A trip down memory lane with Sue Tyson Designs

Monday, April 30, 2012

Sue Tyson is one of ARTE’s most loyal vendors. Part of the original core team formed more than 6 years ago, Sue was probably the first handcrafted jewelry designer maker on the scene. I (Jan) remember her from the days when ARTE had its first exhibitions at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza. Woah! It’s such a long time ago; however, sometimes a trip down memory lane is vital in helping handcrafters understand how their work has evolved in time, and also how they have, as human beings, evolved. No judgement, no criticism. Only a learning exercise.

Sue Tyson has remained true to her niche – which is using authentic Murano glass from Italy in her designs. Her display is by far one that I enjoy stopping by every ARTE market without fail, because it depicts an artisan who has taken time not only to make beautiful jewelry, but also make the display appealing that you want to touch her jewelry and perhaps buy it!

Sue Tyson designs at one of the recent ARTE markets

Another of Sue Tyson Designs display at March 2012 (ARTE market). Love the cage!

Sue shares with us the first ARTE poster that was used at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza exhibitions. You can see a piece of her work on the bottom right corner of the poster.

Her first experience in displaying and setting up was at the Marina Market. “It was definitely a baptism of fire for me as the market was every Friday. It was always outdoors including during the summer months and exhaustingly hot. If there was a Shamaal or rain, that was even more fun. Backing onto the Marina, you always got wind in every direction! You always had to drink at least 3 litres or more of liquid /water during the day. Even though I was used to Hong Kong heat & humidity, Dubai’s summer was quite a shock.”

Marina Market display all those many years ago - Sue's first exhibition in Dubai

Note the previous design of Sue Tyson's business cards. Sue now has a silver foil emblem on her business cards and gift bags.

ARTE markets then moved to Al Ghazal mall for a very short season. The dark corridors meant that most photographs taken were dull and uninspiring. Still I’m glad Sue did take some photos, as part of her design evolution kit.

At Al Ghazal Mall

Even in those days, Sue's table displays were very imaginatively put together. Note the sponges used as displays.

Early Studio Display by Sue Tyson Designs

Not only has Sue’s display changed over time; the branding of her jewelry line has also evolved. She shares with us a photo of her earliest packaging kit.

Sue Tyson Designs - packaging in the early days

Sue says, “So much depends on appearance, especially in Dubai. One’s first visual image/impression that seems to be the key to whether someone sells/buys or not.”

“My main focus, I think is always best quality that I can currently offer, affordability, durability, authenticity, honesty, and good customer service. So that covers packaging, gift bags, add-ons eg. silver polish cloths if they buy precious metal, tips on how to maintain pieces (So many ask if they can go swimming wearing Sue Tyson jewellery. I would say that one wouldn’t go swimming in one’s usual clothes/dress so why keep all your jewellery on?).

Early Expo days

In keeping with the whole Sue Tyson Designs brand, Sue has started to incorporate the PERLAVITA! range of Italian Murano Glass beads in her existing Murano Glass designs. “These are made by Italian craftsmen following a long family led tradition since the 14th centure, I believe. They compliment my existing Murano themed designs perfectly.”

Sue Tyson Designs as they are currently. Evolution at its best!

So here’s a note to newbie vendors. Be authentic. Create your brand from your heart. Start somewhere. And the path will open up, slowly but surely and beautifully.

Follow Sue Tyson Designs on facebook.

In the Mad Potters Laboratory

Sunday, April 29, 2012

We recently visited Maria Pearson aka The Mad Potter in her private pottery studio.

Tucked away in the backyard of her Jumeirah Residence is The Mad Potter’s not-so-secret laboratory, equipped with her Potters Wheel, clay and an abundance of ceramic glazes.

For Maria, what began as a mindless hobby for stress relief quickly grew into a passion for clay. She has been working with clay for over 7 years now and is a regular at the ARTE Arts & Crafts Markets in Dubai.

While designing a piece, Maria always thinks about functionality… but ultimately she lets the clay tell her what it will be. She then adds some quirkiness through the colour choice of the glaze and texture finish to make each creation one of a kind.

