Proudly Presents
MARY JUSTICE DESIGNS
First Solo Exhibition RE-IMAGINING 'THE AGE OF DISCOVERY' IN THE DECORATIVE ARTS
March 4th - April 15, 2021 John Hardy Boutique & Gallery, Seminyak
A SUSTAINABLE INDONESIAN ARTISTS COLLABORATIVE
RE-IMAGINING ‘THE AGE OF DISCOVERY’ IN THE DECORATIVE ARTS
AN EXHIBITION BY MARY JUSTICE DESIGNS March 4 - April 15, 2021
John Hardy Boutique & Gallery at Seminyak Jl. Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara - Bali
ABOUT US Mary Justice Thomasson, (aka MJ) Founder and Creative Director for Mary Justice Designs (MJD), creates exquisite, hand-carved and finely painted sustainable multi-functional furniture described as "fine art as furniture'. A former broadcast journalist, writer, explorer, PR pro and designer MJ's true passion has always been in the decorative arts. MJ has a degree from Christies London in Fine and European Decorative Arts and it has always been her dream to create her own collection. Growing up in a family of globetrotters, with an antique collector for a Mom and geologist/antrhopologlist as a Father MJ's interest in the arts began early. When told that she could decorate her own room at the age of 9 MJ chose maroon paint and Japanese block prints, her two older sisters went with striped and floral wallpaper respectively. As MJ says decorating is "in my DNA".
MARY JUSTICE THOMASSON, Founder and Creative Director Mary Justice Designs
Three years ago MJ began the process of building a lasting artists collaborative and it was during "this mad adventure" that she created a pioneering technique of decorative arts for the home.
MJ is delighted that her debut show, Re-imagining the 'Age of Discovery' in the Decorative Arts, is at the John Hardy Boutique and Gallery a company that shares MJD's values. The show is a pictorial journey inspired by MJ's extensive travels throughout the Indonesian archipelago exploring the country's rich bio-diverse flora, fauna and marine life. MJ's idea was ignited on a diving trip to Raja Ampat when she had an "aha" moment. She says, ''I immediately knew I wanted to create my own vision of hand painted functional, fine art focusing on Indonesia's natural world. I wanted to tell the story of this incredible country with decorative arts that sit between the space of art and multi-functional design." MJ and her in house watercolour artist create her designs. It then takes a master artist to paint them in gouche and acrylic onto gessoed treated wood, a Renaissance technique that requires 9 to 12 layers of paint to produce the equivalent of one brushstroke on canvas. The collections focus on 5 themes; Panthera, Certainly Simian, Flights of Fancy, Flora and Deep Ocean and come in limited editions 1/15 and are signed by the artists. All pieces are meticulously hand-painted and carved by master artisans using FSC* Certified sustainable teak and mahogany woods. What makes the themed collections covetable as oneof-a-kind pieces are the process, craftsmanship and multi-functionality of the range. Each MJD piece takes up to four weeks to complete and are not just a precious work of art to be treasured but also a collectable heirloom to be passed down through generations. MJ's thirst for knowledge and collaborative efforts with the artists she works with fulfill an immense personal desire to portray Indonesia's ethereal biodiversity at its finest.
MJD ARTISTS Aluysius Sulistiyanta Aluysius Sulistiyanta ‘Sulis’ is quietly spirited with entrepreneurial zeal. A natural talent in the arts had him winning painting competitions at a young age, and after being drawn to the seminary, soon found out that his religion was really watercolour and furniture design. An impressive career as a designer and quality controller at both Warisan and San Juan, Sulis has also run his own businesses. Just before joining MJD Sulis was the finalist of the IFDA (Indonesian Furniture Design Award). An active member of the Bali art scene and the perpetual winner of the office “smart feather”, Sulis is as much a part of this company as he is the company. Sulis works with our master artists and carvers to achieve our final designs as well as sketching and watercolouring MJ’s designs in house.
Tatang B.Sp Tatang B.Sp needs little introduction in the art world as a much-lauded master painter of international acclaim. An artist of social and political criticism he is one of Indonesia’s foremost master painters. His work “Borderless” was chosen for the Olympic Fine Arts 2008 Beijing, China, and is now in the permanent collection in Switzerland at the Lausanne Olympics Museum. His work “Song of The Silent Forest” (ARMA Museum, Ubud) represents Anthropomorphism (humankind) vs Biomorphisim (natural world) is a masterpiece that is symbiotic to the essence of our designs.
Ikshanto Eko Ikshanto Eko Born in the world’s most famous wood carving town of Jepara. He is a craftsman whose works have been admired by thousands. Some say Eko was born with a chisel in his hand and his outstanding works can be seen in luxury resorts and hotels such as the Westin New York, Times Square, and private commissions around the globe. His classic artisan carving techniques are not only learned but ingrained in his culture handed down by generations of wood carvers. Eko uses only hand-held tools and much patience when hand perfecting our works of art. He brings his incredible carpentry, carving and finishing skills to MJD working hand in hand with our Furniture designer Sulis, interpreting and bringing to life the technically challenging designs.
