SHIBUI Issue 6

WALES

ROCK. PAPER. BEAUTY.

IN GREAT SHAPE

AUSTRALIA BIRTHDAY WIN AN AKUBRA! GIVEAWAY

culture

craftsmanship

global connection

first bIRTHDAY edition win an akubra! first bIRTHDAY edition win an akubra!

stockist for AKUBRA | R.M.WILLIAMS | SCOTCH & SODA | MAISON SCOTCH | MAINIE

8, THE HUB, 45 BURNETT ST, BUDERIM QLD 4556 07 5476 7686 | THREADS4556@GMAIL.COM |

S H I B U I HELLO

ONE HAPPY YEAR!

This month we made it to ONE! Welcome to our first birthday edition, SHIBUI Issue 6!

What do you get when two Australian girls with a love of travel and culture get together over a coffee? A global concept which links the two!

Yes. For the past year we’ve been (virtually) travelling all over the globe in search of traditional artisans, ancient cultures, modern makers and stunning photography which brings the world straight into our home and also into yours.

It’s armchair travel at its finest but we hope it also inspires you to 'slow' travel deeper, explore longer and to ‘get lost’ in a metaphorical, wanderlust kinda way.

To celebrate our first birthday in true 'Aussie' spirit, we share a national tradition from SHIBUI's birth place Noosa Heads, with one of the country's favourite surfboard shapers, Thomas Bexon. PLUS… we have one iconic Akubra hat to GIVEAWAY! (Read about the felt makers of Akubra in SHIBUI Issue 3.)

AND… for the year ahead… exciting news.

'TRAVEL + MAKE' is being added to the SHIBUI mix! It’s your opportunity to connect with traditional artisans and cultures face-to-face on our very specially selected tours and travel experiences. Keep an eye out for that in the coming months!

Lastly but most importantly, we would love to thank all of the artisans, photographers, supporters (that’s you!), advertisers and contributors who’ve made our first year not only possible, but incredible. A special big shout-out thanks to our proof reader Meran Salski, who KNOWS we couldn’t do it without her!

And as always, happy reading! and

SHIBUI Issue is a free, bi-monthly online publication PUBLISHED BY S H I B U I & Co. GLOBAL DISTRIBUTOR PressReader S H I B U I & Co. Est. July 2017 CO-FOUNDER / CURATOR / OPERATIONS KARINA EASTWAY CO-FOUNDER / CURATOR / CREATIVE BRISEIS ONFRAY PROOFREADER MERAN SALSKI ALL ENQUIRIES hello@shibuiandco.com SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THIS ONLINE PUBLICATION shibuiandco.com © Copyright 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS PAGE Yellow is our colour of happiness and wild, sunny-faced buttercups were everywhere on a recent visit to Wales. DIARY SKETCH Briseis Onfray.

HELLO S H I B U I

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CONTENTS

SHIBUI (SHUH-BOO-EE). A JAPANESE WORD USED TO DESCRIBE AN UNDERSTATED, CLASSIC KINDA COOL. IT’S AN ENRICHED BEAUTY ACHIEVED THOUGH MINIMALISM AND PURPOSE RATHER THAN ADORNMENT AND EXTRAVAGANCE. ITS VALUE MUST BE DISCOVERED AND UNDERSTOOD RATHER THAN BOUGHT OR WON.

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S H I B U I CONTENTS

MODERN MAKERS MEET THE MAKER

4 SOUTH AFRICA Originally introduced from trade routes from the Middle East and Asia, colourful beadwork has now become synonymous with Zulu culture.

SNAP TO IT

14 BALI/CHINA Jordan Hammond’s love affair with colour is captured in his cultural photography.

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!

24 AUSTRALIA We go 'out the back' to meet one of Australia's favourite surfboard shapers Thomas Bexon. He's a traditional artisan right under our toes from the same town as SHIBUI HQ. 36 WALES Building with stone has stood the test of time. Traditionally-taught stonemason Ian Scales is preserving welsh heritage with his bare hands.

DESTINATION DESIGNER

22 ENTER to win! To celebrate our first birthday we're giving away a 100% artisan-made product of Australia.

44 WALES Beautiful, hand-sculpted paperscapes from the creative talent of internationally renowned designer Zoe Bradley are in full bloom.

TRAVEL MODE

'TRAVEL + MAKE' DIRECTORY

42 SLOW READ your way around these tasty destination treats.

53 DISCOVER our SHIBUI makers, designers, photographers, tours and workshops here.

COVER IMAGE Noosa Heads is home to SHIBUI & Co. and also to a world-class surf scene. Matt Cuddihy is a talented Australian surfer and photographer from Noosa. He's holding a custom longboard handcrafted by local surfer and shaper Thomas Bexon from Thomas Surfboards.

(Page 24). Photo Ben Osborne. THIS PAGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Thanda Zulu supports early childhood development through education and play spaces, (page 4); The night markets in Bangkok, Thailand are some of the best and most colourful around. Photo Jordan Hammond (page 14 ); Floral paper installation Neon Garden, Galeria Melissa, London by designer Zoe Bradley, (page 44).