The Mad Potter’s designs are as unique as their creator. Maria explained, “Over the years, I found my own voice and discovered that I preferred the utilitarian forms when combined with both the beauty of perfection and the element of imperfection. Living in a world of quickly reproduced identical forms, it’s the depth of character and inability to duplicate the organic imperfections that intrigue me. It is my goal to create spontaneous patterns and forms keeping that ingredient of uniqueness in every piece.”

We were especially surprised to learn the rather complicated yet fascinating glazing process behind her work. The glaze application is achieved by both brushing and dipping, and then fired in a kiln to over 2,000 degrees.

We were fascinated with her incredible selection of glazes and glaze chemicals. Much like cooking or chemistry, glazing pottery properly requires thorough knowledge of materials and technique, and Maria has spent years developing and perfecting her style. While her application of dynamic colours and glazes may seem like a reflection of her title i.e. The Mad Potter, in reality it is a laborious process involving, brushing, dipping and dripping.

To follow Maria’s personal journey, visit her website and facebook page.

She is a regular at the ARTE Markets in Times Square Center.

Daring to be a Superhero – Linzi Kan

Monday, April 16, 2012

There must have been a time in your life when you dreamt of being a superhero. Catwoman, Wonderwoman, Batman, James Bond, even Tintin and his dog Snowy. And who knows, some of us had wicked fascinations to be the bad guys – the Joker or Green Goblin.

Thanks to UK born Linzi Kan, superheros and supervillains come alive in this day and age. Through her handcrafted line named ‘Gorgeoustuff‘ you can experience all the ‘..man’ and ‘…woman’ super-stereotypes that you have ever come across in the comics world. This ARTE vendor has a degree in graphic design and has been a colourist in the film industry before she harnessed her inner feline strength to create funky cushions incorporating old graphics of comics.

So if you wish to have Thor-like strength…

… or be feline through and through, like the superhero gal below…

… or perhaps you like the vile Joker

… or debonair 007 James Bond, ‘Gorgeoustuff‘ is your one stop comic con shop at ARTE.

Linzi also has a fascination with skulls, which she thinks is cool (I am aware that many ARTE vendors love skulls, including myself). Skulls remind me (Jan) of the ‘Ghost that Walks’ troupe – Phantom and his wife Diana, his pet wolf Devil and his faithful horse Hero. The Phantom reportedly wore a skull shaped ring, and with his mask on, he usually looked like a skull head.

Here are some of Linzi’s skull cushions.

The scary ones …

The super scary ones …

The in-love ones …

And the extra-cute ones!

Follow Gorgeoustuff on Facebook.

Photos supplied by Gorgeoustuff, with thanks.

Cherry Blossoms anyone?

Monday, April 2, 2012

One of the most poignant parts of the ‘Mulan‘ story is when Mulan, the heroine of the story, meets her father under the Magnolia Trees. The conversation goes something like this, “Some (Magnolia) flowers take a long time to bloom, but once they do, they are the most beautiful of them all.” With this, Mulan was encouraged to find her life’s purpose and she became instrumental in saving the Kingdom of her time. Of course, the story is set in China and the cherry blossoms are not the same as the Mulan’s magnolia but for me both the trees’ blossoms stir similar emotions. (I would like to thank Lazar, one of the ARTE blog readers, for pointing out that ‘Mulan’ actually means magnolia. How fascinating).

So when Katarina Kovacevof MojePerle shared with me (Jan) her story of how she created the cherry blossoms pendant in polymer clay, I felt an immediate connection. Katrina says, “Cherry blossoms bloom in Japan during this time of the year.” Further research showed me that this is true for the main Japan cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, though in the rural areas it may start as early as January and end in May.

As April has already descended on us, what better way to begin the month with a story on Cherry Blossoms right here in Dubai. If you are wondering, no, Katrina is not from Japan, but from Serbia. It’s so nice to see how artisans can glean inspiration from other cultures and Katrina demonstrates this perfectly.

