Matt Dwyer’s rebirth under the name Fio says it all. Twelve years into a successful career as a jeweller and metalsmith, Dwyer has established a collective from his inner Brisbane studio which brings together a number of interests and threads from his diverse practice. Fio, he tells me, is Latin for “to become/ to be made/ to create”.

“The idea is to work together with artists from other disciplines, working as a team,” says Dwyer. “ It’s so crazy to be all working in insular environments in separate studios, all trying to do projects we can’t really afford. Fio creates a hub, a forum to talk about ideas and to look into funding opportunities.”

Joining forces instead of competing with one another is well aligned with the dynamism and generosity of the current Queensland design scene. Dwyer is excited that some of the best designers in the country practice in the Sunshine State, and both state government and manufacturing support are well set up to allow for refined products and limited edition production.

For the full text turn to page 108 of Indesign #41 on newsstands now.