CONTENTS S H I B U I

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meet the maker

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S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

HEART OF

GLASS COUNTRY SOUTH AFRICA makers THANDA ZULU INTERVIEW WITH ANGELA LARKAN curator karina eastway PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THANDA ZULU

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PREVIOUS PAGE Thanda's organic farming programme is primarily about the farmer, 90 per cent of whom are women. The focus is on strengthening self-esteem and self-reliance, critical thinking, and empathy skills, as well as reduction in food insecurity.

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S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

ZULU BEADING IS INTRICATE IN ITS DESIGN AND COLOUR BUT ALSO IN THE MESSAGES EACH PIECE CONVEYS. WE CHAT TO ANGELA LARKAN, CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THANDA ZULU ABOUT THE TRADITION.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Thanda Zulu uses glass beads rather than plastic, giving each design a uniqueness and glow; The Isiyingi (circle in IsiZulu) necklaces are a prominent piece of many traditional dresses; Thanda Zulu founder Angela Larkan; The artisans who create the Thanda Zulu designs bring inspiration from their culture and communities. Some designs are one of a kind while others follow a pattern that has been popular in the past; At the centre of the Thanda Community Centre (the non-profit organization that Thanda Zulu's proceeds directly benefit) is a skate park. Skateboarding helps children build self-esteem, learn about their environment, and learn how to positively work within a community. Skateboarding at Thanda embodies the South Africa ideal of ubuntu: I am because we are, where we help others get better while working on improving ourselves.

WHAT’S THE HISTORY BEHIND THE TRADITION OF BEADING? Zulu beadwork is not only beautiful, but is also rich in tradition and cultural meaning. Beadwork is practiced by Zulu women and is passed down through generations by the older women in the family. They become communities of their own and are empowered by their skill and contributions to their communities.

Beads originally came to Africa via trade routes from the Middle East and Asia. It is documented that they were first traded with the Zulu people in 1824 by European traders. Despite >

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“

BEADS ORIGINALLY CAME TO AFRICA VIA TRADE ROUTES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST AND ASIA. IT IS DOCUMENTED THAT THEY WERE FIRST TRADED WITH THE ZULU PEOPLE IN 1824

BY EUROPEAN TRADERS.

”

the short history, they quickly became a very prominent cultural symbol in relationships, social structures, and expression.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE ZULU PEOPLE AND CULTURE? The Zulu people are an ethnic group whose members live mainly in the South African province of KwaZuluNatal, where their culture, language, and tradition are preserved. The language spoken is IsiZulu, a Nguni language. It is the most widely spoken language in South Africa.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHAPES AND COLOURS USED IN THE BEAD DESIGNS? What makes this intricate craft and art unique is the use of decorative geometrical designs (particularly

the triangle) and colors to convey a message. Each of the seven colors can be used to convey a negative or a positive meaning. For example, yellow means wealth in a positive context, but badness in a negative one. Red means physical love and strong emotion, but negatively it depicts anger and heartache. The craft itself forms a language devoted entirely to the expression of ideas and feelings connected to relations between the sexes.

WHY ARE THE BEADS SO POPULAR TO WEAR? Zulu beading in particular is very intrinsic and colorful. It is well known for the messages conveyed in the design, but also for its unique patterns that infuse into everyday dress and style today. >

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT The Iribhini (ribbon in IsiZulu) necklaces - set of three in different colours; Many of the artisans who bead for Thanda feel empowered that they can earn a steady income from a long-standing Zulu tradition.

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S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

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MEET THE MAKER

Thanda's Community Centre has the municipality's only library, skate park, science lab, and art centre, as well as the Early Childhood Development classrooms, Teacher Resource Centre, play spaces and an Agricultural Hub.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE VILLAGE WHERE THE BEADS ARE MADE AND THE ARTISANS WHO MAKE THEM? Most of the women in the artisan groups who bead for Thanda Zulu have struggled for most of their lives to earn a sufficient income that will allow them to support themselves and their families. At first, they didn't believe they would be able to earn an income through a craft they loved, were skilled at, and could do from the comfort of their own homes. Over the years, Thanda Zulu has worked to cultivate confidence in these women as artists, not just beaders. We work with each beader's skill set to encourage them to extend beyond their creative boundaries and move our designs forward. The women we work with have a tremendous amount of pride in their work and are continually inspired to develop and adapt new designs with their own personal touches.

HOW DOES THANDA ZULU IMPACT THE COMMUNITY? For each woman who beads for Thanda Zulu a sense of empowerment is felt through their ability to translate this long-standing craft into a way to support themselves and their families. After paying for the beadwork, all proceeds go directly to Thanda, a non-profit I co-founded with Tyler Howard in 2008 in the rural community of Mtwalume, South Africa. We provide innovative solutions for sustainable development in rural South Africa through four core programs: Early Childhood Development, AfterSchool Education, Organic Farming, and Creative Learning Training. We support more than 1100 community members every day from our solar-powered Community Centre > and since 2008, we have directly

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impacted over 15,000 people. To find out more, support us, or get involved in other ways, visit www.thanda.org!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY AND WHERE ARE YOU BASED NOW? I was born in Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and now live in Mtwalume just one hour south, where I am the Executive Director for Thanda, the non-profit that 100% of Thanda Zulu’s proceeds support.

