DESIGN PROFILE: LUCAS WEARNE Meet this talented sculptor

THE CUT

SET ON STONE For sculptor Lucas Wearne, limestone is a beautifully malleable and versatile material he shapes into sculptures and exquisite lamps (right and bottom).

lucas wearne PROFILE

Chunks of limestone are transformed into wondrous works of art at the hand of this talented, self-taught Melbourne sculptor

How did you discover you had a skill for sculpting? I’m fortunate that being able to think spatially has always been a strength of mine. As a kid I worked for my dad, who’s a landscape gardener and stonemason, and I picked up on how the treatment and arrangement of natural materials can affect how we experience and interact with the spaces we inhabit. You have a background in landscape design, jewellery design and furniture making — how has that led you to sculpture? I was studying a masters in landscape architecture and worked for a few different design studios on some really interesting projects. Even though I enjoyed the work itself, I quickly realised I was much more of a hands-on person and wanted to be making as well as designing. My first taste of running a small business was when I began creating jewellery, then I moved into furniture making. I started with sculpture purely out of curiosity, drawing on the skills I’d developed through my career. After posting some images online and experiencing a strong response to them, I was motivated to keep going. Finding there was an audience for my work, I guess I just went with it. So your experience has turned out to be nicely complementary? Yes, all of these practices have inherently sculptural elements to them, so the methods and design thinking do translate between them. I think that’s the reason I’ve been able to move back and forth between those mediums – it feels natural. Although they’re diverse fields, I’m applying the same basic concepts of shape, form and balance across the varying scales of each practice. Do you create for art or functionality? Well, I don’t see the two as mutually exclusive. I want my pieces to sit somewhere in >

THE CUT

BROAD SCOPE Threedimensional artworks (above) and sculptures, lamps and vessels of all sizes and shapes are available at Lucas’s online store, Neighbourhood Studio.

between both art and function, with the individual choosing how to view it or use it. I don’t want to prescribe how my work is consumed or enjoyed. I think this is important, particularly when it comes to the very personal act of decorating your home. I love seeing the different ideas people have when arranging my work in their spaces. What draws you to working with limestone? I find that limestone is such an interesting and unique medium. Its unpredictable nature makes it really special, because it enables dramatic variations in colour, texture and density. This means no two pieces are the same – I love that. Your business is called Neighbourhood Studio — where did the name come from? When I started out, I was making furniture and sculptures in my garden and selling them to my neighbours. Even now, many of my customers come over to pick up their pieces and I enjoy that interaction, being able to meet the people who’ll have my art in their homes. I put so much of myself into my art and it’s rewarding to hand it over in person. What’s your proudest professional moment so far? I was just nominated for an emerging designer award by The Design Files. That was a pretty huge moment for me! What’s next for you? I would like to branch out and experiment with new materials. I never want to stop learning new skills and expanding my practice beyond what it is now. Where do you find your inspiration? In contemporary art, architecture and design, and in the natural landscape. With its hard edges, soft curves and jagged, textural finishes, my work references Cubism, Greek Classicism and Romanticism. These movements seem a natural departure point for such an analogous craft. I want to give my pieces a contemporary feel that references the classics… without me recreating them. What motivates you to create? I’m lucky enough to have been able to turn my passion into my job. Although that comes with its own pressures, essentially I am doing my favourite thing every day: creating, making and experimenting. neighbourhd.com

“My sculptures are a balance of form, materiality and process. They fuse traditional workmanship with contemporary design”

LUCAS WEARNE

drinks on arrival

Set the mood for the day ahead with beautiful cocktails made with native Australian ingredients.

Cucumber & Finger Lime Gin Frappé and White Peach Aperol Spritz.

You need The Breville Bluicer

With Breville’s latest versatile Bluicer you’ll be blending and juicing like a pro in no time. Completely eliminating the need for separate blending and juicing equipment, now you can effortlessly create restaurant-quality cocktails, juices and smoothies for friends, family and loved ones this festive season. BREVILLE THE 3X BLUICER PRO JUICER BJB815BSS $599.

JOANNA HUNKIN Editor, Gourmet Traveller "Nothing says summer fun quite like an ice-cold cocktail. Give your favourite recipe a refreshing frappé makeover by blending it with freshly crushed ice – or purée fresh fruit to add an instant hit of colour and flavour. Have fun as you experiment - just don’t forget to refill those ice trays!"

Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes

LUCY KELLY Food Editor, AWW FOOD "When we are sharing the cooking for Christmas Day I always love to tackle entrée. If you're going for a traditional ham or turkey for lunch or dinner I always find a seafood appetiser is a good way to start."

Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes

a little appetiser

Begin the feast with delicate starters that are deliciously artistic and designed to impress.

Salmon & Avocado Roulade with Wasabi Cream.

You need the KitchenAid Cordless Collection

This Christmas, go completely KitchenAid cordless with the 5 Cup Chopper, Variable Speed Hand Blender and 7 Speed Hand Mixer and let your inspired creativity in the kitchen run free. KITCHENAID CORDLESS VARIABLE SPEED HAND BLENDER IN EMPIRE RED 5KHBBV83AER $259; KITCHENAID 5 CUP CORDLESS CHOPPER IN EMPIRE RED 5KFCB519AER $259; KITCHENAID 7 SPEED CORDLESS HAND MIXER IN EMPIRE RED 5KHMB732AER $259 - ALSO SHOWN IN ALMOND CREAM ON THE COVER 5KHMB732AAC.

the main event

Nothing says 'Christmas' more than an extravagant seafood main with a surprising twist.

Grilled Lobster & Steamed Kipfler Salad with Furikake Lime Mayo.

You need the Morphy Richards Multicooker

Whether your festive heart is set on grilling, slow cooking, steaming or frying this Christmas, now you can lovingly craft a variety of delicious meals with just one pot. The convenience of the Morphy Richards Multicooker means more time for you to relax with your loved ones. MORPHY RICHARDS MULTIFUNCTION COOKING POT IN RED 562010 $229.

FRAN ABDALLAOUI Food Director, Australian Women's Weekly "When entertaining at Christmas time I want convenience at my fingertips! The Morphy Richards Multicooker ticks all the boxes in one clever appliance. I can steam the potatoes and par-cook the lobster tails ahead of time and just before serving grill the lobster to caramelised perfection."

Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes

KARLIE VERKERK Deputy Editor, Gourmet Traveller "A lavish Christmas lunch should always be topped o with a show-stopping dessert, and my go-to for any celebratory occasion is a classic pavlova. Topped with luxurious pillows of whipped cream and fresh in-season fruit, it’s the perfect sweet treat for a crowd."

Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes

for our sweet tooth

Clear the table for a spectacular dessert that is sure to be your entertaining crown jewel.

White Chocolate & Berry Crown Pavlova.

You need the KitchenAid Stand Mixer

The absolute centrepiece of any aspiring baker’s kitchen, this stunning KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is a standalone Christmas miracle. Its solid die-cast metal and baked enamel construction, paired with a powerful motor and a 4.8-litre bowl, is more than up to the challenge of any Christmas dessert. KITCHENAID DRIED ROSE MIXER 5KSM160PSADR $749; KITCHENAID EMBOSSED WHITE CHOCOLATE CERAMIC BOWL STAND MIXER ACCESSORY KSM2CB5TLW $199.

the perfect finish

Stretch lunch out to late afternoon and round things off with coffee and a sweet treat.

Espresso & Dark Chocolate Mousse.

You need the Smeg Capsule Coffee Machine

A delicious cup of artisan coffee from your Lavazza Smeg Capsule Coffee Machine doesn’t signal an end to the day’s festivities – merely the beginning of an inspired dessert creation! Smooth, flavoursome and oh-so-simple to brew, getting a barista-quality cup every time is as easy as pressing a button. LAVAZZA SMEG COFFEE CAPSULE MACHINE IN CREAM 18000465 $349.

ALIX DAVIS Editor, Family Circle "Dessert is always the highlight of Christmas Day for me - it means the hard work is all done and I can sit back and relax as the afternoon turns into a long summer evening. This simple yet indulgent espresso and chocolate mousse is the perfect dessert for summer and Christmas entertaining as it can be made ahead, leaving me time to enjoy celebrating with friends and family."

Find the recipe at harveynorman.com.au/recipes

INSIDE

settle in A new build is centred around family life at its festive finest Coming together at Christmas is a highlight of the year for Geelong homeowners Peta and Fletch and their family. It’s not hard to see why. In their sprawling contemporary renovation of a 1940s home, a lived-in luxury is exuded by each and every room, where elements of Peta’s tastemaker prowess appear in lively pops of colour and texture. Turn the page for more details.