’De Sade’ is a small side table, comprised of 25 individually hand lathed legs.

“The composition followed from a fascination in repetition, and a theoretical tangent that continues to revolve around tactility and sensuality,” says Jonathon, who took out the top award at Launch Pad 2011 for the ’De Sade’.

Since then Jonathon has been working closely with Launch Pad’s two major sponsors, Living Edge and How We Create, to develop ’De Sade’ into a collection of highly marketable furniture pieces; the very first editions of these will soon be available at Living Edge.

“Living Edge, Indesign and How We Create have been great, [providing] resources that have allowed me to side-step issues that would have slowed the sampling process,” comments Jonathon on working with the 3 organisations. “[Currently] we are working to resolve… various sizes, colours and applications which will include follow-up projects to continue the concept.”

Jonathon had an affinity with design from an early age, starting with drawing – which may very well have been inspired by his artist father. “These early investigations follow on,” says Jonathon. “My first attempt was at fashion but I was too rigid for the process, so where I’ve ended up seems right.”

In terms of inspirational sources, he delves deeper than the obvious choices. “Its easy to favour artists and designers that you share particular qualities with, so I try to focus on theoretical concerns relating to these interests – whether they’re personal or no.”

The investigation he undertook in developing the ’De Sade’ focused around the erotic and sensual, arising from a focus on artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Louise Bourgeois and Jamie Hayon.

Major achievements through programs such as Launch Pad have been encouraging for Jonathon, who describes his approach and process as being “quite serendipitous”.

His experience of Launch Pad, as a platform for emerging designers to take their prototype into production, has been an eye opening experience. “Throughout this process I have found there to be a desire from manufacturers to connect with designers. I believe initiatives like How We Create, [who foster] these relationships, are key to this development.

“Designers really must be proactive at industry events and exhibitions to help build their own profile, and if nothing else it helps them reaffirm who they are as a designer and their intentions.”

As winner of Launch Pad’s Ultimate Launch Package in 2011, Jonathon received a $10,000 grant from How We Create to help launch his career, the opportunity to have his product retailed through Major Sponsor Living Edge, and the opportunity to promote his work through Indesign Media Group.

Enter Launch Pad today, for your chance to win the 2012 Ultimate Launch Package, including a $10,000 grant from How We Create, the opportunity to have your product retailed through Major Sponsor, Living Edge and a 12 month advertising campaign with Indesign Group.

Jonathon Logan
jonathonlogan.com