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      Australiaโ€™s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
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Antoinette Ferwerda on her inspiration & stunning new prints

March 22, 2016 3 Comments

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Another week, another Aussie artist whose work we have well and truly fallen for! Today, meet Antoinette Ferwerda, the Melbourne talent behind these beautiful paintings. We think you’ll love the story behind her becoming a full-time artist, proving that science and creativity aren’t as far removed as you might think.

new bed shot
Antoinetteย started creating works of art aged around three, all over her parents’ walls! Luckily, they forgave her and fostered her creativity. “Iย was constantly drawing, sketching, painting and writing and illustrating stories,” she says. “I even drew up plans for my dream home. I guess there was never a time when I didnโ€™t think of myself as an artist. At eight years of age, I received my first microscope. This was a pivotal time in my life. My early observations of insect wings, flowers and water droplets started a lifelong obsession with pattern, art, design and science.”

04

So it’s perhaps not entirely (if a little) surprising that Antoinette ended up working in pharmaceuticals. Although she was passionate about being an artist, the sensible side of her thought she’d better getย a ‘proper’ job to pay the bills.ย “Iโ€™m not the only artist to grapple that challenge, and I wonโ€™t be the last.ย Working in the corporate world of โ€˜big-pharmaโ€™ in sales for over 10 years saw me develop my career, while still creating paintings. I learned valuable business skills — sales, product development, budgets, marketing and people management โ€“ all skills you need as an artist too.” In the evenings and on weekends, she painted, determined to sell her workย and one day start her own art business.

ANTOINETTE_JBLOM_HIRES8

It was becoming a mum which finally allowed her to transition into a full-time artistic career as she negotiated small children. “Having a very supportive husband, somewhere amongst the nappies, feeding and sleep cycles, I managed to carve out creative time in my dedicated art studio. My passion to focus on creating art as my vocation evolved over time and Iโ€™m extremely grateful that I have successfully created a business that satisfies my artistic drive and stirs connections in others.”

02

That was 10 years ago.ย  During this time, Antoinette says she’s learnt a lot about herself and her creative abilities, while sayingย โ€˜yesโ€™ to just about every creative project going to grow her skill base and build her confidence. “Becoming a full-time artist seemed to open up opportunities for me. There have been some intensely enriching moments, like my very first solo exhibition after months of late nights in the studio. Nothing will ever replace that memory of ย sold-out sales of all of my original artworks.”

Thereย have beenย a few bumps in the road along the way too, of course, like the first time she saw one of her designs โ€˜borrowedโ€™, slightly altered and claimed by someone else. Antoinette was frustrated and disappointed. “Working as a full-time artist requires every ounce of my passion, dedication, determination, courage and trust in myself that I can innovate faster than others can imitate.”

She describes her style as abstract impressionist and her paintings combine mixed media on canvas or linen. “Many of my paintings contain abstract shapes with layers of colour blocking. For many buyers who are attracted to my landscapes, their abstract yet somehow familiar interpretations of the Australian outback and coastline seem to really resonate. I like to think my style evokes hopefulness, positivity and pure pleasure.”

Herย inspiration comes from nature, science, architecture, fashion, interior design, family history, psychology, travel, cultural tradition and sociology; pretty much everywhere! “My art and design practice really are triggered by simple, random observations โ€“ the colour of a flower in my garden, shapes in clouds or the patterns on the sand from waves washing the shore. Surface patterns on living and non-living things are one of my obsessions. Iโ€™m inspired by my childrenโ€™s drawings, stories or when they read poetry, paint or even build Lego. I also often listen to music whilst I paint which helps me find the subconscious space where my painting takes over.”

05

Antoinette’s rightfully proud of her latest prints, pictured here, which combine her science and art backgrounds beautifully. They’re a curated selection of limited edition reproductions from her original 2015 paintings for herย โ€˜Alchemyโ€™ solo exhibition. “Early chemists, known as alchemists, were inspired by ancient traditions and ย attempted to transmute base metals like tin and lead to form noble metals like gold. I was fascinated by their work and incorporated gold, silver or copper metallic leaf in my works. I loved exploring the transmutation and colour change process using mixed media. My New Galactic prints and the symbolic We Have Met Before butterfly print are just luminous.”

