Amanda Gunawan brings new that means to the phrase “multi-hyphenate”: The creator-architect-builder-entrepreneur-designer-runner has an unbelievable means to channel a constant imaginative and prescient throughout her many initiatives. Founding Principal of the LA architectural apply OWIU (Solely Method Is Up), Gunawan lately launched an aesthetically aligned ceramics and housewares assortment, OWIU Items. It’s, no shock, a stunning assortment – consultant of Gunawan’s nature-centric tackle modernism.
OWIU Items
It’s a product of her distinctive upbringing: Born in Indonesia, she was raised in Singapore and now makes California dwelling, taking inspiration from these various but harmonious influences. On this week’s Milkshake, we requested her particularly how the aesthetic tradition of Japan, one other reference, manifests itself in her apply and in her work: “This can be a very loaded query for me – clearly I’m very impressed by Japanese tradition and Japan as a complete,” she says. “I’d say it’s their ardour and their dedication to craftsmanship that actually impresses me. Somebody advised me a narrative about [this] as soon as – let’s say somebody Japanese is working at a espresso store. They aren’t making an attempt to change into the supervisor of the espresso store. They’re simply making an attempt to make one of the best rattling cup of espresso they will ever make. And I feel that’s so particular.” This facet additionally resonates within the design of her ceramics work: “I’m very impressed by the tradition of present giving [within Japanese culture],” she says. There’s a sure depth to it, the place the present type of represents the context by which the individual receives the present. And I like that as a result of it means that there’s a sentiment that’s connected to this explicit object. That’s precisely what we try to realize with OWIU Items. We’re making an attempt to say that an object ought to have extra than simply an aesthetic enchantment to somebody – it ought to have a sentimental attachment, too.”
Additionally on this week’s Milkshake: Amanda shares some exceptionally related recommendation for folks striving to get the whole lot executed – after we requested her for her secret, she advised us that the fact is a bit more sophisticated than it might sound. How does she get all of it executed? With assist. “I’ve an unimaginable staff to assist with this – so I’m not doing this alone,” she says. “Additionally, I don’t purpose for one hundred pc. I by no means do – I [usually] purpose for 80%. My work, or my life, is a marathon. And due to that, I type of need to tempo the whole lot out.”
For extra from Amanda, tune in! To see extra of Amanda and OWIU’s work, click on right here!
Diana Ostrom, who has written for Wallpaper, Inside Design, ID, The Wall Avenue Journal, and different shops, can be the creator of Faraway Locations, a publication about journey.
Milkshake, DMTV (Design Milk TV)’s first common collection, shakes up the normal interview format by asking designers, creatives, educators and trade professionals to pick interview questions at random from their favourite bowl or vessel. Throughout their candid discussions, you’ll not solely achieve a peek into their private homeware collections, but additionally beneficial insights into their work, life and passions.
