hope that you find yourself travelling to see one half of CUSP and continuing the journey through to it’s sister showing too.

CUSP is a touring exhibition from Object Australian Design Centre and is at JamFactory until 26 April.

CUSP design.com

www.object.com.au

CUSP Opening at Seppeltsfield

CUSP Opening at Seppeltsfield

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

CUSP at JamFactory Adelaide

JamFactory at Seppeltsfield

On 2 Nov JamFactory launched its new studios, gallery and shop at the iconic Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa.

The 1,000 square meter facility, situated in the historic stables building at Seppeltsfield (only an hour’s drive from Adelaide), provides studio space for around a dozen professional artisans, a gallery for free public exhibitions and a retail shop presenting outstanding hand-made products. 

A separated walkway through the space enables visitors to see skilled makers at work, learn about the materials and processes behind the products and discover the heritage of the building, which dates back to 1851.

JamFactory at Seppeltsfield brings together two significant South Australian brands - both with a commitment to premium quality and bespoke production. Through the collaboration, Seppeltsfield will take its first major step towards building a unique tourism offering.

Complementing its established wine heritage, the Seppeltsfield estate will combine arts and design activities through the new JamFactory facility, as well as a culinary drawcard through the development of a destination restaurant, launching in 2014. 

JamFactory is a not for profit organisation that supports and promotes good design and fine craftsmanship. It has been nurturing the careers of emerging artists and designers and presenting innovative new work to audiences since 1973.

JamFactory at Seppeltsfield will present nationally significant exhibitions, hands on

workshops, artist talks and other public programs.

It will provide a major creative hub within the Barossa and will boost cultural

tourism in the region. JamFactory at Seppeltsfield will be open 7 days from 11am - 5pm.

Video: Opening Day of JamFactory at Seppeltsfield

Photography by Dragan Radocaj PHotography

Come visit JamFactory at Seppeltsfield the next time you are in the Barossa!

Glass Artist Amanda Dziedzic

Amanda Dziedzic is a Melbourne based glass artist who was a Jamfactory Associate in 2008/2009, and is still often seen in our Adelaide Glass Studio. You may have seen her recently on The Design Files (that other blog… :) We love TDF!). We had a chat with Amanda on her last visit here to JamFactory…

Glass.  What brought you to the world of glass?

I first studied under Gabriella Bisetto as an elective at Uni SA, way back when the glass studio was at Underdale. (thats a long time ago, I feel old...)

Amanda Dziedzic at Jamfactory

You live in Melbourne, but create glass work in Adelaide? How did this come about, and how’s it work for you?

 Well we have chopped and changed quite a bit. Adelaide, Melbourne, Adelaide and back to Melbourne. I came back to Adelaide when I got the job as an associate but we had to move back to Melbourne for my husbands job. 

Each time it takes a little going to get back into the swing of things but this time the Melbourne glass community feels pretty good to me. When I am in Melbourne I work out of Phillip Stokes gallery and I am just in the process of setting up a studio space in Brunswick with a buddy of mine.

I do love blowing glass at the Jam though. It’s just so familiar for me and the equipment is always top notch. It also just happens to be home to my awesome team...which brings me to your next question..

Tell us about the team!

My team is the awe inspiring Dani Rickaby and Jaan Poldaas. I love those two. They are such talented glass makers and make my production sessions run like clock work. Not only do they run like clock work, we also have a great time together. They are not only my team, they are my mates. I really miss those guys when I am in Melbs so it’s real nice to come home and book those guys for some solid making time together. We have worked together now for something like four years and we have a beautiful kind of rythym together. They make it so easy for me to make my work. Working in the team together is one of my favourite aspects of glass blowing.

Jaan Poldaas,Amanda and Dani Rickaby aka "The Team"

What does a typical Adelaide visit for you entail?

A typical Adelaide visit is always hit the ground running! I try and cram in as much as possible which can be tough at times but I always find it rewarding. I am my own worst enemy. But I just feel like I am always on a tight time frame. Roll into town, make the work, grind and polish the work, pack and send the work. All this and try and cram in visits with friends and family.

Yumemiru

Tell us about the Yumemiru range.  Would you call it your signature piece?  Is it your most popular or well known work?

Yumemiru came about as my final year exhibition pieces from being an associate. They are my version of a Japanese daydream. I am mildly obsessed with all things Japan (I have been fortunate enough to travel there 3 times so far), these pieces are my interpretation of my time spent in Japan. They then kind of evolved into production pieces for me. I really enjoy making them.

And there’s a vegetable theme going on in your work as well. Could  you elaborate on that? Are you getting enough greens?

Again, Japan pops up here with the Daikon raddish that I spotted on my trawls through the Japanese back streets. I just think they are beautiful. As I started to delve more into the root vegetable I also found the beet was used quite a bit in mythology. Have you read that book “Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins? It’s fantastic. 

(Blog editor has theory that Tom Robbins is actually a woman and mustachioed man on the back of the books is her neighbour who poses for book jackets-they hang out on Adirondack chairs, drink scotch whiskey and think it's all quite funny)

I just really like the natural world and for me creating a garden is about taking pride in your own space and gives me a sense of achievement and self worth. The tiny street gardens I saw in Japan are a constant source of inspiration for me.