She’s happy to be able to open up her work to more people and make it more affordable. “Selling limited edition art prints has been a satisfying process in showcasing my art and introducing my painting style to diverse art buyers. Offering an accessible price point has been important for my business growth.ย Iโ€™ve enjoyed a successful association with wholesaler representation. Greenhouse Interiors has styled my art prints alongside gorgeous homewares, and this has led to greater awareness of my artwork.”

03

“Art and interiors are intrinsically linked, whether a room is designed around a painting or a painting is hung within a space to create colour, evoke feeling or start a narrative,” she says. “Art is personal and subjective, it may hold great meaning or sometimes be something you simply loved at first sight. When choosing art, I like to feel a connection with the piece โ€“ maybe itโ€™s the colour or the composition, the technique or subject matter, the artistโ€™s story or the title of the painting.”

If youโ€™re keen to start an art collection and have limited experience, she recommends starting at your local gallery. “Supporting existing and emerging artists is a great way to build your confidence and appreciation for varied artworks and styles. Ask questions of the gallery staff as you grow your understanding of the artist, their process, and themes and mediums used. You may be surprised by how comfortable you begin to feel within the gallery space — just keep following your instincts, and enjoy the process of opening yourself up to artworks.” From a more practical perspective, think about where you will hang the painting, what mood it bring to your space and if the dimensions will fit your wall.

06

“Be brave, a little spontaneous, carry your measuring tape, remain open-minded and you could be on the way to starting your own art collectionโ€ฆ you are in for a wonderful journey!”

Antoinette is also the creative talent behind towel brand Ninnho.

View Antoinette’s paintings and limitedย editionย prints atย www.antoinetteferwerda.com.au.ย Wholesale enquiries for limited edition prints to [email protected]

Styling by Noรซl Coughlan for Greenhouse Interiors (assisted by Tara Carroll)ย | Photography by Armelle Habib

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Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than F Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than French onion?

I think not!

Grab the recipe on the blog this morning via link in bio.
Get to know me! I haven't done one of these in YE Get to know me!

I haven't done one of these in YEARS so there's possibly thousands of you who don't know my back story. Here's a few things you may not know about me!

โœ”๏ธ I'm English ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ and I moved here (just for one year) back in 2008๐Ÿ˜† 

โœ”๏ธ I can't end the day without a bath, even if I get home really late or on a really hot day. It's a mental health thing and my happy place. ๐Ÿ› 

โœ”๏ธ Before becoming a blogger and running my own small business, I was a journalist from the age of 18. My favourite news gathering times were as a newspaper crime reporter (bit different to interiors!) ๐Ÿ““ 

โœ”๏ธ I once worked at New Scotland Yard in London ๐Ÿš” 

โœ”๏ธI had an interview at Oxford (didn't get in!) but chose not to go to uni at all after being offered a job on the local paper #universityoflife ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My mum died when I was 3, I have an excellent dad and one sister (younger) in the UK โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง 

โœ”๏ธ At school, my favourite subject was French ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท and I was head girl ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿค“

โœ”๏ธ I'm addicted to โ˜•๏ธ , long hot baths and๐Ÿ’„ (been wearing it since I was about 14!)

โœ”๏ธ I'm not a phonecall person and will never ever pick up an unknown number. Ever. They can leave a message ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My favourite cuisine is Japanese ๐Ÿฃ ๐Ÿœ and Damian and I honeymooned in Tokyo and Venice 

โœ”๏ธ I have zero design qualifications. I just started blogging about my passion, which is trying to persuade everyone to #heartyourhome That was 11 years ago...

