News – The Axolotl

Easel at NGV

We are thrilled to announce that four pieces from our collaborative Easel Project collection are to be acquired by the NGV Melbourne for their permanent collection.

Fusing furniture and collectable art, the Easel Collection was curated by designers, Adam Cornish and Marcus Piper, to celebrate the most creative expression from both Australian and International designers.

Taking the concept of furniture and art display to another level, the form of an asymmetrical table top tilts to become an art piece in itself; a canvas for the surface specialists at Axolotl to realise the artist and designers work.

“An ongoing aim of the NGV Department of Contemporary Design and Architecture is to strategically collect examples of Australian contemporary design and studio based practice. These four works represent four prominent designers and highlight innovation in Australian design manufacturing, they make a great addition to our growing collection of Australian design.”

Ewan McEoin, Hugh D T Williamson Senior Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, NGV.

The artists were briefed to work with Axolotl in identifying a process that pushed the boundaries of their practice and the capabilities of Axolotl. The result being a series of unique artworks resting on the easel base.

The Easel itself is designed by Adam Cornish and produced by Chris Nicholson of Forest Furniture.

Each Easel in the collection is available in an edition of 8 with a percentage of sales being donated to the Authentic Design Alliance. To see the full collection and to enquire about acquiring one or more of these pieces to add to your art collection visit the Easel website or get in touch with us.

IDEA AWARDS

Months after the originally scheduled date of November 2020, the IDEA 2020 Gala party finally went ahead on Friday 19th February 2021.

The event was in doubt only days before when a 5-day snap lockdown for Melbourne threatened to force yet another delay. However, thankfully Melbourne was emancipated just in time for the party to go ahead and for the Australian design community to let their hair down.

Flack Studio, Esoteriko, COX, Alexander & CO., Hassell and GOLDEN were among the project category winners that picked up a sought after IDEA trophy, designed and handcrafted by Axolotl, on the night.

Jeremy Bull of Alexander & Co., Simone Haag and Andrew Parr of SJB were all on the panel of industry-leading professionals that judged this year’s IDEA and were in attendance, along with Axolotl’s co-founder Kris Torma.

ydney-based Anna Trefely of Esoteriko was named the best emerging practice of the year.

inside editor Elisa Scarton awarded COX this year’s Editors’ Medal for Tedesca while the winning hospitality category was awarded to Alexander & CO. for Glorietta.

The overall winner was Private Residence by Richards Stanisich. This classic mid-century residence, originally designed by Harry Seidler and built in 1958 is a tribute to ’50s modernism in Sydney, also won the night’s Residential Single award. Richards Stanisich were understandably unable to attend in person. Thanks to the ingenuity of the organisers, and in keeping with the zeitgeist, they were able to accept their awards via video link.

Melbourne-based Flack Studio took home Designer of the Year, while long time friend of Axolotl’s, Hare + Klein’s Meryl Hare was named the Gold Medal.

Congratulations to all the winners, highly commended and shortlisted designers.

Axolotl has been supporting the IDEA awards for over 10 years and we are once again proud and honoured to produce the handcrafted trophies for this important celebration of Australian design. We look forward to many years of collaboration in the future. Watch the story behind the process and production of the IDEA 2020 trophies in this short clip we’ve put together.

As we draw close to the end of 2020, we would like to take this opportunity to thank not only our talented team, but also the brilliant architects, designers, builders and renovators who have worked with us this year.

We are especially grateful to have been able to continue creating such beautiful pieces with you all in 2020. Thank you for making our favourite moments of the year possible, and for being part of this incredible community. It has been a challenging year for everyone worldwide, and we wish relief, health and happiness for all.

Row 1. Detail of “A time to reflect” by Rive Roshan x Axolotl. Using our mica surface on glass dome forms as part of the “Hybrid” exhibition 2020, at the Power House Museum MAAS. Photography by Zan Wimberley | Skipping Stones by artist Jade Oakley, featuring Axolotl formed Marblezone glass and carved concrete pebbles. Photography by Silversalt Photography | Nickel Pseudo Smooth Black Florentine counter for J84 Café by Mirvac. Joinery by Prestige Joinery | “A time to reflect” by Rive Roshan x Axolotl. Photography by Zan Wimberley | Gold Bronze Smooth feature walls for the 55 Clarence St lobby refurbishment by FDC Group. Photography by Fretwell Photography

Row 2. Bronze Black Florentine tactile braille model for Hyde Craft Barracks. Model and photography by Modelcraft | Square Splice 3D embossed double door in Gold Bronze Black Florentine. Photography by Creative Property Marketing | Natus Ex Igne artwork by Jane Cavanough for Arkadia Apartments, featuring custom Miro glass. Photography by Simon Wood | Skipping Stones by artist Jade Oakley. Close up of carved concrete pebbles. Photography by Silversalt | Design Development in glass and metal for the “Homily to Country” artwork by JR for the upcoming Triennial 2020 exhibition by the National Gallery of Victoria

Row 3. Metal screen production for the “Homily to Country” artwork by JR for the upcoming Triennial 2020 exhibition by the National Gallery of Victoria | Detail of “A time to reflect” by Rive Roshan x Axolotl. Photography by Zan Wimberley | Gold Bronze Smooth feature walls for the 55 Clarence St lobby refurbishment by FDC Group. Photography by Fretwell Photography | Axolotl Hot Rolled Steel balustrade for SBA Midland WA project | Detail of 3D custom wall artwork commission in Nickel Black Florentine