web design and custom wordpress CMS development

I am designer based in Sydney. I divide my time between web design and the visual arts. Having spent 4 years in Japan, I have self explored a culture, found love in detail and formed a process derived from traditional techniques and experimentation. I am drawn to the detail of Japanese design, patterns, traditional color use and its application in mediums such as clothing, interiors, industrial objects and the everyday. My art work is multi-faceted and designs are formed from freehand cuts in paper which are transferred to print and given depth and energy through cuttings and manipulation of the printing block.

My commercial work is derivative of these influences. I have been working in the web industry for 8 years and have developed methods of getting the best results in terms of user experience and design as well as search, exposure and efficiency. I specialize in custom blogs, especially wordpress CMS, SEO, creating functional websites and building online identity.

Read more about my influences and techniques in the art and design blog below.

I have just completed work on the BEAMS arts festival website. BEAMS was an amazing event and the first of its kind in Chippendale celebrating the areas bright and talented creatives and the future development of the area. It was a major event culminating on the 22nd of September 2012 bringing together many people both during the preparation and on the night itself. I was pleased to head the website project and deliver what I felt was a product worthy of such a fantastic event. The site features a responsive design for multiple devices and really highlights the brand on the opening page with interactive elements and access for people on the day a major focus.

covers of 1993 design journals

unique packaging design from 1933

Recently I created this paper cut design drawing influence from origami flowers. To maintain the images shape, paper cut requires that everything be linked by joining paper and that white space be cut from design without cutting into other white space and essentially leaving paper string connecting everything. I like the challenge of having to pre-think a strategy for cutting out a design and it is a nice thought the finished design is totally connected. The effect is appealing and it has other applications.

I felt the property would look nice in a printed form so I have been using my paper cut as a template to create lino cuts. Much of Japan’s traditional design is derived from wood block printing. Lino cut is a much easier medium to work with and the results and texture vary. I like the control of line you can achieve with lino cut.

First tracing the template and then removing the white areas with a knife. I found there were a few important things to remember.

• Keep a border around the edge of your block for when it comes to inking the board and printing, it helps a lot.
• Try use the cutting direction as a texture. It requires a really deep cut if you want a completely white area in the negative space. I personally like to use the lines of the cut and it works well with my paper cut designs as a base.

I am pleased but even with these quite rigid grooves I created when cutting out this design, I found the result on the printed paper was very light and subtle. A lot of the texture in the print has come from the ink and how it is applied to the block. Something to experiment with. Check out the results of finished prints.

For the 8th time running but my first time to attend. Public space? How about private space? Art Osaka 2010 is held in the top 4 floors of the Dojima Hotel. Utilizing space to a new level of originality. Each of the rooms on the hotel, given to the creative devices of the Galleries, made for a completely unique space for showing art. Navigating each of the transformed room and finding each new take on the display of art was an intriguing experience.

If you missed it, you will know for next time, if you check out FLAG Osaka art guide.

Bride and Wolfe has just launched a new blog full of amazing design inspiration and ideas. Along with the custom blog updates I have added a new home page design that is to celebrate Miranda’s new range of designs. Just a sneak peak of what is on offer on the blog….

Check out these drawings etched into beach landscapes.