Author: Igor

  • The Jaunt, art and travel

    The Jaunt, art and travel

    The Jaunt is a project by Jeroen Smeets sending artists all over the world to find inspiration and create a new artwork which is printed in a limited edition. Before the trip, you can purchase the print sight unseen only knowing about the artist and their destination – a place they’ve never visited before. During the trip, you can follow the artist whilst they get immersed in the destination and get inspired to produce their artwork.

    In this short interview, Jeroen tells us about how the idea behind The Jaunt started, how people have reacted to this innovative project and the last trip with artist Kristin Texeira.

    www.thejaunt.net

    Photos by The Jaunt

    Jaunt #021 – Scott Albrecht – Masaya

    Can you introduce yourself and tell us about how The Jaunt started?

    My name is Jeroen Smeets. I’m from the Netherlands originally, but living in Copenhagen these days with my family. I’ve been working with artists for a while now through different jobs and projects. Ranging from editor-in-chief, creative director, art agency, gallery manager, publisher, journalist and everything in between.

    The Jaunt started about five years ago when I first started talking about this project with friends and artists, trying to shape this idea I had of sending artists on trips all over the world to find inspiration. After a year of conversations we organised our first trip in April 2013, and have been running ever since up to trip number 35.

    Jaunt #030 – Jean Jullien – Marfa

    The Jaunt is an innovative take on the traditional artist residency. Can you explain briefly how it works?

    We send artists on trips all over the world with the sole purpose of finding inspiration. There is no agenda and no briefing. The artists make their own trip and their own adventure. Once the artist returns from their trip, they create an artwork which we then produce as a limited edition silk screen print. We sell this print before the trip takes place. Meaning you have no clue about the outcome of the artwork until the artist has returned and you receive your print at home.

    This way when you buy a print you become part of the experience and make it possible for the artist to go on their trip.

    The Jaunt #007 – Jordy van den Nieuwendijk at work on location in Los Angeles

    We love the surprise element of buying the print before the artist travels to their destination, without knowing what they’re going to create. How did your first customers react to this? Can you share some of the feedback or comments you’ve received since you started The Jaunt?

    We work with a variety of established and upcoming artists, and this way we get to introduce artist whose work we admire to a new audience. One of the things I personally enjoy hearing the most is when people order a print from an artist they did not know before, but are very pleased with in the end and the artwork ends up hanging on the walls in their house.

    The screenprint studio of Joris Diks where the artworks are printed

    Your last trip has been with artist Kristin Texeira, whom we’ve interviewed before. Why did you choose Kristin and her destination, Newfoundland?

    I actually just stumbled upon her work by clicking through different hashtags on Instagram, and it immediately captured my eye. Her work is to me a great example of an artist putting her own feelings and experiences into the artworks. Meanwhile she is able to tell a vivid story with her quite abstract work. So I got in touch with her and two weeks later her tickets were booked.

    Originally I was looking into the Caribbean islands for her trip, but Kristin expressed a bigger interest in less tropical climates, enjoying the different elements of the weather and nature. Newfoundland, Canada seemed like a perfect fit for her.

    Jaunt #012 – Cleon Peterson – Athens

    You have published a book about your first 10 artists and their trips. Are you planning a second volume or other ways to expand the project outside of prints?

    It’s in the works. The first book was self-published which is a big challenge, especially on the distribution end of things. So ideally I would like to collaborate with a publisher on the second book and make sure it gets the proper international distribution.

     

  • Openhouse Magazine

    Openhouse Magazine

    Founded by Andrew Trotter and Mari Luz Vidal, Openhouse is a biannual magazine dedicated to creative people around the world that open their homes or private spaces to the public to organise different events and activities related to gastronomy, art and design.

    We chatted with Andrew about the beginnings of the magazine, opening his house to other people and how Openhouse is bringing like-minded creatives together.

    www.openhouse-magazine.com

    Photos by Yanina Shevchenko

    What made you start Openhouse?

