So my usual weekend routine of sleeping past noon and not getting out of my pyjamas ‘til after six – ditto on making my bed – was crushed and slashed and rudely turned upside down by none other than a bower bird. Bowerbird Bazaar that is, which had convinced my mum it had something to offer, to which she had subsequently convinced herself I was coming with.
Bowerbird Bazaar is a design market bringing to Adelaide some of the best designers of art and wares our fare country has to offer. It is open to both the public and appropriate retailers and businesses, with a private showing on the opening Friday for people in the trade, and a free-for-all for us public folk the ensuing Saturday and Sunday.
Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. To say the most I was fricken’ thrilled, running around like a banshee, pushing those slow old-lady-types out the way, and spending everything I had vowed to save. But who needs money for a rainy day when you can have the most spectacular matte finish sterling silver rings, gorgeous recycled hard cover journals, amaze-balls reinvigorated ‘60s lamp shades, regal/bad arse Tasmanian timber chandeliers, and some seriously doped-up-on-swag jewellery, now?
My first slap in the face came from schmücken, with none other than the fabulous designer herself, Sarah Ware, manning the stall. My first thought was to cut off her finger and glue it on the end of my right hand. Ok, so in real time I’d settle for just the rings adorning it.
Schmücken offers more than rings, they just happen to be my valium parallel in this medicated society; you know, the be all and the end all of my life. Brisbane based Sarah also designs and hand crafts necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, which can be custom made and redesigned to suit individual needs and tastes. The schmücken range is made solely of sterling silver and influenced by architecture and the built environment, shown in the geometric forms and art deco inspired detailing. Focused on wearability, schmücken designs are constructed of moveable parts and are incredibly versatile; I love my rings stacked but they look just as effective worn individually.
Rebound Books were a head-dunk in the toilet. Imagine how incredibly excited I was when my three loves – hard cover books, quality paper, and anything vintage – were bound together; literally. Natalie and Ben Mason had the light bulb idea of saving old books, gently prising their hard covers off, inserting 100% recycled Australian paper, and binding it all together to make your new journal/sketchbook/address book/whatever you want it to be. And they each hold a lovely surprise – the books are peppered, at sporadic points throughout, with pages of the original text (so as not to cause separation anxiety I’m sure).
Each cover is unique; mine has a beautiful stain across the front and a long forgotten hand written message on the inside. As if they weren’t fabulous enough, they made themselves even more loveable by using only vegetable based inks; book bliss.
Tamara Watts Retro Print Revival lamps were a kick in the pants. Safe to say her stall lit up the market, with the light bulbs – yeah we get it, but mostly with the fantastic, zany, retro prints of the lamp shades. I instantly fell in love and booked a flight to Melbourne. Ok so I didn’t book a flight to Melbourne, but not only does Tamara create one of a kind lamps and lampshades with each design made from original vintage materials in 1960’s floral and paisley patterns and bold 1970’s geometrics, she also custom makes. Yes, if you visit her studio in Melbourne you can select from a range of fabrics and lamp bases to design your dream lamp. Sigh.
I was practically knocked out by the swift elbow of Who Did That’s Grandeliers – these sustainable Tasmanian timber made chandeliers and floor lamps are to die. Queensland born and raised, now Tasmanian settled, Loz Abberton, draws on her rural background and environmental conscience when designing her flat-pack beauty queens. Loz’s graphic design and fashion background coupled with her greenness has you furnishing your place with the excuse of doing the environment a favour. Though you can sometimes find acrylic, but it’s only until plant-based plastics become commercially available people. So grab more than one, trust me, you’re going to want to.
My final beat down came from bRainbow. But how can I call it that when all of bRainbow’s products make you want to sing and dance while giggling and holding hands? Graphic designer/senior art director Orrr and collaborator Akiko, have truly hit on the coolest way to have fun with your jewellery and other wares. Think sci-fi robots, old school TV sets, and sinister foxes smoking pipes, with some spectacular pieces in – wait for it – 3D! If you can imagine it, bRainbow make it. All products are created laser-cut and pieced together by hand in their Sydney home studio. The 3D wooden products don’t even require glue. Drawing inspiration from 80s retro coupled with contemporary design, you’ll be smiling all over town; except for when you’ve bought too many goodies and maxed out your card.
Not only does Bowerbird Bazaar offer incredibly cool design delights, they also blast laid back tunes, offer interactive demonstrations and activities, and sell great coffee and gourmet treats.
The next show (as market is too underrated a word) is July 20-22, and the Christmas event November 9-11, all held in the Stirling Angas Pavilion at the Adelaide Show Grounds. So get there.
