The décologist

Life Patterns : decorative detail under the microscope

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:37:21 +1000

Whilst visiting Copenhagen, I stumbled upon an intriguing ceramics and textile exhibition at the...

Berlin: A concrete canvas for Urban Expression

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:55:55 +1000

Berlin could be described as the Louvre for modern street art – not conventionally navigated like...

A city to stroll and wander, the perfect pace for lovers

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:34:00 +1100

John Lennon Wall, Prague Prague at the melting end of winter is as magical and captivating as I...

Cultural colour against a grey past | Part 2

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 22:42:00 +1100

Wycinanki Paper Art, Hand Crochet, Hanging Wood Decoration. However grey the weather or the past,...

Cultural colour against a grey past | Part 1

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 20:33:00 +1100

The Jewish Quarter - Krakow, Poland. I have just returned from a rather grey and bleak trip to...

The intrepid adventures of a flower hunter

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:50:00 +1100

The art of a flower hunter, Ellis Rowan Intrepid adventure these days seems like a fading concept as...

Augarten Wien - an unbreakable Viennese tradition

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:56:00 +1100

The colourful and animated porcelain figurines of Augarten Wien The history of ceramics in Europe, I...

Healing the Wounded Heart Tea Rooms, Huế, Vietnam A visit to...

Mon, 23 May 2011 23:56:00 +1000

Healing the Wounded Heart Tea Rooms

A craftsperson at work

Recycled plastic woven baskets

Healing the Wounded Heart Tea Rooms, Huế, Vietnam

A visit to the newly opened Healing the Wounded Heart Tea Rooms in Huế quickly reveals the aspirations of the space. A place to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of disadvantaged and disabled people in Vietnam. The staff enthusiastically interact with customers, happily challenging their disabilities through sign language, gestures, and a warm friendliness.

The collection is unique as all of the products are made from recycled materials including old traditional fabrics, aluminium cans, plastic packaging and more.

The Tea Rooms and Shop are the making of the Spiral Foundation (Spinning Potential into Resources and Love) - an organisation known and supported by many celebrities including Angelina Jolie and John Travolta.

Visit their website for further information

I visited a gallery of unusual & striking lacquered artwork...

Mon, 23 May 2011 10:41:00 +1000

I visited a gallery of unusual & striking lacquered artwork yesterday that incorporated gilt leafing and the lacquered eggshell technique. Contemporary design, with rustic a warm colours the artworks were designed by two local artists who are in fact twins.

Hai & Thanh both studied at the Hue Arts College, and the gallery presents a large body of their work from small to large scale wall pieces.

Find out more and visit their website

Industria, a set on Flickr.An abundance of industrial elements...

Sat, 21 May 2011 11:34:05 +1000

Industria, a set on Flickr.

An abundance of industrial elements and inspiration throughout Vietnam. My collection of photographs is steadily increasing, particularly after a visit to the War Museum near Khe Sanh.

Via Flickr:
Industrial elements encountered, rustic, graphic, heavy and textured

Today I’m attending the opening of a charity exhibition by...

Sun, 15 May 2011 16:49:57 +1000

Today I’m attending the opening of a charity exhibition by photographer Justin Mott.

For five years, photographer Justin Mott has been documenting the story of Nu, an autistic, blind, mute and mostly deaf girl who lived at the Friendship Village outside Hanoi. Last year, her time at the Friendship Village came to an end and she was sent to live with her grandparents, who are not able to care for her.

The event will assist in raising funds to help send her back to the place that has become her home, where she can receive the professional and intimate care she needs.

What incredible African wall-art! I love the colours and...

Thu, 05 May 2011 21:35:00 +1000

What incredible African wall-art! I love the colours and textures - vibrantly expressing the everyday elements of life in South Africa. Available at Weylandts, the pieces are handmade by local craftspeople, mixing linocut designs which are then exposed onto silkscreens, then hand-stitched onto fabric.

Propaganda photos depicting the involvement of women throughout...

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:28:00 +1000

Propaganda photos depicting the involvement of women throughout various Vietnamese historic movements. Exhibited at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum

Creative AND charitible! The Merci Concept Store in Paris...

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:30:53 +1000

Creative AND charitible!

The Merci Concept Store in Paris boasts an eclectic range of interior and homeware products sourced from local and international designers. With 100% of profits going to a charity organisation that helps women and children in one of the world’s poorest countries Madagascar.

Greeted by their signature red buggy colourfully waiting in the front courtyard, Merci is a space which is playful and provocative. Wander through, enjoy a latte in their cafe, browse through volumes of design books, or plan your next home concept across their multi-level, open planned showroom.

Visit Merci at:
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais 75003 Paris
Métro Saint Sébastien-Froissart (ligne 8)