North Queensland artist and designer, Kristin Tennyson, explains her eclectic approach to design.
February 2nd, 2009
“The other day I found an old tapestry that I loved, and it must have been made with a lot of care,” says Kristin Tennyson, “I sewed part of it on one side of a bag and I used fabrics and found objects that the narrative of the tapestry inspired.”
Arriving in Australia in 1993, Canadian-born Tennyson studied Fine Art at university, but now spends about half her time designing and making one-of-a-kind bags, totes and satchels.
Her creations, she says, are often inspired by found objects that tell a story and dictate the design to her. At other times Tennyson fits her designs to a preconceived narrative, or to fit the personality of its intended owner.
Tennyson began designing her bags for an exhibition for Kick Arts, Centre for Contemporary Arts in Cairns, but has since exhibited at Brisbane’s artisan. “Each bag was designed based on a location in Cairns, using materials and objects that related and told a narrative about each place.”
The Cairns-based artist and designer has also created a number of upholstered ottomans for artist collective The Upholstery, however continues to focus her energy on her art and her bags.
“I remember my first sewing project in school, I actually almost failed because I didn’t […] use the pattern my home economics teacher gave us – I made my own pattern and used my grandma’s old quilting fabrics and knitting needles to create the skirt,” she says.
“I always was a collector of objects and fabrics. A bit of a bowerbird I guess, it is nice that I can put that habit to good use now.”
Kristin Tennyson
tennysontote.com.au
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
What do you get when you cross an interior designer with a premium automotive brand? In this artistic collaboration with Mazda, Danielle Brustman has created three chairs inspired by three Mazda models.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
The official launch of the 2024 WA Architect Awards opens today – Wednesday 1st May – with the opening of the AIA WA Awards Exhibition.
Warren and Mahoney’s mixed-use project in Auckland is approaching full occupancy, with big plans across hospitality, workplace, retail and more.