You were very involved in the recent workshops held at JamFactory with Karen Willinbrink-Johnsen and Jasen Johnsen. What was your role and could you tell us a bit about the experience?

Last year I was lucky enough to take a class at Pilchuck with Karen and Jasen. They just blew my mind. I started the conversation they should come to the Jam. So through numerous emails back and forth somehow we made it happen! Amazing. I just thought the associates would get so much out of the opportunity. There are not a huge amount of hot glass sculptors in Australia and Karen and Jasen are such fantastic teachers. So I was fortunate enough to TA for them while they were in town teaching which was an experience in itself. 
Click for Videos of Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen at JamFactory

Amanda with Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen at JamFactory

What’s coming up for you at the moment? We hear you’re busy…

My big deal of the moment was my interview on The Design Files. I was pretty stoked to be featured. I have some new product to launch at this years Open House which I am super pumped about. They are beautiful display domes with a turned timber base.

I am also working on establishing a new studio space in Brunswick which is really exciting for me. It is in a warehouse that is shared with 9 other artists from various art forms. It’s really exciting to be insomething from the ground up. We took it over a couple of months ago and the place was a total dump. We have been ripping up the floor, putting up walls, making the space real pretty, learning LOTS.

I also work for glass artist Ruth Allen in her workshop. So yeah, biz-zay!

 (Read the Design Files Interview here:TDF Amanda Dziedzic)

Do you have a favourite Adelaide place or places you like to visit when you are here? Food and/or drink?

Oh man, I have a list as long as my arm for favourite haunts I have to visit when I get back home. Here are a few favourites; The Wheaty is a given for beers and a cheese platter, The Deli, just over the road for the best pizza, Red Door Bakery is the bomb, I love going to the markets for Bibimbap, Tokyo Tower cocktail at Dragonfly a new found fav (thanks Jaansie) is Adelaide Pho on Waymouth St. Their salt and pepper squid is off the hook!! 

On to music! Can you give us a couple of choice tracks from your favourite playlist at the moment?

Again, I have so many!! Here goes:

Ritual Union, Little Dragon

Humpty Dump, The Vibrettes

Crazy on You, Heart

Tightrope, Janelle Monae

Coffee and Tv, Blur

The Wizard, Black Sabbath

Going Up the Country, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis

Dj set from Motor City Drum Ensemble

Amanda and Dani Rickaby at JamFactory

Have you got any new products coming out? Anything we should know??

Well the Display Domes for the Design Files launch on the 21st of November. I have also been working on my ‘growing bottles’, the ones with the leaf stoppers. I feel like I have a bunch of ideas scrambling around my noodle at the moment, am really, REALLY looking forward to getting into that new studio and getting them all out. 

Follow Amanda's blog at Little Bird, Big Chip

drink+dine+design - South Australian Emerging Designer Award Finali

Eleven finalists have been selected from a large group of entries for the 2013 drink + dine + design - South Australian Emerging Designer Award.

Entries were received from The University of South Australia, JamFactory and TAFE SA and were deemed to be of an exceptionally high standard by award judges, Brian Parkes (JamFactory CEO), Joanne Cys (UniSA Associate Professor) and Leanne Amodeo (The Adelaide Review design writer)

Finalists will be featured in an exhibition at JamFactory from 11 October -

1 December, with the winner of the $2,000 award to be announced at the exhibition opening. Focusing on South Australia’s reputation for great food, wine and dining experiences, drink + dine + design showcases innovative and exciting product

design ideas that enhance the experience of consuming fine food and wine.

The finalists for 2013 are

Kristel Britcher - Senov Whiskey Tumblers

Andrew Gregg - Stool 2.0

Daniel Guest - Tilt Wine Rack

Winaya Kamaputri - It’s Up to You: The Transformable Trivet

Emma Klau - The Cheese and Wine Kinetic Platter

Jaime Sanchez - Corn Cob Holders

Wayne Mcara - Dinner Set with Bowl

mono (Kumiko Nakajima and John Quan) - Juicy Decanter Set

Liam Mugavin - Tangle Coffee Table

Stephen Soeffky - CRANK Bottle Opener

Ulrica Trulsson - Jug with beakers

Andrew Gregg - Stool 2.0

Daniel Guest - Tilt Wine Rack

Emma Klau - The Cheese and Wine Kinetic Platter

  

Kristel Britcher - Senov Whiskey Tumblers

Liam Mugavin - Tangle Coffee Table

mono (Kumiko Nakajima and John Quan) - Juicy Decanter Set

Stephen Soeffky - CRANK Bottle Opener

Ulrica Trulsson - Jug with beakers

Wayne Mcara - Dinner Set with Bowl

Winaya Kamaputri - It's Up To You: The Transformable Trivet

Jaime Sanchez - Corn Cob Holders

The Award is a partnership between JamFactory, The Adelaide Review and The

University of South Australia - School of Art, Architecture and Design.