Big Ink Issue #15 by Big Ink Magazine

Issue 15

BIG INK

from the editor

2015 is coming to an end. When I reflect on the things our little magazine has done over the year I am filled with gratefullness to our contributors and our readers. Over the year we've brought you some amazing Canberra talent. Without them we'd have nothing to fill our pages with. Now the team is looking forward to 2016 and setting some goals. It's a great time to think about what you want the next 12 months to bring you. For us we want to continue to showcase the amazing talent we have in Canberra. Issue 15 is all about going out with a bang. We switched our cover to a beautiful illustration by Mues' Muse.

Social media @biginkmagazine editor@thebigink.com.au

We pulled together a photo shoots involving local Canberra talent and some extra special talent from Sydney, check out page 8 for the amazing images.

highlighting beans found in cafes around the Canberra region. We had two submissions this issue from Cameron Bell and Allyson Jane, another great display of local talent. It wouldn't be summer without some great cocktails to get you through. Check out our five favourite recipes on page 42, super quick and easy to whip up the next time you have friends over. Summer is also a great time for a staycation, we tried out new boutique hotel Little National while the Canberra Night Market was on and it was a great local treat worth recreating. So our issues for 2015 come to a close and we've already started on Issue 16. We want to wish you all a happy festive season and a safe new year! See you on the other side.

Coffee is a Canberra passion and local business owners Drew and Steve share with us their coffee subscription business,

editorial team CEO & Editorial Director Samara Gentle Sub-Editor Jessica Discipio Writer Lucy Dingwall

Contents from the editor

an interview

staycation 34

drum and dry

professional creatives

summer breeze

festive gift guide

mues' muse

summer cocktail guide

dark impulses

in the detail

bare 47

cover

enquiries

Illustrator Mues' Muse

General contactus@thebigink.com.au

Advertising advertising@thebigink.com.au All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. Opinions represented in Big Ink are not necessarily those of the Editor.

drum and dry the coffee subscription

Article by Samara Gentle

In August of this year, two Canberrans set out to share their passion for coffee through a unique business model. While there have been different variations of subscription boxes for years, this one comes with a twist. Every month Steve Croft and Drew Southwell travel Canberra and the surrounds, trying different roasters coffee beans. “We don’t dictate what we want the beans to taste like, we leave it completely to the roaster to showcase their current batch,” explains Mr Southwell. By signing up, each month you receive a new coffee bean to your doorstep. It ranges from a single origin bean from remote Papua plantations to the high country in Colombia.

"we leave it completely to the roaster to showcase their current batch" When asked where their passion for coffee came from Mr Croft answered, “We're both incredibly busy people with a lot of different projects going on so we often find ourselves

drinking multiple cups a day, whether in meetings or just to get our brains working.” “It wasn't until a year or two ago when we started trying different kinds of brewing methods and started to really get a passion for the many different tastes that coffee can bring and the booming culture around it.”

"we often find ourselves drinking multiple cups a day" Canberra’s coffee scene has been evolving over the past five years, rivaling Melbourne and Sydney. This year also saw a Canberran win the title of the World Barista Championship in Seattle, USA. As the underground coffee scene in Canberra grows, Mr Southwell and Mr Croft’s local favourites are Espresso Room, Highgate Lane and Two Before Ten. Drum and Dry is for the serious coffee lover who is open to discovering new flavours, “we want to discover delicious roasters, new and old and bring them to you. It is for people who make their own coffee at home or in the workplace but also to encourage the people who don’t but are curious and want to learn.” Head to their website at drumanddry.com.au to start your subscription.

festive gift guide Christmas presents from local Canberrans

Article by Jessica Discipio

Buying local this Christmas is just as important as ever. Small businesses rely on seasons like Christmas to make a large majority of their revenue to keep them going throughout the non-gift buying periods. Buying local has never been more important with most Australians opting to buy online from overseas makers. Why not do your bit and visit one of these five locals this festive season.

Made from Good Deeds

Ash and Clay

madefromgooddeeds.com

ashandclay.bigcartel.com

Get organised with a beautiful desk calendar from Made from Good Deeds.

"What are you putting on your body?" Is a question you should be asking yourself and Ash and Clay has answered it.

This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your ordinary desk calendar. Not only does it add a slick aesthetic to your work area it also spreads good vibes into your life. The Made from Good Deeds desk calendar assigns you three good deeds to complete each month and its up to you to keep the flame going. Perfect for someone who loves to be organised and loves giving back.