CAN YOU GIVE US A TRAVEL TIP FOR YOUR REGION? There are so many things to do in KwaZulu-Natal. Near our community of Mtwalume, you can dive with sharks and other marine life yearround and see the famous sardine run and whale migration in winter. We are also close to many game reserves, such as Lake Eland, or the larger Hluhluwe/Imfolozi game reserve. The Drakensberg and Wild Coast are also not far and offer some of the

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Thanda's after-school programme uses a creative learning curriculum that prioritizes skills like creativity, critical-thinking, empathy, perspective, and self-esteem. Lessons are built around stories, which are used to broaden horizons, make lateral connections across subject areas and link global issues to the local community.

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MEET THE MAKER

most awe-inspiring landscapes in the entire world. And of course, a visit to the Thanda Community Centre is a must-see where in one day you can surf world renowned waves, skate at our park, and then volunteer in a truly amazing community.

COULD WE GET A FINAL INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE FROM YOU? I believe our mission is most inspired

by Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote that “all life is inter-related. All [people] are

caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be, and you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be...This is the interrelated structure of reality.”

thandazulu.org instagram.com/thandazulubeadwork

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snap to it

MEET THE MAKER

A CULTURAL REFLECTION COUNTRIES BALI AND CHINA photographer JORDAN HAMMOND curator karina eastway

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SNAP TO IT

JORDAN’S ABILITY TO CAPTURE COLOUR IS A STRIKING ASPECT OF HIS TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY. JUST AS CAPTIVATING IS HIS ABILITY TO CAPTURE INTIMATE IMAGES WHICH DRAW YOU IN AND MAKE YOU FEEL AS THOUGH YOU’RE PART OF THE VERY LANDSCAPE YOURSELF.

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WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE IMAGE YOU’VE TAKEN AND WHY? Probably the photo of the monks in a pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar.

I had been hoping to shoot this for months but couldn’t find the pagoda where the monks did this kind of shoot. On our last day in Bagan, we just happened to stumble into the pagoda and walked in on another photographer shooting the monks, so luck was really on our side.

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S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY? Travelling with my dad, sister and brother-in-law through China. We took them on a two-week trip through North-Western China, so we were travelling through some really rural parts of the country.

A lot of the places had a huge Tibetan influence, so it was great to experience that with my family. During the trip, we had to take a baby calf

PREVIOUS PAGE A buffalo farmer in rural China makes his way out to the fields as the sun rises. Guilin, China.

THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT The candy colours of Santorini, Greece. Tiny pieces of red coral mix with the white sand beach in Flores, Indonesia to create a candyfloss effect.

to the nearest farm whilst our bus had broken down as the herd had left without the calf. Trying to explain to a family of Tibetans who lived in the middle of nowhere amongst the grasslands that the calf had lost its family in broken Mandarin was quite an experience, and I’m pretty sure the story will be told by that family for generations as the three foreigners who turned up one day carrying a calf as a gift.

YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY IS UNUSUAL AS THE SUBJECT MATTER IS SO BROAD – FROM AERIAL TO LANDSCAPE, ANIMALS, PEOPLE... EVERYTHING REALLY! WHAT INSPIRES YOUR IMAGES AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO SHOOT? I love being able to shoot a multitude of subjects, and I think some photographers really limit themselves when it comes to this. I try to use colour as a theme to my photos >

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rather than the subject itself, so the photos of people or cities don’t look too out of place next to landscapes.

I love showing different cultures and locations around the world, and hope to inspire people to travel and see new places, even if it is in their home country. My all time favourite thing to shoot though is local people, especially in China, as I think these kinds of photos tell the best stories.

WHERE ARE YOU OFF TO NEXT AND HOW DID THAT TRIP COME ABOUT? I’m off to Peru next month, where I will be hosting a photography workshop. The workshop will take people through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Peru for 11 days, teaching them everything I

know about photography and editing.

I’m really excited to go as the trip will include Rainbow Valley which I didn’t get to go to on my last visit to Peru.

WHAT’S THE GREATEST LENGTHS YOU’VE GONE TO TO GET A SHOT AND WHAT WAS IT OF? Probably a 15-hour drive to get to Yaqing Temple in Sichuan. The temple is home to the largest community of Buddhist nuns in the world, and was incredible to shoot.

TOP PHOTOGRAPHY TIP FOR BEGINNERS? Practice, remember the rule of thirds and seek inspiration from your favourite photographers. Imitate their techniques until you find a style of your own. >

LEFT TO RIGHT Forged by the Hani people thousands of years ago, the Yuanyang rice terraces remain an important aspect of life in this region of Southern China; The abandoned roads of Dubai.

