Conversations in sketch
All of our pieces are an expression of the unique material we work with. Drawing, as an art practice, is where all of our concepts start. Conversations conducted through sketches are used to develop ideas into designs; these designs are refined in response to the piece of kauri chosen to make them with.
Heather’s interest in drawing, form and composition meet Jon’s fascination with design and unusual timber, and together they have developed a collection of surprising, powerful pieces.
Giants Orchestra’s art prints are drawings created in response to the pieces in the arc collection, continuing the conversation between art and design, circling back around to works on paper.
Prototypes in Aotearoa/New Zealand and production in Germany
The Arc Collection came about after periods of intense design, development, testing and experimentation at the farm workshop in Whangārei Heads, where the raw kauri is stored. With help from local woodturners, craftspeople, and friends and family, the first set of prototype pieces were created.
In Dresden, Jon works with collaborators in Germany to innovate new methods and systems for crafting these precise pieces. In this way, the Arc Collection consists of a limited edition set of beautifully European-made items, with deep roots in the land that the material comes from.