They are determined to educate all customers on how to identify natural skin care alternatives; from cleansers and moisturisers to beard balm, Ash and Clay have you covered for everyone. If you have a friend or relative that is extremely conscious of chemicals in beauty products then something from Ash and Clay is perfect for them.

Emby Love

Boyandgirlco

Raw State - Soy Candles

embylove.com.au

boyandgirlco.com.au

shop.rawstatebyemilybelle.com.au

Have a friend that is always nagging you to go sit by the lake, or finally go check out the Arboretum? This is the way to their heart.

Planter boxes, light boxes and if you are feeling rather generous coffee tables and dinning tables.

You get a candle, you get a candle, everyone gets a candle!

Chic, minimalistic and sophisticated picnic rugs! These handmade beauties are triple layered and waterproof, perfect for your summer at the beach! Each blanket is generous in size and features on trend patterns and colour ways with a choice of pre-made or custom designs.

The Boyandgirlco ethos is to reuse, recycle and lead a more sustainable, satisfying life. All pieces are handmade in Canberra with options to select from their catalogue or design something entirely your own. A great gift for someone who has moved into a new home this Christmas.

Candles are the go to for many gifts, always have been always will be, seriously who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like a candle? Raw State isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just your regular run of the mill candle. Each product is handmade with botanical based ingredients and scents inspired by the season. They are molded into on trend and visually appealing bases such as marble, concrete, copper and matte black.

dark impulses The Label

Photographery by Janina Fleckhaus Model Angelina Leljak of Dejovka Models Makeup by Claudia Luchini Styling by Jess Discipio Clothing by The Label

an interview inspired by what the future holds

Interview by Jessica Discipio

Get ready to fall in love, be inspired and be proud to call yourself a Canberran. We have a talented, young designer that is bringing fashion to the Capital and rivaling collections from Sydney and Melbourne.

Fashion is such a creative avenue but it takes a lot of hours and hard work. What inspired you to decide to create your own label? I wanted to start my own label to give myself the opportunity to explore my creativity. It’s been a really big challenge for me, which I knew it would be, but there have been so many great outcomes from the experience so far. I’ve been able to learn a lot about myself and really test my skills and pertinence to create new and innovative garments. Most of all I’m inspired by what the future holds.

What do you love most about being your own boss and choosing the creative direction of your collections? There are so many pros and a whole lot of pressure! I absolutely love the freedom. I get to choose fabrics the shape, colour and print, but these all

are chosen after a lot of careful planning, research and testing.

However, in the end if you don’t take risks you can’t expect to get the rewards.

you can start to put all the pieces together and begin the creative process of drawing, making toiles, back to more inspiration then more drawing. In school we always described it like a funnel shape – start with a lot of information gathering, inspiration, practice research, pattern making, fabric testing and slowly filter it down into a finished garment.

Who is ‘the label’ girl, who are you designing for?

Where do you see yourself and The Label in 5 years?

What I think is great about The Label is that we have established a connection with a whole range of people from different walks of life, in different professions, with different personalities and interests—but they all have the common love of innovative, refined wearable garments.

Such a scary thought for me! I really have high hopes. I see myself working harder than ever before, hopefully having expanded and developed The Label into something my customers and I can be truly proud of.

Nothing I do is on a whim; I’m always pushing myself to make things better in every way, this is where you can really feel the pressure. You have no one to fall back on but yourself.

They want to be able to wear something that looks sleek and effortless but has an edge to stand out from the crowd. These women like knowing that they don’t have to work hard to wear the clothes, the garments work with them.

What is your creative process, where do you find your inspiration? Inspiration gathering happens constantly! My friends will always laugh at me if I run over to shattered glass or cracks in a wall and start taking pictures, but honestly that’s often where I source inspiration from. It’s a lot a random things coming together to form a concept. From the initial inspiration

I want to ensure that The Label is always a true representation of how clothing can be made ethically without compromising on its core values and aesthetics.

Your last words to inspire Pressure is on now! Never try and fit someone else’s mold, because no matter how hard you try you’ll always feel that little bit out of place, and not right. Usually those feelings are the exact thing that drove you to try fit in in the first place. So why not take that risk and just be yourself because you never know what could happen and how far you can go if you just let you, be you. thelabel.com.au

professional creatives a marriage of functionality and aesthetic pleasure

Article by Lucy Dingwall

design to apply them in an innovative and exciting way to create spaces that are practical and beautiful, from the perspective of the client.

