Advertise on podcast: Object: stories of design and craft

Host Lisa Cahill meets with the winner of the 2025 MAKE Award, metalsmith and jeweller Cinnamon Lee. Cinnamon tells us about her hybrid practice combining jewellery and lighting, the intricate process of making her winning work Noctua, and the hidden meanings embedded throughout the piece. You'll hear from judges Brian Parkes and Simone LeAmon on what made Cinnamon's work a prize-winning piece. Sydney-based artist Cinnamon Lee is trained as a gold and silversmith, creating wearable objects in the form of jewellery and non-wearable objects in the form of lighting. Her practice is characterised by meticulous hand-crafted detail, hidden elements, and a fascination with creating "more than meets the eye." Lee has been a practising artist for 30 years, having studied and taught at the Canberra School of Art's Gold and Silversmithing workshop. GuestsCinnamon Lee, metalsmith and jewellerBrian Parkes, CEO at JamFactory, Adelaide, South AustraliaSimone LeAmon, inaugural curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria Show highlights and takeaways[00:03] Secrets and hidden beauty "Everybody likes a secret." Cinnamon Lee introduces her philosophy on jewellery and the personal relationship between object and wearer. She discusses her practice of hiding gemstones – sometimes partially, sometimes completely – inside rings and other pieces. [02:54] A young metalworker Cinnamon describes how she discovered metalworking at age 17 through Enmore Design Centre, where her mother was teaching. "Once I was in that workshop it was like I'd found my calling, which I feel really fortunate about because it happened quite quickly." She spent the next decade studying and eventually teaching at the Canberra School of Art's Gold and Silversmithing workshop with Johannes Kuhnan and Ragnar Hansen. "It completely changed my life, that workshop." [04:47] Cinnamon's practice Cinnamon explains that she creates both wearable objects (jewellery) and non-wearable objects (lighting), often using very precious materials. [00:05:12] Winning the 2025 MAKE Award Lisa congratulates Cinnamon on winning the MAKE Award, biennial prize for innovation in Australian craft and design. "It feels especially meaningful given that I am now marking the 30th year of being a practising artist. So to have this recognition by the craft and design community is very special." Cinnamon reflects on her long relationship with the Australian Design Centre, dating back to her first exhibition as a student in 1995 at the Crafts Council of New South Wales Space in the Rocks, Sydney. [06:44] Noctua: the winning work Lisa asks about the meaning of Noctua, and Cinnamon explains it's the genus name for a cutworm, a type of nocturnal moth, with the Latin translation meaning Little Owl. The object is a hybrid creation – a slender standing lamp made of stainless steel, just over one and a half metres tall, with a cylindrical head containing the light source. But it holds secrets: "As well as being a lamp, it also contains a wearable brooch. So the wearable...

A deep drive into seven key works by Helen Britton, from her current exhibition The Story So Far.  In this audio tour, Helen describes how she made each work, her techniques and materials, and the stories behind each piece. The Story So Far is a major solo, touring exhibition that honors Helen Britton as the tenth artist in the series Living Treasures: Masters of Australian Craft. Living Treasures recognises eminent Australian craftspeople, celebrating their mastery of skill, their achievements and the unique place they occupy in the national design culture.  Featured works and excerpts1. My Godmother's House A set of 20 photographs taken in northeast New South Wales near Yamba on Yaegl Country.  Over several years I took over 700 photographs. We've selected twenty for the exhibition. What was really fascinating for me were the collections within the house. Shell collections, stone collections, gathered objects and how they were arranged. And then, of course, the path of time. So you'll often see the dust. I was very interested in photographing the the dust as a metaphor, the material reality of time passing.2.  The Mysterious Path of Matter and Time A small cabinet framed by branches.  A work made out of my childhood detritus [using] a cabinet that I made about 30 years ago, and cement branches.  The cement branches does give it a ritualised, almost relique object-like atmosphere, which is what I was trying to achieve. It's also in the true sense of the expression cemented into eternity. Cement is a very interesting material because it is so stable and has such a long life. And it's an ancient material, which I think we also tend to forget.3.  Junkyard Three A monumental necklace made of many parts.  I've created a piece using absolutely everything I could find leftover in my studio, and put it together. I've used the circle and bone catch for many years. For me, it is an interesting way to close a necklace, a circular necklace, with these two symbols.And the rest of the pieces in Junkyard Three are often leftovers from my industrial series. Works preoccupied with the kind of environment that I grew up with in Newcastle in the 1970s and early eighties where BHP was kind of at its peak. For example, all of the barrels and rods that you would see lying around on the periphery of industrial areas.4.  The Magic Cupboard  When I was told I was to be the Living Treasure of Australian Craft, I decided to create a kind of 'cabinet of wonders' that included everything going back to my early childhood, the things that kind of triggered my imagination over all of those years. And include archival works. On the bottom shelf, there is a porcelain plate painted by my godmother that she made that as a gift to me. She was very interested to make something not conventional, because she thought I'd appreciate that more. It's quite a dynamic drawing of geckos. On the top shelf are a pile of airplanes made by my brother.In the drawer, some of my dolls, put to rest.5.  The Big and The Small Things A large wall piece of paintings and jewelry depicting animals and bones.  I guess the bones make this work much more sombre. They're often... what's left over. After we've eaten an animal or what's left...