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S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

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I TRY TO USE COLOUR AS A THEME TO MY PHOTOS RATHER THAN THE SUBJECT ITSELF, SO THE PHOTOS OF PEOPLE OR CITIES DON’T LOOK TOO OUT OF PLACE NEXT TO LANDSCAPES.

”

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LEFT TO RIGHT The tallest tower in the world, The Skytree, Tokyo; The cherry blossom season has begun. Mt Yoshino, Japan; One of my favourite spots to shoot in Japan. Chureito Pagoda, Japan

TOP TIP FOR BUILDING AN ONLINE FOLLOWING? Be active. There’s nothing more annoying than people wondering why they can’t grow a following when they just post and then exit the App. Make friends with people, comment on other accounts in the same niche as you and say something meaningful. Have they just posted a picture of Paris? Ask how their trip was! Make 90 new connections a day and you will find growing a following is a lot easier.

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SNAP TO IT

Also, content is very important and you need to post good, different and captivating stuff, whether it be photos, videos or blogs.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY AND WHERE ARE YOU BASED NOW? I’m from Dover, Kent, a small town on the South-East Coast of the UK. However, I am currently based in sunny Bali.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY? I moved to China after graduating at university, and bought a camera whilst there so I could document my time there for my family and friends.

My partner and I travelled a lot whilst in China, so I was taking photos regularly and learned that I really enjoyed it. From there, we decided to travel Asia for five months using the money we had saved from working in China, and that was when my passion for photography really kicked off.

TOP TRAVEL TIP? Wake up for sunrise. When you are the only person at a location that is packed full of people during the day, it makes you appreciate the place a lot more.

FINALLY, CAN YOU GIVE US A QUOTE WHICH INSPIRES YOU? “Look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, what do I want to do everyday for the rest of my life… do that.” – Gary Vaynerchuk

Instagram.com/jordhammond

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MEET THE MAKER

BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!

Happy birthday to us… and HATS OFF to YOU! To celebrate SHIBUI & Co.s first birthday, AKUBRA (AUSTRALIA) ARE giving ONE Akubra HAT* to one of our lucky readers.

(Valued at AUD 205.)

*AKUBRAS ARE ICONIC WHERE @SHIBUIANDCO WAS BORN. THEY’RE 100% ARTISAN MADE AND A TRUE AUSTRALIAN TRADITION.

ENTRY DETAILS To be in the running to WIN, simply comment on our social media (Instagram, Facebook or Twitter) and tell us what you love about SHIBUI! #shibuiakubragiveaway

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S H I B U I birthday giveaway

WWW.PADRECOFFEE.COM.AU

MODERN MAKER

Shape IN GREAT

COUNTRY AUSTRALIA MAKER THOMAS BEXON curator BRISEIS ONFRAY PHOTOs BEN OSBORNE

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MODERN MAKER

AUSSIE SURFER AND SHAPER THOMAS BEXON SHARES HIS TRUE BLUE CONNECTION WITH AUSTRALIA'S WORLD-RENOWNED SURF CULTURE AND THE ART OF DESIGNING SURFBOARDS FOR ALL WALKS AND WAVES.

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PREVIOUS PAGE It's a world class longboarding break and home base for Thomas Surfboards, First Point, Noosa Heads. THIS PAGE Surfing, shaping, socialising and a quiver of Thomas Surfboards is all part of the local scene.

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AUSSIE SURF CULTURE HAS BEEN MAKING WAVES AROUND THE GLOBE SINCE THE ‘50s. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS STILL KEEPING THE GOOD VIBES ALIVE? Australia has great waves, a great climate for surfing (which helps a lot) and Aussies in general are keen surfers and experimental in style.

This country also has an admirable reputation for boundary-pushing shapers and designers.

WHERE AND WHEN DID THE TRADITION OF SURFBOARD SHAPING ORIGINATE? I guess you can say surf culture originated with the traditional water men of ancient Hawaii. The concept of board riding then spread across the oceans to the surf beaches of California (US) and Australia.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP & WHERE DO YOU CALL HOME THESE DAYS? I was born in Sydney but we moved to the ‘bush’ in Queensland when I was one. We relocated closer to the ocean, the Sunshine Coast, by the time I was 12 and I have been living in this region ever since.

IT’S SURPRISING HOW MANY NONSURFERS STILL DO NOT KNOW THE PURPOSE OF A LONG OR SHORT BOARD. AS A SHAPER, GIVE US YOUR EASY EXPLANATION FOR AN INTRIGUED TOURIST OR LOCAL NOVICE? I shape nearly as many short boards as I do longboards. My advice: ride the board that suits the waves. If it’s waist high ride a longboard. If it’s over head and hollow ride a shortboard.

I have always been a big advocate for riding with the right type of board > for the waves. It just makes sense.

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S H I B U I MODERN MAKER

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Thomas Surfboards longboard in action; Thomas on duty in the shaping bay; Thomas off duty; A social set 'out the back', Noosa Heads.