Appreciation of art is a trait of our humanity, to notice beauty in the details, to marvel at the wonders of our own senses and abilities to react and perceive the world around us.

Something they warn you about when studying interior design is that you will never be able to sit in a room idly again, that it will become impossible to ignore everything in the room from bottom, top, corners without analysing it and seeing what you like and dislike. I like this anecdote because it is very true, interior designers are working non-stop as they absorb ideas and inspiration.

It was only natural for us to extend art into our surroundings, and in a way project ourselves into them in turn. Interior design is an ever progressing, shifting art movement that has always had salient relevance to culture and society, reflecting needs and preferences. Interior designers take on the grandiose task of presenting and interpreting this for us, whether it’s in the home, café, cinema, hotel or even on a plane. They uphold the unique title of professional creatives. It’s obvious to see what interior designers do, but I find myself thinking how they really do it, how they can pull off such an effortless marriage of functionality and aesthetic pleasure. How is interior design practised as an artist? We see interior design becoming an increasingly popular topic with more ways of accessing ideas and products than ever, but the discipline itself can actually be quite complex – which I’m sure anyone who has ever tried to redecorate anything understands. Interior designers’ jobs are to culminate theories, disciplines and the history of

The study of interior design has become a refined discipline through improvements in our understandings of science and learning from history’s design mistakes. The study adopts a scientific outlook of the use of space and lighting, following the elements of design. It’s about learning how to create harmony, and understanding the importance of balance. On the other hand, interior designers learn that inspiration is everything, and building of portfolios to create options and better their product knowledge. The process in which they do this is a testament to creative design thinking, and collaboration between those who practise it. Interior design is one of the occupations that actively use design thinking, a methodology that is a process of determining a problem and creative multiple solutions to it. It allows art and imagination to contribute in an analytical way, as a way of resolving and

re-evaluation situations and contexts. There is not just one answer, there are as many as you can think up! In the field, interior designers source clients and evaluate their needs. By drawings on portfolios, product knowledge and their study, they present options to other designers and clients. It’s a collaborative process, working with a team of other creative professionals to then actualise these ideas. Creating sample boards for clients, and sourcing materials and products is also a part of developing the final piece. Being a professional idea maker is a constant process of innovation and trial and error, which after a while culminates to great success. So when you see a show room at IKEA, flip between the pages of Vogue, scroll down that Instagram feed or even hire an interior designer, never underestimate the amount of thought, planning and ingenuity that has been bled between the slits of wooden floorboards or in the folding textures of curtains in the finished piece. Interior design is an art that is highly important is developing functionality and magic in the world around us, and is ever relevant today. It is an art that is used, loved and worn out and sometimes not even realised. Interior design is a rewarding and ever progressing study of an art that is different every time it is created. Interior designers are the ultimate artists, just have a look around you.

mues' muse a canberra artist

of school, which landed me with some pretty incredible teachers. Since finishing highschool I haven’t studied visual art any further, instead I’m currently working towards a degree in primary education.

express a mood and a feeling while remaining delicate and feminine. All of my girls are beautiful but have a bit of a bad ass streak to them, a wee bit of attitude much like myself—hence why I lovingly refer to them as my bitches.

Where do you get inspiration?

Where can fans buy your work? They can send me some love via my facebook page and I'll hook them up!

I’ve been creating for as as long as I can remember, for as long I’ve been able to hold a pencil. I’ve always had a passion for art and it blossomed throughout my school years and has just continued from there.

I collect inspiration everywhere; from nature to the internet—my brain is totally overloaded most days. I simply take note of things that I like the look of, whether that’s the subject or maybe a colour scheme or something totally weird and quirky, I save it in my brain and then mash it all up before creating something pretty and original.

Did you study or are you self-taught?

What inspired you to draw women?

I’m mostly self taught but have had some awesome mentors who know exactly who they are. I twisted some arms and completed every available art class I could find in my final years

I always aim for my work to be somewhat emotive but always aesthetically beautiful. I find that women’s faces are not only fun for me to draw, but they allow me to

Interview by Samara Gentle

Get to know Tess Mues, a talented illustrator living right here in Canberra bringing illustration and water colours to life.

How long have you been illustrating for?

