Assembly Label Summer Art Collections

This holiday season, Assembly Label presents a curated offering of bespoke pieces by local artists. For a limited time these homewares and design objects will be available to purchase exclusively through select Assembly Label stores, which is the perfect opportunity to discover new creatives. Here, we meet the artists that will feature in stores this summer, reflecting on the year that was and sharing a few holiday traditions.

Elise Eales, artist and founder of di Lunedì

This summer, you’ll find a selection of di Lunedì terracotta vases and painted tableware in Assembly Label’s Mosman, Fortitude Valley and Armadale stores. The artist behind these pieces is Elise Eales, whose career path was inevitably set in clay having “grown up in a pottery studio.” Based in Northern NSW, Elise’s practice finds inspiration and meaning further abroad, in Italy, where she recently completed an artist residency.

How would you describe your artistic practice in a few words?

I create objects mostly in clay and sometimes in brass. I have always gravitated to tactile objects that become a part of daily routines. I particularly love Italian ceramics and the technique of majolica, that it allows you to paint either the most detailed or naive designs directly onto clay. The limitless possibilities and the decorative effects keep me learning continuously.

What inspired your work in 2022?

Italy is a constant inspiration but this year I was particularly inspired by the artist residency I did for a month in Naples. I spent a lot of time researching more about Italian majolica techniques and was thoroughly immersed in the beauty of age-worn tiles and objects.

What’s at the top of your wish list this holiday season?

The Alessi Pulcina espresso coffee maker in red and any beautiful mid century artist books.

Is there anything from Assembly Label you have your eye on?

Too many things... I have been planning a trip back to Italy next year for a Mediterranean summer, so the swimwear and linen shirts are a favourite.

Favourite holiday season karaoke song?

My Baby Just Cares for Me by Nina Simone.

Favourite holiday season movie?

There’s something about old black and white movies at this time of the year. Anything with Katherine Hepburn played on the projector outside.

What have been your highlights of 2022?

The daily enjoyment of working in the studio and creating things I love. My collaboration on a collection of print posters with Hôtel Magique and spending time in Naples exploring art and the Amalfi islands.

What has the past year taught you?

Try not to overthink everything and enjoy the moment.

Your New Years resolution for 2023?

A feeling of more balance in my day to day and more travel adventures.

Jess Sellinger, ceramic artist

This won’t be the first time Jess Sellinger’s sculptural ceramic works have graced an Assembly Label store — in 2022 she participated in our Artist in Residence series with a collection of cobalt-coloured works. Now, you can purchase a selection of her bowls, trays and candleholders at our Paddington, Pacific Fair and Fitzroy stores.

How would you describe your artistic practice in a few words?

Constantly evolving and embracing the new.

What inspired your work in 2022?

A lot of my work this year was formed through experimentation and embracing mistakes made while making. Through these mistakes I saw new shapes and new opportunities. There’s always beauty and lessons learnt from mistakes made.

What’s at the top of your wish list this holiday season?

I’m not one for gifts, however I am always a sucker for scents: candles, incense, oils, fragrances.

Is there anything from Assembly Label that you have your eye on?

The Ena silk dress in black is to die for. Effortlessly chic.

Favourite holiday season karaoke song?

Anything by the Bubes [Michael Bublé].

Favourite holiday season movie?

Elf, always.

What have been your highlights of 2022?

I’ve had endless highlights with my friends and family. Watching many moving away, living their best life. Countless engagements, weddings and pregnancies. I’ve hit a lot of fitness goals and milestones with my other half. I’ve been fortunate enough to score some orders with some huge companies who I’m so honoured to be stocked by and affiliated with. And lastly I finally took the plunge and quit my casual job and am relying solely on my ceramic income for the first time ever. Definitely a goal I’ve been striving towards for a while.

What has the past year taught you?

To be more confident with myself and my business. This past year has been the biggest transition for my business and I bring it down to that. Friends and fam are everything. They always have been and they always will be.

Your New Years resolution for 2023?

Keep pushing hard with my career and tick off each milestone slowly but surely. My main goal for this year (business-wise) is to find a separate, bigger studio away from home and possibly hire someone casually.