How Katrina from MojePearl makes her Cherry Blossom polymer pendant. Photo supplied by MojePearl

The above photo depicts the step by step process that Katrina uses to make her cherry blossoms pendant. Whenever she makes these pendants in polymer clay, she fondly remembers her grand mother who loved cherry blossoms. “Sadly, she passed away last year,” she says, her eyes misting up. I’d say, what a beautiful way to create a handmade product that helps you recollect fond memories of a loved one.

So if you fancy having a ‘cherry blossoms viewing’ or a ‘cherry blossoms picnic Japanese style’, right here in Dubai, pop by Katrina’s stall at the Times Square Centre on Friday, the 13th of April 2012 (and usually every 2nd Friday of the month), as part of the ARTE exhibition. She has other ‘garden’ treasures and roses to share with you, if you fancy these more than cherry blossoms.

Garden earrings. Photos by MojePearl

Rose pendant with silver foil. Photo by MojePearl

Visit MojePerle on facebook.

Clownster Clown-star

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

March 2012: As a regular ARTE vendor at Times Square Centre, you may have come across the ‘JeJe’ experience whilst setting up your table at the Times Square Centre. If you have no clue as to what I (Jan) am referring to, then let me relate what a JeJe experience is. And if you don’t like clowns and feel aggravated when you see one clowning around and wondering what he’s up to, don’t worry. He means you no harm.

He is JeJe the clownster who will light up your face or hyptonize you into calmness (as you can see below!).

So who is this star amongst the other ARTE stars?

JeJe is a fourteen year old lad full of ideas to make people smile. He loves being a mime clown or one where he can do a bit of improvisation. “No bells and whistles. No stereotypical clowns for me, thank you!” Jeje adds.

JeJe had his first clowning stint during Halloween 2011, when he handed out candy to the kids.

He appreciates the experience he has had as an ARTE clown. “It has taught me to see how much effort actors and mascots put into their work; I appreciate them a lot more.” As for his confidence, it has increased hundredfold. Most of the ARTE artisans who have been regulars will vouch for the fact that practice at selling or displaying your work boosts confidence as customers and fellow vendors start to appreciate you.

JeJe is still down-to-earth when he admits that “I still can’t give a proper speech in public, but I can perform without being too shy.”

So where does this not-too-shy lad get his ideas? “School drama lessons and friends.”

Like everyone, there will always be a bad experience to go through. Jeje’s worst clowning experience was when his wig was way too tight and he ended up having a headache. What is good to note is that he has never faultered in his smile during the ARTE fair despite the big ache claiming his head.

For those who didn’t know, JeJe is the son of Terhi Karpinnen, photographer (most of the photos to illustrate this article are taken by Terhi herself), who has never missed ARTE except once for the Gulf Photo Plus 2012. So it is interesting to note that children of committed artisans are allowed to express themselves in ways beyond expectations. Parents encouraging their children in ways that they are best at, is a highly recommended tactic. The Terhi-JeJe team is such an example.

In answer to my question about whether JeJe has been asked to be a party clown, he states adamently, “I’m strictly an ARTE clown.”

If you have enjoyed JeJe the Clownster’s experience, please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.

Visit JeJe the Clownster on facebook.

"Have a great, light-footed day," says JeJe

Move Over Fulla!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sarah’s Simply Sunnah produces unique Islamic rag dolls which are lovingly handcrafted. Made with carefully handpicked quality materials, these beautiful soft huggable dolls are put together by a group of experienced craftsmen from UAE.

These rag dolls are regulars at ARTE and are priced at AED 100 (an absolute steal, in our opinion). They are safe for children, loved by all age groups and make adorable gifts for every special occasion.

Join their Facebook Page for regular updates.

Press! Pink Poodle & La Vela Candles

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

March 2012: Congrats to both Nick Roberts from Pink Poodle and Lakshmi Sukumaran of La Vela Candles. These two regular ARTE vendors were recently interviewed by Abu Dhabi’s The National newspaper.

The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.

: The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.The writeup on Pink Poodle. Thanks Nick Roberts for sending in the actual scan article.

You can also read the National article on Nick Roberts’ handcrafted work online, titled: Quirky mixed media art from Pink Poodle.