    Openhouse, the magazine, grew from our project in Barcelona. We started to open our home as a gallery of photography to share our work in a more intimate way. With our flatmate Nobu Kawagoe, we started making dinner and sushi parties, then concerts and talks. We became quite the talk of the town. Over the three years that we were open, more that 4,500 people passed through our doors.

    We met so many wonderful people, some became new friends, and we started to learn about more people around the world with similar projects so we decided to put it down on paper.

    The magazine is in English but each article is also written in a different language, depending on the location of the spaces and people you feature. How did you come up with this unique idea and what were the reasons behind it?

    I’m English and Mari Luz is Spanish, and we talk with a mix of these languages, sometimes even in one sentence. But we realised people talk easier and open up more when then talk in their own language, so we decided we should always find a writer to interview in the first language of the subject. This way the stories become more intimate and more close, real feelings come out.

    How has the magazine evolved since its first issue?

    We actually hope the magazine isn’t evolving too much. We don’t want to change, we hope to always talk about these amazing people around the world who humbly share their homes and lives with others. The only change is that it is getting easier and easier for us each day. We have now launched issue No.7 and we are getting used to the business and logistics of having a company.

    What do you hope people experience when they read Openhouse?

    Openhouse acts as a guide to these people, whether they are in your town or in a place you are visiting. We are so connected in these days by our telephones, that we have lost sense of our community and rarely meet new people. We talk about people who have a love for bringing people together and sharing ideas.

    Do you have any plans or projects for the upcoming months that you’d like to share with us?

    We will soon open our second house here in Barcelona. A space where we can hold intimate gatherings, talk to people and welcome visitors to stay with us. We are also launching a new web that will make it easier for you to find these people around the world. There will be more stories and local guides.

     

  • The Future of UK’s Independent Ceramic Industry

    The Future of UK’s Independent Ceramic Industry

    The UK has always been associated with ceramics and pottery and, over the past few years, the country’s ceramic industry has gone through a revival thanks to independent makers and designers celebrating craftsmanship and using social media to connect with their customers. According to data, the sector grew 45% between 2009 and 2013, and since 2013 the employment in this industry has kept on increasing.

    To find out about the current situation and what’s next, we chatted with 4 ceramicists and potters across the country to hear their views and predictions.

    Olivia Fiddes

    Olivia Fiddes is a Scottish ceramic artist based in London that creates homeware and objects using hand building techniques. When asked about why ceramics have become so popular over the past years Olivia says “There’s clearly been a shift away from ‘fast-fashion’ and consumption to more support for local, ethical and traditional businesses. Even if you aren’t able to be a ‘maker’ yourself you can be involved in that lifestyle by supporting makers and by having these goods in your home. I think shops and businesses definitely see this and have looked to sourcing products from artists, designers and craftspeople who value quality and self-expression. As a customer there is nothing more special than a one-off or limited run product, which handmade ceramics tend to be.“


    Photo by Olivia Fiddes

    For Olivia, this shift in the way we consume products is also influenced by the current financial situation, “We’re spending rather than saving our money more because houses and families are more distant. We’re willing to spend money enjoying our everyday and living in the present, whether that is on special tableware, a holiday or going out for meals.“


    Photo by Johanna Tagada / Photo by Association

    Ana Abellán

    Spanish ceramicist Ana Abellán started working with ceramics 5 years ago after moving to Edinburgh and attending an evening course for adults. Ana agrees with Olivia when it comes to the value of owning something special, “We all want to have unique things, things that have a meaning – I really believe in quality over quantity. I don’t want to have ten cups made with a machine somewhere in China, I’d rather have one handmade cup that has some kind of special energy“. The way we live right now has also influenced how we interact with things around us and Ana thinks that “Society has lost the connection with nature and beauty. I think we need to relearn how to slow down and appreciate the beauty inherent in simple things we have around us, although I am the first one on that list – I am always rushing everywhere trying to get too many things done.“


    Photo by David Guillen

    When asked about what ceramic artists need to do to supply customer needs in the near future Ana says that “Ceramic artists have done a great job over the last few years, promoting themselves, sharing more and making ceramics more attractive. Getting in touch with customers and listening to them is important, as well as being affordable but valued.“