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YOU’RE OBVIOUSLY HANDY WITH YOUR FOOTWORK. WHERE AND WHEN DID YOU START SURFING, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START SHAPING YOUR OWN SURFBOARDS? I started surfing when I was about 12 years old. I shaped my first board when I was 15. At the time, there was no one locally that was making the types of boards that I wanted to ride: heavy single fin longboards, keel fishes and eggs etc. I was self-taught for the first few years but then I got a lot of helpful tips from various people along the way. I am still learning.

I think when you think you know it all, you’re done. There’s always something to be learnt from other shapers and surfers.

YOU MUST HAVE A STEADY HAND TOO. ARE ALL YOUR BOARDS HANDMADE? I used to make boards by hand but I have been using a shaping machine for a couple of years now. It’s the only way to keep up, otherwise there would be a six month wait on board orders and I would be shaping 80 hours a week. I still hand finish all boards and everything else is done by hand. The shaping machine just eliminates the first 70 per cent of the shaping which is the mindless, labourintensive, physical part of the process.

Using the shaping machine allows me to focus on the details and design. I can reproduce the perfect rocker, foils etc. time and time again.

STAMPING YOUR OWN STYLE ON EACH THOMAS SURFBOARD IS YOUR TRADEMARK. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SHAPES, COLOURS AND ARTWORK/DESIGNS? Everything around me. Surfing, architecture, cars, art, music.

Everything that is design and art based is my inspiration.

>

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AUSTRALIAN SHAPERS ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD, MOSTLY KNOWN FOR A SIGNATURE STYLE OR SHAPE. WHAT MAKES A GOOD BOARD AND WHEN DOES A BOARD BECOME TOO OLD TO USE? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

It is up to personal opinion and taste for sure, but the fundamentals of what makes a good board are using good materials and not cutting corners in the build process. When a board starts to get too water logged and doesn’t float anymore, then you know it’s too old to use.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT BEING A BOARD SHAPER THAT YOU LOVE MOST? Making a board and then riding it, and it works just how I intended. Or seeing a friend ride one and have a blast. Seeing boards you’ve made get pushed to the limits in the desired realm of surfing. And getting positive feedback from customers is also rewarding.

THIS PAGE Thomas Bexon.

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MODERN MAKER

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A SURFBOARD, SAY A 9”2?

Hands on, about 12 hours with plenty of time in between each step also.

SURFING INSPIRES TRAVEL TOO. WHAT’S A FAVOURITE DESTINATION MEMORY FOR YOU? Mexico, Japan, California, Indonesia and France. They are all good for different reasons. The waves, the culture and the people. But it’s hard to beat a little fishing village in west Java that we have visited a bunch of times, just for the waves, the friendly locals and the mushy shakes. That’s one surf I will never forget.

SHARE YOUR TOP TIP FOR TRAVELING WITH A SURFBOARD? Be prepared for dings! It is going to happen.

Instagram.com/thomassurfboards Thomassurfboards.com

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MODERN maKER

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STONE AGE COUNTRY WALES MAKER IAN SCAleS curator and photos BRISEIS ONFRAY

STONEMASONRY IS ONE OF THE OLDEST CRAFTS IN HUMAN HISTORY AND INVOLVES BUILDING WITH STONE FROM THE EARTH. THE HISTORY OF STONE WALLS IN WALES ARE AS OLD AS THE NORMAN INVASION. WE STUMBLED INTO WELSHMAN IAN SCALES ON A RECENT VISIT TO PEMBROKESHIRE. HE IS A TRADITIONALLY-TRAINED STONEMASON AND SHARES HIS PASSION FOR WALES, WALLS AND WATER HOLES.

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WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW? I’m 100 percent Welsh. I grew up in a small coastal village called Lydstep but am now living only a stone's throw away in Manorbier. Both are on the coastal walking route of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

IS WALES YOUR HAPPY PLACE? IF SO, WHY? Wales is rugged and wild yet peaceful and beautiful all at once. The scenery and moods are always changing, especially here in Pembrokeshire.

We are exposed to the elements here.

Something about the sea makes the air always feel crisp and clean. And the countryside. It’s so beautiful.

WALES IS THE SMALLEST OF BRITAIN’S ISLAND KINGDOM, YET RICH WITH HISTORY AND TRADITION, INCLUDING ITS OWN LANGUAGE OUTSIDE OF ENGLISH. DID YOU LEARN WELSH AT SCHOOL? ”Cael diwrnod da." (Or in English, "have a good day".)

I didn’t learn Welsh at school. My mother spoke and wrote Welsh which is where I learnt, but I am not fluent.

Thankfully, our school system has reintroduced the language back into the curriculum, restoring our tradition.

These are the things that are irreplaceable once lost, so it is lovely to hear the Welsh language spoken so frequently again.

BEING A STONEMASON IS NOT AN EASY TASK, NOR IS IT CONVENTIONAL BRICKLAYING. HOW DID THIS CAREER EVOLVE FOR YOU? AND WHO TAUGHT YOU THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE? I always had a fascination for castles and an interest in building things from an early age and I guess it evolved from there. Starting out, I had worked with a great mentor as his building

apprentice. He is no longer alive, but he taught me the technique of building with stone. Limestone mainly.