Our next talented eco lover vendor featured is La Vela Candles. Read the National article online, titled: Luxury, ecological soy candles from La Vela. Visit La Vela on facebook for a fragrant (and healthy) whiff of the soy candles.

Lakshmi Sukumaran, Founder and Owner of La Vela Candles. Photo by ARTE.

Enjoy sweets the Brigadeiro way

Sunday, March 11, 2012

The original Brigadeiro from Brazil. Photos supplied by Simone Amaro.

‘Brigadeiro’ is Portuguese for Brigadier. Brigadeiros are actually chocolate sweets (or candy whichever way you look at it) highly popular in Brazil.

For those who love a bit of history, it was Eduardo Gomes, a Brazilian Air Force brigadier, who first created the concept of a plain chocolate bonbon whose main ingredient is sweet condensed milk. Now, nearly 60 years later, thanks to Simone Amaro, Founder and maker of Brigadelly sweets in Dubai, vendors and customers alike can partake of this unique sweet at ARTE Time Square Centre.

Simone Amaro, Founder of Brigadelly - seen at ARTE TSC event

Simone shares, “Every Birthday party must have Brigadeiros. It’s something that we have eaten ever since we were children.” According to Simone, Brigadeiros have more than thirty flavours, and she makes twenty flavours, all of which you can see below (the Portuguese version is also added).

Image 20 flavours derived from the original Brigadeiro concept! Photo supplied by Simone Amaro

Traditional (Chocolate) – Tradicional (Chocolate)
White Brigadeiro – Brigadeiro Branco
Mixed (White and Traditional together) – Casadinho
Dark Chocolate (Bittersweet Chocolate) – Chocolate meio-amargo
Pistachio – Pistache
Peanut Butter – Manteiga de Amendoim (coberto com paçoca)
Lemon – Limão
Almond – Amêndoa
Strawberry – Morango
Sesame – Gergelim
Coconut – Côco
Chocolate with Coconut – Chocolate com Côco
Hazelnut – Avelã
Nutella – Nutella
Corn – Milho
Chilli – Pimenta
NIDO – Ninho
Cashew – Castanha
Biscuit – Biscoito (estilo Palha Italiana)
Apricot (dried fruit around a Brigadeiro) – Damasco (fruta seca em volta do Brigadeiro)
Dates (dried fruit around a Brigadeiro) – Tâmara (fruta seca em volta do Brigadeiro)
Grape (whole fruit, seedless, inside a Brigadeiro) – Uva (inteira, sem semente, dentro do Brigadeiro)

We (ie. Jan) have tasted the plain original brigadeiro as well as the grape filled one which almost feels like a surprise when your teeth squish into the seedless grape. As Simone says, “That’s why it’s called ‘little surprise’ in Portuguese.”

Not to forget the pretty packaging. Photo by Simone Amaro

You can follow Brigadelly – The Brigadeiro Company on facebook for sweet, Brazilian updates.

We’re so Sweet for this Jewellery

Friday, March 2, 2012

Meet Sophia Mattia of Funkme Designs, who recently joined the ARTE fold with an amazing collection of quirky, fun, vibrant pieces of individually handmade jewellery.
Sophia began making jewellery in 2008 with her very first necklace made was a liquorice allsorts. What began then as a dabble into jewellery making has now developed a range of sweetie jewellery made from polymer. Each piece is individually handmade by herself. She also produces “one off” necklaces, bracelets and earrings that are different from the sweetie range using the Millefiori technique. These are pieces that cannot be produced again to an identical copy and so are completely unique.
Sophia will be returning to ARTE in May with a new look to her stand and a whole new range of products.

Jazz & Craft: A Perfect Combo!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

ARTE has gone mobile. Now you can find us at the Dubai International Jazz Festival until 24^th February; represented by 3 amazing artisans Sue Tyson with her Jewellery, Gorgeoustuff by Linzi Kan with her flag cushions & comic art and Ragmatazz with their patchwork and embroidery bags.

While stirring up tons of curiosity about our monthly markets; we’re really having a grand time enjoying some great music and chilling out with some of the most interesting music-lovers in Dubai. A must visit event for all culture-vores.