What do you hope to achieve with your art in the next five years? I don’t really have a pinnacle of success I aim to reach as such, but instead I want to keep loving doing what I’m doing as much as I do right now. I want to continue to be inspired by others and keep making beautiful things for beautiful people. If my work puts a smile on a couple of faces every now and then, that’s all I could ever ask for. facebook.com/muesmuse.art

www.browlab.com.au

For more art,culture and fashion with a Canberra flavour head to the Big Ink blog.

www.thebigink.com.au 29

in the detail textures and prints for the season

Photography by Cameron Bell Photography ModelsAbby Masters and Lauren Myles of of Dejovka Models and Deni Hackett. Hair and Makeup by Alyssa Kirk, Ashley Howes and Sarah Tahir Fascinators by Rachael Henson Millinery Clothing from Mussen

staycation A boutique hotel and an evening market

Article by Samara Gentle

See Canberra not as a resident but as a visitor and enjoy what travelling tourists get to see. By staying at Little National for a weekend staycation, you’re treated to five start elegance within a thriving and bustling inner suburb. Little National is a combination of minimal, chic, decadent and just one night is an affordable treat for anyone.

The premise of Little National is the experience of a 5 star hotel for a smaller budget. It surely delivers. While the rooms are smaller than your average hotel room, they’re not overcrowded with furniture. Across the road is the home of the Canberra Night Market, nestled in the heart of the Realm Hotel precinct. It bustles with energy and excitement while a young man plays a guitar in the background, his smooth sultry tones adding to the atmosphere. As you wander down the stalls you see business owners brimming with pride, the very best of them on display.

If you’re looking for that unique home ware find or lovely hand made beauty item, then you’re spoilt for choice. The benefit of a market in a hotel precinct is the close proximity of bars and restaurants. Ostani bar is overflowing with chatter and couples are delighting their taste buds at Lilotang. It’s an evening unique to it’s own and worth a visit even from the most well visited local. You’ll discover a new dish, product or drink all within the comfort of your own city.

summer breeze Let the wind take you were your legs won't

Photography by Allyson Jane Model Fidesse Fehr

are you a writer? we want to hear from you

Big Ink Magazine is currently looking for writers to contribute articles, if you enjoy writing we want to hear from you!

We love articles on a variety of topics from fashion, art, culture, food, current events and opinion pieces.

For more information please contact us at submissions@thebigink.com.au

summer cocktail guide quench that summer thirst with these killer cocktail recipes

Article by Samara Gentle

Get through summer with slightly boozy yet refreshing cocktails. Make the summer heat bearable by mixing up some new cocktails the next time you entertain. These drinks or quick and easy to put together and can be refrigerated if you want to plan ahead and have a jug of happy ready in the fridge. Try different combinations for serving from mason jars to high ball glasses.

The A List

Jaliscan Sunset

Serves 1

45ml of Tequila 15ml of apricot flavoured brandy 120ml orange juice Dash of bitters Orange twist for garnish Ice

30ml blood orange puree 60ml cinnamon-infused tequila 90ml orange juice Cinnamon-dusted orange wedge for garnish Ice

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients except orange twist, shake briefly and strain into a highball glass. Garnish with orange twist and serve immediately.

Pour the blood orange purĂŠe into the bottom of a highball glass and add ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine ice, cinnamoninfused tequila and orange juice and shake. Strain into highball glass and stir gently. Garnish with orange wedge and serve immediately.

Mint Margaritas Serves 4

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail

Champagne Mojito Serves 6

Serves 1

½ cup of chopped mint leaves ½ tsp of salt 4 cups of ice 1 ½ cups of tequila 1 cup lime juice 1 cup triple sec In the bottom of a large jug, crush together mint and salt, pressing with the back of a wooden spoon. Add ice. Add tequila, lime juice, and Triple Sec, stirring vigorously. Serve immediately in glasses of your choice.

2 fresh strawberries sliced 1 tbsp of chopped basil leaves 45 ml of vodka Half lemon squeezed 90 ml of lemonade In a tall glass, mix all ingredients together and stir. Add ice and a strawberry to garnish. Serve immediately.

¼ cup fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish ¼ cup thai basil leaves 3 tablespoons super fine sugar 2 limes, cut into wedges 1 cup of white rum 1 bottle cold champagne Put the mint, thai basil, sugar and lime wedges into a small glass and muddle. Pour the rum into a jug and add the mint mixture and lots of ice. Top with the cava and pour into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with fresh mint or thai basil.

bare an uncomplicated summer

Photography by Garry Chiu Brauton Heathwilliams of Dejovka Models Makeup by Taylor Perrin Styling by Jessica Discipio Clothing from Rebel Muse Label Matteau

ISSUE 12 DECEMBER 2014

BIG INK

missed an issue? download it online at www.thebigink.com.au 54