Helen Britton is a multidisciplinary Australian artist based in Munich, Germany. Her practice includes jewellery, sculpture, drawings, stencils and installations, and is informed by popular culture, threatened traditions, environmental destruction and human anxiety. The Australian Design Centre honoured Helen as a Living Treasure in 2025. GuestsJulie Ewington is a writer and a curator and sometimes a broadcaster living on Gadigal land in Sydney. Show highlights and takeawaysChildhood in Newcastle [00:05] Growing up in working-class Newcastle exposed Helen to industrial processes that became foundational to her art. "We were taken as tiny children to the BHP and we watched them pour tonnes of molten steel... Watching this steel for making ships being poured... It was fairly impressive." These early experiences with molten materials and manufacturing processes sparked her lifelong fascination with material transformation. Creative making was everyday life [5:00] Helen's mother encouraged constant making. "You'd spend your weekend, doing stuff making things, gluing things together, sewing things, not necessarily always practical things." Her grandfather was a blacksmith who even shod horses for the Australian Olympic team, embedding craft traditions deeply in family life. Making material connections[6:00] Helen was drawn to understanding material processes from start to finish. "Thinking about the connection between the grass and the cow, and the milk and the butter and the ice cream that was made. This was really important to me as a child. I loved making those connections in my mind." Helen's Godmother's house [7:00] At her godmother Kath Carr's house on Yaegl Country near Yamba, Helen painted porcelain, pressed flowers, and made jewelry with polished stones. "There was never any hierarchy of what you did, it flowed from one activity to the other. And I think that was incredibly formative for me as an artist." Comprehensive art education foundation [10:00] Helen completed 12 years of university education across Newcastle, Sydney, and Perth. At Edith Cowan University, she did "13 hours a week for three years" of life drawing, plus printmaking, textiles, painting, photography, and cultural studies - building a thorough technical foundation. Julie Ewington's discovery moment [11:00] Curator Julie Ewington describes receiving Helen's master's degree work: "A beautiful wooden little box... with 15 or 20 objects each in their own little compartment... mostly broaches... unexpected combinations of things like pearls and plastic, silver and tin. She's no respecter of conventional value." Research drives material choices [14:00] Helen's material selection comes from deep historical research. "I get fascinated by certain, often objects or practices or geographical locations and their histories. And so I will then go and find out about them. I'll research them." Glass birds led to Thuringia discovery [14:20] A chance encounter at a Munich Christmas market with glass ornaments led to exploring the 500-year history of glassmaking in Thuringia's forests. Glass makers settled there in 1497 after being "driven from through one of the many wars out of Bohemia" because the region had "forests, sand and water" - everything needed for glassmaking. Long-term process [17:00] Helen's research and creative process happens over many years. Describing her work in Thuringia, "I started in 2001, researching there... And I couldn't make work about that experience until 2007. And then subsequent exhibitions around the glass animals happened in 2009, 2018, 2020...

Host Lisa Cahill chats with master metalsmith Johannes Kuhnen.  Johannes Kuhnen is one of the pioneers of anodised aluminium metalwork. In this episode, Johannes explains why he finds anodising annoying, and his design process. Hear from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on his MAKE Award entry, Remnant Green. Johannes Kuhnen is one of Australia's most well recognised silversmiths. Johannes' practice has remained at the forefront of innovation, in particular his pioneering use of anodised aluminium. A fascination with the colour options of the aluminium continue to provide inspiration for his work and have also inspired many others to explore such potential. Guests Johannes KuhnenJason Smith, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery, VictoriaHyeyoung CHO, Chair of the Korea Association of Art and Design, and expert panel member of the Loewe Foundation Craft PrizeBrian Parkes, CEO at JamFactory, Adelaide, South Australia Credits Object is a podcast of the Australian Design Centre and is made on Gadigal Country in Sydney, Australia. It's hosted by CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill and produced by Jane Curtis, in collaboration with Lisa Cahill. Sound Engineering is by John Jacobs.