OUR VALUES HUMANITY
ZEITGEIST
We collaborate with internationally recognised master artists from the Indonesian archipelago utilizing Mary Justice Thomasson AKA 'MJ's" designs inspired by the flora, fauna, and ocean life, thus our tagline 'Enhance Your World'. Each piece celebrates the wonder of our natural surroundings, with a nod toward conservation.
Zeitgeist is a word that comes straight from German — zeit means "time" and geist means '"spirit", and the "spirit of the time" is what's going on culturally, religiously, or intellectually during a certain period. MJD embodies today's awareness around the world's fragile biodiversity and its environments.
COLLABORATION
EXCLUSIVE
MJD is a collaborative effort between Mary Justice Thomasson and the artisans from the Indonesian archipelago. MJD wants to engage in a collaborative way with the local community through its master artists and craftsmen. We have employed and partnered local artisans for over three years. We also want to make our customers feel part of the process by sharing details about the materials, craftsmanship and background of each piece.
We want to make our customers feel special by giving them a one of a kind piece of art. The designs are handdrawn and watercolored in house by MJ and Sulis. All the pieces are hand-carved and hand-stained with MJ's unique designs and hand-painted by master artists. It can take up to four weeks to finish one piece. Each Mary Justice Designs decorative art piece is an exclusive luxury item that is numbered and sold in limited quantities.
CONSERVATION
LEGACY
MJD is committed to sustainability and conservation as part of its mission. A percentage of our profits goes to two conservation funds with one on land and one in the ocean that are currently being appointed.
We collaborate with internationally recognised master artists, painters and artisans. Our collectors know that what they are buying can be handed down for generations to come as they are heirloom quality.
PANTHERA COLLECTION TILT-TOP TABLE + OVAL TRAY + OCCASIONAL TABLE Designers Inspiration The Panthera collection features the rarely spotted Clouded Leopard left endangered through deforestation. One of the quirky attributes of the species is its long strong tail used to climb up and down tree trunks. MJ cleverly designed the tail encircling the bucolic forest scene and tray. The leopard sits proudly defending what is left of his perch. Materials and Techniques The fiery lightening effect named "Stormy Mahogany" is a signature technique developed in house. The edge of the occasional tripod table is meticulously hand carved with a diamond pattern that sits atop a beautifully proportioned tripod base. Dimensions Oval tray 63.5x46x76 cm (WxDxH) Occasional tripod table 25x25x73.5cm
FLORA COLLECTION FOLDING TABLE + 2 NESTING TRAYS + BASE
Designers Inspiration The Flora Collection pays homage to Nutmeg that sparked the Spice Wars in the Banda Islands. Our decorative twist is symbolized in the metamorphosis of the butterfly heralding Indonesia's Independence from the Dutch. Materials and Techniques FSC certified sustainable teak wood is used to fashion the legs in faux bamboo, a Chinese 16th century technique brought to Europe in the 1800's. Dimensions 57.4 x 38.1 cm (WxD) 3 Height Options Available 60.5 cm, 66 cm or 76 cm or 24, 26, 30 inch
CERTAINLY SIMIAN COLLECTION BUTLER’S TRAY OR SIDE TABLE, + 2 NESTING TRAYS + FOLDING BASE Designers Inspiration The gentile and rare white-handed lar gibbons are colour blind in their choice of a life long mate. Their beautiful markings of white-gloved hands and feet inspired this whimsical piece. Materials and Techniques FSC certified mahogany wood is used here to create the faux bamboo legs; a Chinese 16th-century technique brought to Europe in the 1800s. This makes a charming side table or occasional table in any setting.