    Photo by David Guillen

    Home Thrown Studio

    Gem Mordle from Home Thrown Studio also got interested in ceramics after taking up an evening class when she moved to Dorset 8 years ago. For Gem, the recession has had a positive impact on consumer behaviour, “I’ve definitely seen a rise in appreciation for ceramics and everything and anything hand crafted over the last couple of years. People want to spend their money on objects or clothing that are hand made and have a sense of authenticity about them. Lots of my customers seem to really appreciate the personality of my wares and the fact they are all original and have a story. It’s also really nice to be able to meet customers face to face at local markets, as so much shopping is done online these days.“


    Photo by Home Thrown Studio

    Despite oversees manufacturing and the easy access to cheap homeware, Gem feels positive about the current situation of the industry and its future, “I feel over the past years that ceramicists and potters are being put back on the map. There has been a bit of a revival with the Great British Throw Down, the Kickstarter campaign for The Clay College in Stoke and a handful of universities are starting up their ceramic courses again so I think we can be hopeful. I am inspired daily by the ceramic community on Instagram, and feel that social media is a great platform for contemporary potters to exhibit their work and keep in touch with their customers.“


    Photo by Home Thrown Studio

    Natalie J Wood

    Scottish designer Natalie J Wood studied at Gray’s School of Art and felt attracted to ceramics due to its complexity and flexibility. For Natalie, social media has played a key role in the development of her businesses and educating customers about what’s behind a product, “It has helped me connect to new audiences. To promote events I’m linked with. I feel as a designer/maker Instagram has been a great platform for visual based work. You can instantly gauge what about your work people connect to the most. It challenges you in a way to create a larger story with your work. Now people want to understand more about behind the scenes and how making is a part of your life. In turn that gives the work more value because people can understand it on more than just a visual level.“


    Photo by Sean Dooley

    Natalie considers function an important factor for current and future customers, “I think the industry is becoming more about micro manufacturing and independent brands. People are becoming more concerned about where the products they buy are coming from and having a story behind a piece makes it something special. I also think that in a backlash to throwaway culture our society is less about the ornate and there is a rise in the beauty of function. Objects that have purpose but also become decoration. I know I sell water carafes but a large number of people use them as vases, which I think is great! I’ve been a long time advocate of the William Morris quote ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ But I think now that use and beauty are becoming one and the same.“


    Photo by Sean Dooley

  • Professor Sujit Choudhry Examines Populism and Constitutional Law

    Professor Sujit Choudhry was asked to provide his opinion on whether a constitution could be sufficiently designed to safeguard against populist forces taking over a country’s government. He answer was complex and multi-faceted because he started to define the ultimate aim of a constitution and the actual threat that populist mobs might pose to its staying power. While he has great admiration for the ability of a constitution to guide society towards respect for human rights and governmental structures, there are some political events that simply cannot be accounted for if they manage to garner sufficient support from the population. It is laudable for a constitution to aim to protect the governing structures of society and protect citizens from violations of their basic rights by their elected officials or fellow citizens. Thinking that a constitution can do much more than this could jeopardize its ability to withstand the political test of time. 

    What makes populist rebellions different from those of autocratic takeovers is that populist rebellions typically have the support of the people and are not seeking to rule with an iron fist. Populism is rooted in a desire to reject the confines of a governing structure just because it is grounded in years of tradition. Populist rebels would prefer a government to be able to react more flexibly to the whims of the people in any given situation. This appears to be the antithesis of how constitutional rule is widely regarded. Populists may not attempt to reject a constitution altogether, but they are not likely to respect any traditional political party system.

    According to Professor Sujit Choudhry, it would be a grave mistake to try to spell out all of the workings of a political party system in a constitution because this is begging to be challenged by populist detractors. It is much more useful to design a constitution that outlines the major governing structures of a company and erects barriers against the intrusion of the government on its citizens’ fundamental rights. One of the reasons why some constitutional scholars may be all too eager to suggest ways to make constitutions more resilient to the turmoil accompanying populism is that populist revolutions seem to be happening in large numbers all over the world. It is easy to get caught up in the headlines, but a more nuanced view of current affairs is that populist rebellions are attracting more media coverage whether or not they have significantly more supporters for their movement. 