Host Lisa Cahill chats with partners in life and work, Csilla Csongvay and Matt Blackwood. In this episode, Csilla and Matt share the inspirations behind their work, what it takes to enter an award, and how they made a single sculpture from 100 pieces of clay. Hear from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on their work, Walk the Line Version 7. Guests Csilla CsongvayMatt BlackwoodJason Smith, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery, VictoriaHyeyoung CHO, Chair of the Korea Association of Art and Design, and expert panel member of the Loewe Foundation Craft PrizeBrian Parkes, CEO at JamFactory, Adelaide, South Australia Credits Object is a podcast of the Australian Design Centre and is made on Gadigal Country in Sydney, Australia. It's hosted by CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill and produced by Jane Curtis, in collaboration with Lisa Cahill. Sound Engineering is by John Jacobs.

Host Lisa Cahill chats with contemporary jeweller Julie Blyfield. Hear how Julie's MAKE Award entry is inspired by love and loss.  Julie Blyfield is a South Australian artist renowned for her work inspired by collected botanical specimens and forms. Using the traditional metalsmithing techniques of chasing and repoussé, Blyfield makes intricately textured pieces, which capture the essence of the Australian natural landscape. Award judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes share their thoughts on Julie’s work Memento Vivere (Remember to live). Episode photo by Grant Hancock. Guests Julie Blyfield, contemporary jewellerJason Smith, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery, VictoriaHyeyoung CHO, Chair of the Korea Association of Art and Design, and expert panel member of the Loewe Foundation Craft PrizeBrian Parkes, CEO at JamFactory, Adelaide, South Australia Credits Object is a podcast of the Australian Design Centre and is made on Gadigal Country in Sydney, Australia. It's hosted by CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill and produced by Jane Curtis, in collaboration with Lisa Cahill. Sound Engineering is by John Jacobs.

Meet clothing designers High Tea With Mrs Woo. Rowena, Angela and Juliana Foong are three sisters who run a clothing label that focuses on sustainability and ethical production and who collaborate on design, making, mending and more.  In this episode, you'll hear comments from MAKE Award judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes. And find out, Who is Mrs Woo? What are the innovative ideas behind their work Resilience Coat? High Tea with Mrs Woo is a sustainable fashion practice, crafting clothes and accessories for modern thoughtful living. Their work features natural fibre fabrics, ethically made, through circular design. Credits Object is a podcast of the Australian Design Centre and is made on Gadigal Country in Sydney, Australia. It's hosted by CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill and produced by Jane Curtis, in collaboration with Lisa Cahill. Sound Engineering is by John Jacobs.

Meet the winner of the Inaugural MAKE Award, ceramic artist Vipoo Srivilasa. Vipoo tells us about the themes that inspire his work, the process of making the winning piece Diverse Dominion Deities, his strategic approach to the MAKE award, and Vipoo's ongoing charity project 'Clay For'. Hear comments from judges Jason Smith, Hyeyoung Cho and Brian Parkes on what made this sculpture a prize-winning work.  About Vipoo Srivilasa Melbourne-based, Thai-born Australian artist Vipoo Srivilasa creates artwork that is positive, accessible, and beautiful. His practice primarily focuses on ceramics, though he also produces works on paper, mixed-media sculptures, bronze statues, and large-scale public art installations. He often incorporates food and interactive performance into his ceramic projects, creating a unique and immersive experience for viewers. Guests Vipoo Srivilasa, ceramic artistJason Smith, Director and CEO of Geelong Gallery VictoriaHyeyoung Cho, Chair of the Korea Association of Art and Design, and expert panel member of the Loewe Foundation Craft PrizeBrian Parkes, CEO at Jam Factory in Adelaide, South Australia Credits Object is a podcast of the Australian Design Centre and is made on Gadigal Country in Sydney, Australia. It's hosted by CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill and produced by Jane Curtis, in collaboration with Lisa Cahill. Sound Engineering is by John Jacobs. Image episode photo by Simon Strong.

Series 3 introduces the winner, four finalists and the judges of Australia’s newest and richest award for contemporary craft - the MAKE Award. This major new national award by us, the Australian Design Centre, celebrates innovation in contemporary craft and design. Over five episodes you’ll meet winner Vipoo Srivilasa and finalists the Foong Sisters (High Tea with Mrs Woo), Julie Blyfield, Csilla Csongvay and Matt Blackwood (Csongvay Blackwood), and Johannes Kuhnen.  You’ll hear the stories behind their work, and reflections and comments from the MAKE Award judges. “An award can establish a career,” Johannes Kuhnen. Object is a podcast by the Australian Design Centre and is hosted its CEO and Artistic Director, Lisa Cahill. Produced by Jane Curtis and sound by John Jacobs. Produced on Gadigal and Wangal Country in Sydney, Australia.