DEEP OCEAN COLLECTION TILT-TOP TABLE + OVAL TRAY + OCCASIONAL TABLE Designers Inspiration Diving through a cave in Raja Ampat MJ's eye was taken by the vibrant coloured coral, the predatory Lionfish and the air-breathing reef- dwelling Banded Sea snake with its metallic royal blue and black stripes which she spotted together all at once ending in this vibrant cosmic coloured painting. Materials and Techniques The mahogany wood is hand carved and hand stained using our signature Classic Ocean Blue finish. The tilt top occasional table also has a hand carved diamond edge to the tripod base in lovely proportions. Dimension Oval tray 63.5x46x76 cm (WxDxH) Occasional tripod table 25x25x73.5 cm
Dimensions 57.4x38.1 cm (WxD) 3 Height options available 60.5 cm, 66 cm, 76 cm or 24, 26, 30 inch
FLIGHTS OF FANCY COLLECTION Designers Inspiration The Bird of Paradise is one of the most extraordinary birds in the world. A once in a lifetime encounter with this rare and fancy feathered bird was experienced whilst hiking a mountain in West Papua where we luckily spotted a ‘Wilson’ doing its mating dance at sunrise. Whilst spinning the lazy Suzan recreates the mating dance of these majestic birds. This breathtaking moment has been immortalised in this decorative art piece. Dimensions Ø 50x4 cm
DRINK IN THE DEEP OCEAN COLLECTION WINE BUCKET WITH BRASS INSERT & COASTERS
The perfect companion to our Deep Ocean Collection: the 'Drink In The Deep Ocean' wine bucket is inspired by the underwater ecosystem and the organic movement created by nature. Available in two different finishes (Antique and Ebonized) and customizable with an embossed decorative brass plate. They can also be used as a vase for flowers as they hold water or remove the brass inlay and use as an attention-grabbing fruit bowl. Embossed brass plaques can be customized with a personal message to commemorate a special occasion. Dimensions 34.5x15.5x21.5 cm (WxDxH)
OUR CREATIVE PROCESS Mary Justice Designs re-imagines the ''Age of Discovery'' by bringing the treasures of Indonesia’s flora and fauna into your home. Alongside fine art painters and master artisans, MJD's limited edition functional fine art brings back the renaissance technique of gesso treated wood. The creative process was guided by a desire to turn finely designed functional furniture into coveted conversation pieces. Each reflects and re-imagines the natural treasures found in the “Age of Discovery” by using the Renaissance gesso technique of painting on wood as opposed to natural history drawings and actual specimens. As MJ likes to share “no animals were harmed or exported in the name of vanity and scientific research. Instead, I capture these moments on my travels and bring my ideas back to the studio where they come to life”. ”MJ's design ideas are gleaned from specific natural discoveries, then hand-drawn and water- coloured in the studio by our in house artist. These original drawings are then painstakingly painted onto gessoed treated wood, which takes 9-12 layers of paint to create the equivalent of one paint stroke if working on canvas. The bases are slowly chiseled from one of two types of sustainably sourced Indonesian wood using original hand-held tools that have been passed down through the generations. The process is long and complex and there are only a few people in the world who are able to do the specialized carving our Master Artists and Craftsmen do. There is meticulous attention to detail. Every piece of this fine decorative art takes up to four weeks to painstakingly complete. As such, we can only make 10- 15 pieces in a numbered limited-edition run to ensure the highest quality for these exclusive and very collectable artworks. As such, collectors shall receive a certificate of authenticity and a “show and tell card” with the details of the flora and fauna that are depicted. This includes background information about the artist and the sustainable materials used. An ongoing belief in community responsibility has driven her to allocate a contribution of her profits to conservation funds both on land and sea. Currently, MJD LLC. is in discussion with the conservation groups that best serve Indonesia’s specific problems with climate change.
SUSTAINABILITY "NATCH" Sustainability has been a design priority for us in every aspect of our process. Our mission is to create multifunctional works-of-art which stand the test of time and preserve the resources and techniques of ancient craftsmanship and that are handed down to the next generation as any heirloom quality art would be. From our painting technique to the FSC wood we choose and our packaging materials, our conscious efforts in the use of eco-friendly and durable materials are key to our mission of creating heirloom pieces that stand the test of time. To make our pieces party proof we use a special water based eco-friendly finish on our paintings so that they are water resistant and can take spills and thrills in daily use. We want our pieces to add joy to your home with our mission of bringing the natural world into your life. Our sustainable packaging includes custom-built storage boxes purposefully designed, for each individual piece, in recycled wood with cotton padding to reduce the use of packaging and which can be repurposed as attractive storage chests. We use 100% cotton bags to cover each piece and recycled tissue paper to wrap each individual item to ensure safe delivery with minimal waste. We are appalled at the use of plastic in other shipping methods and were determined to find our own solution that, while time consuming and difficult to make, also stands the test of time and is multi-functional.
FEATURED PRESS ‘’Strokes of Genius’’ - DestinAsian "Mary Justice Designs focuses on hand-honed furniture pieces that are built to last. What makes Thomassons designs stand out is their craftsmanship and multifunctionality" - Hong Kong Living Magazine "A fusion of fine art and furniture make beautiful heirlooms to pass down for generations" - Period Living Magazine UK "There is a personal story woven into each scene painted on her furniture to which there is the added flourish and whimsy only a colourful character like Mary Justice could provide". - Luxurious Magazine ‘’Handmade furniture collection, carrying items that double as objet d’art, is Mary Justice’s love letter to the Island of the Gods’’ - RobbReport ‘’The most stunning handmade furniture that blends fine art with the functional’’ - The Sunday Telegraph
"Each piece is unique and aces the sustainability test" - Home & Decor Magazine HOT List
CONTACT DETAILS & INFORMATION JOHN HARDY BOUTIQUE & GALLERY Opening Hours 11am - 7pm Daily John Hardy Boutique and Gallery Seminyak Jl. Raya Petitenget, Kerobokan, Kelod Kuta Utara, Bali PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS For a private appointment with the Founder and Creative Director email mj@maryjusticedesigns.com PRIVATE COMMISSIONS Corporate, hospitality, and private commissions are available SOCIAL MEDIA @maryjusticedesigns SHOP THE COLLECTIONS www.maryjusticedesigns.com PRODUCTION TIME 4 to 6 weeks from date of order Limited Stock Is Available Now SHIPPING AND DELIVERY 5 to 10 days post production TRADE INQUIRIES contact@maryjusticedesigns.com