    Professor Sujit Choudhry’s Background in the Study of Comparative Constitutional Law

    Professor Sujit Choudhry has served governments and political organizations around the world for decades as a constitutional advisor. He specializes in analyzing how a constitution can be designed and ratified to reduce violence and fighting when countries are attempting to transition to a new governing structure. This requires a deep understanding of international politics because each country has its own set of cultural, social, political and economic realities that determine what constitutional rule might take shape. 

    While some scholars might find the breadth of the knowledge that Professor Sujit Choudhry must keep on top of daunting, he says that this is the best part of his profession. He is excited about the many events and political changes happening around the world at the same time and enjoys spending time staying updated on current events. He believes that the next milestone in the field of comparative constitutional studies will be sharing constitutional documents across borders through an international scholarly database that is constantly updated.

  • The Best Ways To Indulge On Vacation Without Spending A Fortune

    When you’re in need of a little bit of indulgence and find yourself with enough time off work to warrant a holiday, often the only thing from stopping you from jetting off shrouded by luxury is your budget. Being able to afford all of the fancy destinations and activities you see the latest and greatest famous faces doing on social media may be completely out of the question, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have a similar experience without the hefty price tag! You can visit vacations made easy online to improve you vacation experience. Also, there are many ways to spoil yourself in a whole new location whilst keeping your bank account intact, so keep on reading to discover some of the best ideas and start to organise your next amazing holiday and pamper.

    Image Source

    Go On A Cruise

    For possibly one of the best ways to get an all around feeling of being spoilt rotten whilst on your holiday, you may want to consider hopping on a cruise ship. They commonly have spas and other high class relaxation centers onboard to provide you with the highest levels of comfort and calm. With a little bit of extra research, you can discover the best luxury cruise deals with whichever destinations and entertainment you prefer for the cheapest price possible. It’s a very smart idea to upgrade your trip to all inclusive, as it’s often just a small increase in the price that means you can have unlimited food and beverages throughout your trip. This will be able to save you so much money in the long run, and being able to have whatever you like when you like really adds to the feeling of indulgence too. If you’re feeling lucky and enjoy spontaneity, one of the best ways to get an amazing deal on a cruise is by checking the tickets a couple of days before the ship is due to depart. They will not want to set sail without filling all of the cabins or having the maximum number of passengers on board, so any vacant rooms and unsold tickets will be sold for just a fraction of their original price. You can register your interest and sign up to emails on most companies’ websites, and they will send you various special offers right to your account.

    Book Off Season

    If you’re stuck on one destination or idea, one of the easiest ways to make the whole trip less expensive is by simply waiting a few more weeks to book. Every country and city has a busy season, during which many tourists and visitors flock to the location and all hotels, apartments and flights are fully booked or drastically overpriced. If you’re able to avoid the very hectic periods, which generally tends to be the months of July and August, you might be able to save yourself a pretty penny. As there will be less interest and demand for those wanting to visit, the likelihood of deals and vouchers being available will increase as sales targets will still need to be met and businesses still have to make some money. Select the ‘whole month’ option when searching for flights, as comparison sites will often show you which dates are the cheapest to help you make the most economically sensible decision.

    Stay Somewhere Different

    The typical choice for accommodation when travelling is usually a hotel of some kind, often booked based on the brand name rather than its actual qualities and functions. However, a great way to save a bit of extra crash whilst still getting a perfectly unique and special experience is by staying at a ‘home away from home’ or some other kind of rented property or abode. With the drastic increase in people putting their own houses on the market for a much cheaper price than that of just a single room inside a chain hotel, it’s becoming so easy to discover an entire property with all of the essentials and more for less. Be sure to read other customers reviews before committing to book anywhere to stay, and visit several different sites to see what options are on the market for you to choose between.

    Hopefully these hints and tips can help you plan and execute the most serene and indulgent vacation for a price you can be proud of. Visiting the cities at the top of every bucket list doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg, just be creative and innovative when it comes to organizing your trip and be smart when making any purchases.