HG INSIDER
88 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
Holly Macdonald
About Place is a gorgeous
collection of lovingly shaped
vessels by Australian artist
Holly Macdonald, decorated
with sweet illustrations inspired
by her time on the road.
What inspired you to work with
ceramics? While at university,
I began taking weekend ceramics
courses at the National Art School
[in Sydney]; I think that’s where I
really became comfortable
expressing myself through clay.
How do you choose a colour
palette? The palette often
develops from the place
I am referencing.
I work on
multiple pieces
at a time, so I
can transfer,
extend or
strengthen
a palette
as I move
between works.How did your trip to the USA
influence you? I climbed a lot of
mountains, walked along beaches
and swam in many lakes. All the
while, I was drawing, taking notes on
things like colour and shapes and
patterns made by the unfamiliar
geography. Once I returned to
Sydney, these drawings and a
dozen or so rolls of film became
the starting point for About Place.
What does home mean to you?
A place where I can create. I have a
lot of places I can call home, which
I feel grateful for.
See more of Holly’s work on
Instagram @h_ollymacdonaldMEET THE MAKER
3 of a kind
HAND-WOVEN BEAUTIES
FROM LEFT Dipped seagrass belly basket, $35, Olli Ella;
http://www.olliella.com. Luna cotton cushion, $149, Langdon
Ltd; http://www.langdonltd.com.au. Puna llama-wool throw,
$320, Pampa; http://www.shop.pampa.com.au.DESIGN STEAL “We wanted the space to feel open,
spacious and robust,” says Stephen Collier, the architect behind
the fitout of Smoking Gun Bagels in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo.
Locals and foodies are sailing through the 4m glass door to
sample the oven-fresh Montreal-style bagels. Yummo. #SEE THE SIGHTS
In New York Through a Fashion
Eye ($29.99), Megan Hess takes
readers on an illustrated journey
through the city that never
sleeps. myposhbox.com.au.