A Dive into Stevie Michaels' Mediterranean-Inspired Ceramics and Homewares
Posted: 09 January 2024
Welcome to the world of talented designer, Stevie Michaels, who crafts considered and European inspired ceramics and homewares that have a mediterranean feel. We learn more about her craft and process and why she loves Europe so much.
Stevie Michaels is an Australian artist and designer whose European heritage shines through her beautiful ceramics. She also shares a love and passion for dining and entertaining with her friends and family which is one of our favourite pastimes at I Love Linen.
Stevie is a very versatile designer with a background in creative direction for luxury brands and interior design and has had a remarkable journey. After studying design and gaining valuable experience including a role at Liberty London, she transitioned into interior design back on home shores in Sydney. In 2021 she took the step and founded her own homewares brand, which has quickly become her full-time pursuit. Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, her collection features simply beautiful small-batch glassware and ceramics. Feast your eyes on vases for perfect table styling, serving dishes for pasta, jugs and tumblers ready to pour and share your favourite drink of choice - and the ceramic pieces are all meticulously hand-painted by Stevie herself. Collaborating with local artisans and using craft-based methods, her homewares exude a unique, handcrafted charm, offering timeless and functional design pieces.
Recently our Founder, Lauren chatted to Stevie to learn more about this wonderful human.
Q: Tell us about the themes that inspire your ceramic work?
A: The ritual of ‘breaking bread’ and the joy of entertaining is at the heart of each design. This all stems from my love of travel and the Mediterranean way of life.
Q: Slowing down, being mindful and wasting time for the pursuit of pleasure is so important. What do you do to take time out?
A: I love surrounding myself in nature, there's something so soothing about being near the ocean for me.. My morning coastal walk and coffee is a non negotiable.
Q: There is something quite magnetic about the charms of a European Sojourn. What are your top 3 locations to spend time in?
For me, my favourite places of inspiration are Provence, Sardinia and Paros.
Q: If you could inspire someone just that little bit more to slow down and bring some creative practices to their life, what would you suggest?
A: I think using your hands with ceramics or painting is a really beautiful way of getting out of your head and into the present. I would say to just start, without any expectation on the outcome, and you might be really surprised at how relaxed you might be afterwards. It's like meditation for me.
Q: From a design perspective, if you could go back in time, what era would it be and why?
A: Mid century design has always been a source of inspiration for me, artists Picasso, Miro and Calder have used the French Riviera as inspiration and I love that style.
Q: We believe that if you sleep well, you live well. What does your sleep wind down routine look like?
A: On the days when I prioritise reading a good book, doing my skincare routine and jumping into bed with herbal tea (and dark chocolate of course) I generally have a much better sleep and feel much more centred then when I'm using technology before bed.
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