Meet Powerhouse curator Eva Czernis-Ryl and hear The skills of a museum curatorHow curators select and interpret objects What makes a work of ceramics suitable for a museum collection?The unique history of ceramics collected by the Powerhouse And hear ceramic artist and former editor of The Australian Journal of Ceramics Vicki Grima on setting up a ‘living bequest’ fund for ceramics. Eva Czernis-Ryl is an art and design historian and curator of Arts and Design at the Powerhouse in Sydney. Vicki Grima, OAM, was the editor of The Journal of Australian Ceramics and CEO of the Australian Ceramics Association from 2005 to February 2023. She’s also a practicing ceramic artist. Object is a podcast of the Australian Design Centre. We'd like to thank Visions of Australia, the Federal government’s regional exhibition touring program for funding support towards this podcast. Object is hosted by Lisa Cahill and produced by Jane Curtis, with production support from Alix Fiveash. Sound Engineering is by John Jacobs.

Meet ceramics artist and writer Robyn Phelan and hear: What makes a good piece of writing about visual art?How she wrote about a Damon Moon exhibitionHow can we get critique back into Australian arts commentary?How to use writing in your arts practice, andTips for new arts writers.   And, hear fine art photographer Greg Piper on What makes a good photograph of ceramics?How to get the narrative of your work across through a photo, andWhy you should have your work professionally photographed. Robyn Phelan is a writer, a ceramics artist and an educator. She writes regularly for The Australian Journal of Ceramics, and her other writing includes exhibition text and catalogues, reviews and articles. Robyn’s website https://robynphelan.com.au/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robynphelan/ Greg Piper is a fine art photographer and "passionate image maker to the arts community". His work includes artist portraits, exhibitions and publications. Greg's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blinkneye/ Object is hosted by the Australian Design Centre CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill. It's produced by Jane Curtis with production support by Alix Fiveash. Sound engineering by John Jacobs. Thanks to Visions of Australia, the Federal government’s regional exhibition touring program for funding support towards this podcast.

What are the many ways to learn ceramics? How do you find your own sense of touch with clay? If you’re thinking about a hobby class or applying for a university or TAFE course, what’s good to know? Hear different approaches on teaching with clay, including from a Japanese production pottery, and a wishlist for the future of ceramics education in Australia. What’s on your list? Guests Jane Sawyer, founder and teacher at Slow Clay MelbourneJulie Bartholomew, former Head of Ceramics at ANU and ceramics artist

How do you start a ceramics collection? Tips on collecting for beginners, how to collect from galleries, how to make a collecting group and how to administer and document your collection. The guests are Brett Stone, artist, art dealer and founding director of Claypool communal pottery studios; Jane Sawyer, founder and teacher at Slow Clay Melbourne; and Jenna Price and John Kavanagh, ceramics collectors. Hosted by Lisa Cahill, CEO and Artistic Director of the Australian Design Centre. Produced by Jane Curtis with production support from Alix Fiveash. Sound engineering by John Jacobs.

Ilona Topolcsanyi makes bespoke tableware for some of Australia's most notable chefs. She’s even made plates that world leaders have eaten from, like Barack Obama, Angela Merkel and Xi JinPing. Hear how Ilona designs and makes by hand large orders of beautiful, hard-wearing and functional tableware.  Learn how she works with chefs as a problem-solver, figuring out how to make bowls where the sauce sits perfectly. Ilona and her partner Colin Hopkins run their business Cone 11 in Naam, Melbourne. Their tableware has subtle surfaces that range from shimmering pearly whites to rich encrusted terracottas.  Some of the restaurants Ilona has created work for include:  Dan Hunter: Brae, Birregurra VictoriaJoel Bickford: Aria, Sydney NSW Josh Lopez: The Wolfe East Brisbane QLDSeth James: Wills Domain, Margaret River WA Guests Ilona Topolcsanyi    https://www.cone11.com.au/Josh Lopez is the chef and owner of The Wolfe East Brisbane, Queensland https://www.thewolferestaurant.com/Dan Hunter is the chef and owner of Brae, Birregurra, Victoria   https://braerestaurant.com/  Full Show Notes Read the highlights and takeaways, and see photos of Ilona's work with Josh Lopez and Dan Hunter on the Show Notes page for this episode on the Australian Design Centre website. Credits Object is hosted by Lisa Cahill, with production by Jane Curtis and sound engineering by John Jacobs. It's made with support from Visions of Australia regional touring program.

From production pottery to learning and teaching ceramics, museum collections and personal collecting - this season of Object is all about making with clay. Over five episodes you’ll meet Ilona Topolcsanyai, Brett Stone, Jane Sawyer, Robyn Phelan and Eva Czernis-Ryl. You’ll hear from other artists too, and their advice for makers. Object is a podcast by the Australian Design Centre.  It’s hosted by Lisa Cahill, with production by Jane Curtis and sound engineering by John Jacobs.