Design story - WEAVE

The inspiration behind | the WEAVE credenza

Quote: Bronwynn Billens, Ngati Tama, Te Atiawa, Te Arawa

How did the Weave Credenza come about?

(Andrew): I have always been inspired by looking at the patterns and texture used in traditional Māori rāranga/weaving. I love how each pattern holds its own meaning, the colours used and stories behind (the panels) them, and the stories about the weavers themselves. I wanted to celebrate these designs and patterns in a different way.

How did you meet Bronwynn Billens?

(Andrew): Our family spends our Christmas holidays in the beautiful Golden Bay. By chance, two years ago we met Bronwynn at a local art exhibition that she was exhibiting at. A few days later Melany-Jayne and I met with Bronwynn at her studio and talked over what we were hoping to achieve with our design, seeking her feedback on what she thought was possible. We were thrilled when Bronwynn wanted to work with us on this interesting project.

The weave pattern is whakatutu - why did that specific design get chosen for the door panels?

(Andrew): The design direction for the weave panels on the doors was chosen by Bronwynn as the artist. It was important that incorporating weave into our credenza design was respectful, authentic and highlighted to skill and craft that Bronwynn holds as a weave artist.

When Bronwynn shared with us the whakatutu pattern, meaning to construct, build up and stand strong, we agreed that the style and story behind the design represented exactly what we envisioned for the credenza.

Were there any design challenges with the credenza?

(Andrew): One of the design challenges we faced was how to safely incorporate the weave panels into the credenza doors. What Bronwynn created for us is three individual art pieces forming three triptych art panels. As we worked through the design of the credenza, we wanted to hold each weave panel with the simplest frame to avoid taking away from their individual beauty.

Will this be the start of a new collection?

(Andrew): At this stage the credenza is a one off piece. We have however started thinking about other pieces and playing around with some initial drawings. Let’s wait and see!