Stall Name: ka:ke
Website: www.makekake.com
Instagram: @make.kake
Ka : Ke designers Kate Rae and Kerry O’Flaherty. Image supplied
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’ll be selling?
ka:ke is an artistic collaboration between us – Kate Rae and Kerry O’Flaherty.
Drawing on our background in the architecture and design industry, ka:ke is our joint exploration into creating smaller objects of art to decorate both the body and the home. We explore mixed media, object design, ranging in scale from small and intricate jewellery to large sculptural pieces, with a focus on sustainable and considered design and fabrication.
As well as our developing range of jewellery we have been commissioned to create sculptural pieces for clients such as the Ritz Carlton and are currently designing a range of bespoke everyday objects.
We will have a selection of our sculptural wares and unique jewellery for sale, some new one-off pieces and some timeless old favourites!
How do you make the works?
All our work is designed and carefully handcrafted by us in our Leederville studio. Our work is inspired by the beauty and tactility of different raw materials, patinas, texture and colour, and focuses on a strong geometric language, simple lines and bold shapes. Our process starts as an exploration in form and composition – balancing shape, colour, and movement, using a combination of new, semi-precious raw materials and re-purposed industry offcuts.
Creating our pieces often begins by rummaging through our treasure of studio materials to fashion into large sculptural forms, kinetic mobiles, or delicate objects of wearable art. Our process is based on zero waste, and new designs are often generated from the offcut of the last piece created. Our jewellery, in particular, explores the idea of adaptability, with some pieces sold as separates, or interchangeable pieces to encourage longevity and personalisation.
Our jewellery uses predominately recycled sterling silver, oxidised sterling silver, jewellery grade raw brass and titanium. Our mobiles and sculptural wares are assembled from a mix of new and upcycled materials in raw brass, salvaged copper, oxidised copper, aluminium, wood, ceramics, and acrylic pieces. We love that something precious can come from such humble beginnings.
Ka:ke Earrings. Image courtesy the artist
Why is it important to support local makers?
Supporting local strengthens our community and enables connection directly to the maker.
It is a great feeling getting to speak to the maker directly and learn about the process and story. You know that these are special pieces, which are carefully created with a lot of love, joy (and tears sometimes!).
Importantly, there is a traceability and hopefully a better understanding of the supply chain and sustainability of the product.
What’s your top gift tip this Christmas?
2020 will be a year to remember, and where we spend our money is more important than ever for a lot of us. So, buy it because you love it, not because you have to buy a gift. Give something with a local story, unique and designed and made to endure the test of time.
What makes Bazaar stand out from other markets?
The incredible location, the curated and considered selection of artists and makers that offer diverse and high-quality unique products, and the fantastically well-organised event by the FAC staff. And ultimately the committed, supportive, and loyal return customers that come because of this.