It’s quite a specialty field and there are not many of us in the region. I think he would be proud. I am also proud with the work I do, knowing that his legacy lives on through the many walls that have been restored by my bare hands since. He was a good teacher and I was lucky to learn with him.

THE HISTORY OF STONE WALLS IN WALES ARE AS OLD AS THE NORMAN INVASION OF WALES. THAT'S GOING BACK TO 1081. THEY HAVE STOOD STRONG OVER CENTURIES OF WILD BATTLES AND WEATHER. WHAT MAKES IT THE PREFERRED OPTION TO RESTORE THESE WALLS BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL STATE NOW, RATHER THAN BUILDING SOMETHING MORE MODERN? These walls hold a rich past of history and tradition. It’s part of our heritage > and adds to the unique charm of

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WALES IS RUGGED AND WILD YET PEACEFUL AND BEAUTIFUL ALL AT ONCE. THE SCENERY AND MOODS ARE ALWAYS CHANGING, ESPECIALLY HERE IN PEMBROKESHIRE. WE ARE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS HERE. SOMETHING ABOUT THE SEA MAKES THE AIR ALWAYS FEEL CRISP AND CLEAN. AND THE COUNTRYSIDE. IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL.

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PREVIOUS PAGES Ian and his Spaniel Sian at their local. A tidal beach/ cave at Lydstep; Lydstep is home to a beautiful hidden gem that is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail.

At low tide, grass-covered limestone cliffs roll into tidal beach coves and enchanting caverns. THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Ian places the last stone on this roadside wall face in Penally. All stones were placed by hand, one at a time; The original remains of a medieval barn or manor wall still stands at the centre of Penally; The stonemason's essential tools.

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Wales overall. It’s hard work, but restoring these walls to their original state is something most locals are very proud to preserve. They are irreplaceable really.

EVERY STONE IS LAID BY HAND. IT’S PHYSICALLY LABOUR INTENSIVE WORK. UNLIKE BRICKS, THESE STONES ARE ROUGH SIZES, SURFACES AND SHAPES. WHAT IS THE SECRET TO REBUILDING WITHOUT CHANGING THE APPEARANCE TOO MUCH? We use the same type of stone and technique as used centuries ago.

Except rather than using a mix of mud, straw and manure to bond them together, we use cement (thank goodness). Sometimes the stones used are sourced from a quarry in the region, but often the stones are reworked from the original site.

It may not be noticeable to most, but every stone is laid by hand with care and consideration, and in relation to how it fits with the one laid before and after it. It’s a real process and takes focus and an eye for detail. My eyes are engineering the next stone move all the way. But if I get stuck or it’s not working, I walk away. When I return, it all comes together somehow. It’s like a giant puzzle. It takes a lot of time and requires a lot of patience.

WHAT ARE THE TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED? There can be incredible amounts of stone tonnage that we need, but there are not actually that many tools that we use. My tool box consists of an axe/hammer, trowel, pick, hose pipe and water spray bottle. That’s it. After all of the planning, the stone selection and cementing of each stone into place individually, there are the finishing touches. ‘Topping’ is the layer of stones placed on top of the completed wall. There is ‘pointing’ which is how we press-set cement between stones to compact the setting. ’Dressing the stone’ is where we chip away any unruly or protruding edges at the end of the job, with an axe/hammer and pick.

WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE TO BUILD? I love walls. Scale doesn’t matter.

Like a castle wall. Now that would be something. We have many castles here in Wales, but when I was younger I spent 10 years working in Germany near Stuttgart. Nearly every Sunday I would go for a drive to visit all of the castles in the area. I just loved the history and the way they were built.

I mean really… how did they build these incredible buildings that are still standing, and so long ago? Much like the Pyramids. It defies everything about building by hand. I have so much admiration for the skill involved and the tradition of stonemasonry.

PLEASE FINISH THIS AS A SENTENCE. ‘STONE IS…’ Stone is natural and organic with beautiful earthy colours and when it rains the depth of colour is so lush!

Stone comes alive in different light and with each season. In summer it turns muted and dry, but during winter it is mostly glistening. As an object from the earth they hold warmth and soul.

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travel mode

JAPANESE WHISKY BY BRIAN ASHCRAFT, PHOTOGRAPHS BY IDZUHIKO UEDA Japanese Whisky features never-beforepublished archival images and interviews chronicling the forgotten stories of Japan's pioneering whisky makers. It reveals the unique materials and methods used by the Japanese distillers including mizunara wood, Japanese barley, and novel only-in-Japan production methods. Japanese Whisky not only explains how the country's award-winning whiskies are made but also the complete whisky history and culture, so readers can truly appreciate the subtle Japanese whiskies they're drinking and buying. Kanpai! AUD 29.99, Tuttle Publishing. newsouthbooks.com

slow read

SIMPLY BENTO BY YUKO YAGI AND NORIKO YURA Simply Bento features nearly 100 healthy, delicious bento recipes you can make every day of the week. Traditional Japanese bento boxes are single-portion packed lunches usually made with things like steamed rice, vegetables, and sushi, and they have long been one of the main pillars of Japanese cuisine. Today, bento boxes have become hugely popular in both the East and West, creating a fusion of incredible flavor combinations. AUD 27.99, Murdoch Books. murdochbooks.com.au

INSPIRE YOUR TRAVEL BUDS WITH A TASTE OF THESE DESTINATION TREATS.