โœ”๏ธ My favourite tipple is a good GnT or๐Ÿท 

โœ”๏ธ Cheesy as it sounds, ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธbeing a mum is my absolute biggest joy in life ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿ‘ฆ

โœ”๏ธ I will never give up my old school paper diary! Has to be A5 and week to view ๐Ÿ“– 

โœ”๏ธ My official surname isn't Bishop. I kept my maiden name for work after I got married but changed it for everything else. Often confuse myself!

โœ”๏ธ I didn't get my Ps until I was 37 and I'm still a terrible parker ๐Ÿ˜ฏ ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ

Hope you feel like you know me a bit better ๐Ÿ˜˜

๐Ÿ“ธ @vanlowvanlow
Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ @nood_co coloured con Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ 

@nood_co coloured concrete basins is a great Aussie business success story. Although co founder Matt Di Costa first found fame as one half of Matt and Kim on The Block, he hasn't relied on this to build his brand.

โ€œWe are very honoured to have been a part ofย The Block, and all they have done for us. I am, however, a believer in letting the product take centre stage,โ€ he says.

Read our interview with Matt via link in bio now.

๐Ÿ™Share your favourite colour basin in the comments!

#colouredconcrete #noodco #colouredbasin #blockheads #the block #bathroomtrends2022

Pic 1 by @naibudesign_ and 2 by @twostyleinteriors
I'd love to see more colour in Aussie interiors! I'd love to see more colour in Aussie  interiors! ๐ŸŽจ 

At the end of the day though, it's a matter of personal taste. I love pops of colour but it's not for everyone. 

We couldn't resist featuring this Canadian house tour today. The amazing Kelly Green  hutch (swipe) was an upcycled $200 find ๐Ÿค—

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the rest including one of the best playrooms we've seen in ages!

Project by @in.house.design
๐Ÿ“ธ @philcrozier
Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis o Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis on light and nature.

That was the brief for the conversion of a corner shop and a warehouse bakery into a luxury family home in Sydney's Newtown. And how about the library?!

Take the tour of this very special @annacarindesign project on the blog now, via link in bio.

Pic: @justinalexanderphoto
The things that excite me as a 40 year old ๐Ÿคญ N The things that excite me as a 40 year old ๐Ÿคญ

None of us enjoy laundry (OK, there are a few of you out there who do. Weird!) but we have to do it. And often. So if your laundry bin can be as good looking, functional and space saving as this, then why wouldn't you?!

I've lost track of how many baskets I've thrown out because they've gone soggy or mouldy. They look pretty, sure, but they're not fit for purpose and they're often messy and overflowing.

Here's what I love about his @brabantia_australia one:

โœ”๏ธ ventilation holes
โœ”๏ธ no need to remove the lid for small items plus it hides your dirty laundry from view
โœ”๏ธ easily removable and washable inner laundry bag that velcros back on 
โœ”๏ธ corrosion resistant so fine in bathroom or laundry 
โœ”๏ธ Brabantia make things as sustainably as possible
โœ”๏ธ compact, sleek, European design
โœ”๏ธ 10 year warranty
โœ”๏ธ tall and skinny so takes up less floor in my tiny laundry

The Rolls Royce of laundry bins? I think so ๐Ÿ‘Œ๐Ÿป

TOLD you this was going to be exciting!

Now I need to know, do you have your laundry basket in the bathroom, the laundry, every bedroom? We used to have one in each bedroom but moved to the laundry-only situation which I much prefer (one for colours and one for whites). My boys know to put their used clothes in the bin in the laundry each night and they're 7 and 3!  #raisingfuturehusbands

#gifted
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Comments

  1. AvatarGary P says

    March 29, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    Love it all, Nette, keep keeping it real!

    Reply
  2. Avatarhenatayeb says

    March 30, 2016 at 11:48 pm

    Beautiful pieces.

    Reply
  3. Avatarmel cohen says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:00 am

    Love the bright contrast colors of the prints vs the pale grey walls.Also floor to ceiling French slider!

    Reply

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