Natalie Novak‘s tapestries take inspiration from ancient weaving techniques, and reflect the artist’s interest in mythology, symbolism and the super natural world. Her early work reminds me of the Navajo blankets and rugs my brought home from a trip to Santa Fe in the 90’s. This one here with its many bold reds and avocado green is such a beauty. This series looks like bleeding rainbows, and I love all the rich details in her tarot inspired tapestries. It’s cool to see a contemporary spin –– neon and metallic yarns –– on this ancient art form.

It’s Lydia Hardwick‘s bold and graphic patterns that pulled me in. Her designs remind me of ones we might see on African mud cloth. Hardwick works with stoneware and terracotta and uses stained slips and stained clay to create her surface decoration. Her pieces pay homage to traditional ceramics, while feeling utterly contemporary. This “grogged pot” is my favourite –– the ultimate vessel for flaming orange tulips.

I’m always inspired by artists who stretch the boundaries of traditional ceramics. Willem van Hooff‘s playful vessels are flat versions of traditional three dimensional shapes. They’re about 10 cm thick and made from joining two thick slabs of clay together. “Willem prioritizes experimentation, freedom and fun in his approach: often shaping works by hand and deliberately distorting their proportions, adding a personal touch that he finds lacking in the era of mass-production and consumerism.” His Core series is inspired by prehistoric African building techniques. Each vessel is functional –– as was always the case with traditional African pottery –– with a secret chamber in which to carry water. I find the work fabulously original, and that it’s functional, adds to its appeal.

What I like about this interior are all its many contrasts, like the laissez–faire linens and heavy mahogany frames. I love the traditionally carved, smooth headboard against the roughness of an unfinished brick wall. Even the anemones look lazy and wild on that heavy slab of stone. The mother of pearl chandelier, light and iridescent, hangs over a dark honey floor. I like interior design that captures the essence of what it is to be human; light and dark, playful and serious, tidy and imperfect.