COFFEE ATLAS OF ETHIOPIA

BY AARON DAVIS ET AL This richly illustrated volume is the first complete atlas of coffee production in Ethiopia, birthplace of coffee drinking and the main home of wild arabica coffee. The atlas maps are accompanied by information on coffee farming, environment and climate, a description of the main coffee areas. key coffee origins, coffee towns and coffee delivery centres. AUD 69.99, Kew Publishing. newsouthbooks.com

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TRAVEL MODE

NEW YORK: CAPITAL OF FOOD

BY LISA NIESCHLAG AND LARS WENTRUP This is how New York tastes! Part recipe book, part foodie travel experience brings the flavours of the Big Apple into your kitchen, immersing you in the hustle and bustle and taste experience that is New York. From Greenwich Village caramel roll to Williamsburg corn chowder or authentic Chinatown chicken wings. AUD 39.99, Murdoch Books. murdochbooks.com.au

MY ASIAN KITCHEN

BY JENNIFER JOYCE Bao buns, pho, sushi, poke bowls, gyoza, ramen and kimchi – it’s modern Asian cooking at its street food best. Now Jennifer Joyce shows how easy it is to create those zingy, fresh, healthy flavours at home with simple recipes, straight forward explanation of ingredients, hand-drawn diagrams and beautiful photographs. AUD 39.99, Murdoch Books. murdochbooks.com.au

destination designer

PAPER SCAPES WITH FLORAL TWISTS DESIGNER ZOE BRADLEY HAS MASTERED SOMETHING AESTHETICALLY REWARDING THAT BEAUTIFIES VISUAL COMMUNICATION IN THE COMMERCIAL SENSE. HER HAND-SCULPTED, PAPER INSTALLATIONS ARE ATTRACTING GLOBAL ATTENTION WITH LUXE BRANDS INFUSING THE RETAIL MARKET WITH HER INTOXICATINGLY BEAUTIFUL PAPER SCAPES. A DESIGNERS DREAM. COUNTRy WALES DESIGNER ZOE BRADLEY curator BRISEIS ONFRAY PHOTOs Contributed by ZOE BRADLEY DESIGNS

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DESTINATION DESIGNER

Photo Melvyn Vincent

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DESTINATION DESIGNER PHOTO COURTESY Tom Jackson

PHOTO RAM SHERGILL

Photo © Sotheby's

YOUR FLORAL WORK IS INTOXICATINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND THE VOLUME OF COMMISSIONS YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN SO FAR IS OUTSTANDING. HOW DID THE ART OF HAND-SCULPTED PAPER DESIGN BECOME YOUR TRADEMARK STYLE? I was creating a series of showpieces for photo shoots and started working

in paper as it could be formed instantly. I went on to produce a series of paper showpieces for Michiko Koshino which were recognized by the London store Liberty. They commissioned me to bring a sense of theatre to their Christmas windows in 2005. I made a series of paper showpieces. This >

PREVIOUS PAGE Floral paper installation Neon Garden, Galeria Melissa, Covent Garden, London.

LEFT TO RIGHT Paper showpiece for Michiko Koshino, 2005. Floral fashion installation for Sotheby's, London.

The designer herself, Zoe Bradley.

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DESTINATION DESIGNER

really was like a gallery to the world and marked the beginning of my trademark work in paper.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO PURSUE DESIGN AND WHERE DID YOU STUDY? I was creative from a very young age; my mother would encourage us to create something from nothing! I went to a non-conventional Catholic school Trinity school in Leamington

Spa which encouraged curiosity with a philosophy of inquiry-based learning and the ability to freely study the arts, theatre and music.

This experience encouraged my artistic outlook from a very young age. I studied fashion design at Middlesex University then went straight into an apprenticeship with Alexander McQueen in 1997. My > role was design assistant but

LEFT TO RIGHT Close up of the recent handsculpted paper flowers campaign for Pandora, London. Floral fashion intallation for Chatswood Chase, Sydney.

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DESTINATION DESIGNER

Photo Jamie McGregor Smith

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it developed very quickly into showpiece designer as he realised I had a talent for creating the unexpected from unconventional materials.

THE INTERPRETATION OF A CREATIVE BRIEF WILL VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESIGNER BRAINSTORMING THE CONCEPT. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE DESIGN PROCESS? AND WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MOST IMPORTANT TO MAKE A CONCEPT SPRING TO LIFE? The most enjoyable part can be creating the initial mood boards and developing a concept from the client’s initial ideas. To make a concept spring to life you need an element of theatre and spectacle.

My trademark has become oversized silhouettes of highly crafted headpieces, dresses and sets commissioned for advertising campaigns, editorial, catwalk shows and window installations. Our attention to detail is what makes us stand out from the crowd.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY AND WHERE ARE YOU BASED NOW? Warwickshire, then I studied and lived in London. I now live and work in rural Wales.

FROM LIBERTY (LONDON) TO LOUIS VUITTON, YOUR DESIGNS ARE NOW SOUGHT AFTER BY HIGHBROW AND LUXE BRANDS WORLDWIDE. YOU RECENTLY WORKED WITH PANDORA (LONDON) TO CREATE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINDOW INSTALLATION. WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN TIP FOR ALLURING THE CROWDS? My starting point is always the silhouette which is driven by the surroundings I see my work in.

Symmetry plays a big part in my work.

It is important with the piece to find an emotional connection a sense of theatre to create a talking point for the client’s customer.

SO INTRICATE YET OFTEN SCULPTED TO LARGE SCALE. WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE INSTALLATION SO FAR? A recent collaboration with Brazilian

shoe label Melissa in the heart of Covent Garden. Galleria Melissa was the perfect venue for this floral spectacle, which was once home to the original flower market. Celebrating the spirit of Melissa’s AW17 FLYGRL footwear and accessories collection that champions femininity, we created an exotic garden, focusing on the feminine, architectural forms of flowers.

From the piazza, a large suspended lotus sculpture hung in the entrance surrounded by a kaleidoscopic floral animation of our flowers coming to life in 3D. As the viewer continued their journey downstairs, they entered into a psychedelic neon garden where the walls and floor were covered in a printed floral landscape surrounding a large central lotus sculpture slowly rotating in the centre of the room.

NATURE IS A CONSTANT SOURCE OF CREATIVE INSPIRATION. IS THERE A PLACE IN THE WORLD YOU LOVE TO GO TO RECHARGE YOUR CREATIVE MOJO? Mauritius, I have family there so it’s a chance to escape and also recharge. I like the contrast of the tropical plants and flowers; the light is so dramatic, the environment exotic, and the weather sometimes challenging which adds a sense of theatre to the landscape.

DO YOU THINK HANDMADE ART IS BEING APPRECIATED MORE IN A DIGITAL WORLD? Yes, as there is a desire to work with something tactile and develop a skill that requires your hands.

FROM YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU PROVIDE TO INSPIRE BUDDING YOUNG DESIGNERS TO JUST GET OUT THERE AND GO FOR IT? My advice is to gain knowledge from a creative company that inspires you, be persistent and be inventive about getting a foot in the door as you never know where it will lead!

Twitter @ZBdesign zoebradleydesignltd Instagram.com/zoebradleydesign

LEFT Paper floral installation of hanging chandeliers in the Burlington Arcade, London.

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Quality pieces handmade in Mexico + Guatemala www.cielocollective.com.au

TRAVEL + MAKE

'TRAVEL + MAKE' DIRECTORY

REFER TO OUR WEBSITE FOR OUR DIRECTORY OF SHIBUI MAKERS, DESIGNERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.

AFRICA

WALES

Thanda Zulu KwaZulu-Natal info@thandazulu.org instagram.com/thandazulubeadwork

Zoe Bradley Unit 9a/12 Vale Business Park Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan +44 (01) 1446 772 820 studio@zoebradley.com zoebradley.com instagram.com/zoebradleydesign

ASIA Jordan Hammond jordhammond.com jordhammond@gmail.com instagram.com/jordhammond

Ian Scales Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

AUSTRALIA Thomas Bexon Thomas Surfboards Noosa Heads, Queensland thomas@thomassurfboards.com thomassurfboards.com instagram.com/thomassurfboards

JOIN THE SHIBUI TRIBE

WE CAN’T BE EVERYWHERE, SO WE ARE CALLING ON LIKE-MINDED WANDERERS TO JOIN OUR TRIBE. IF YOU KNOW OF ANY SHIBUI-WORTHY ARTISANS, OR FANCY YOURSELF A SHIBUI ROAMER, WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! HELLO@SHIBUIANDCO.COM

WHAT IS A SHIBUI MAKER?

WHAT IS A SHIBUI ROAMER?

Their handcrafted objects follow a cultural tradition. They master a treasured, hand-made and unique craft in the contemporary world.

For those who travel to uncover and discover the soul of a place. You wander the earth lightly; yet delve deep to know her people and their ways.

ROLE They have a passionate interest in sharing their culture and story with SHIBUI & Co, so that we can help support and connect them with travellers around the world.

ROLE If you stumble upon an interesting artisan or traditional craftsperson as you roam, take their details and let us know.

OUTCOME We will feature their story, culture and craft in our online publication SHIBUI Issue.

OUTCOME It is only the beginning of the SHIBUI journey, but we will support you by sharing your posts and adding your profile to our website.

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GET LOST FOLLOW US *

PHOTO NEW ZEALAND BY KARINA EASTWAY

* in a metaphorical, wanderlust kinda way @shibuiandco

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