SHIBUI Issue 1

DESTINATION DESIGNER
NEW ZEALAND
snap to it
Mr
Wonderlust
MAKE WAY FOR
GUATEMALA
WIN
tickets to
Wanderlust
Sunshine Coast
(DETAILS ON PAgE 26)

TIME
TO
SHIBUI
S H I B U I HELLO
Welcome to SHIBUI & Co. and our very first online edition
of SHIBUI Issue!
SHIBUI was formed over a coffee, a croissant-stealing puppy
and some notes on a napkin (as all good business ideas are!).
Despite being friends for years and previous work associates,
that day was inspired. Together we decided to share our
common love of travel and artisan craftsmanship with the
world and SHIB-OOM! A global sharing platform was born.
Together we curate tales told through bespoke artisans and
traditional craftspeople to bring a unique travel experience to
culturally-inspired travellers. We hope the stories we share via
SHIBUI Issue inspire and enrich your journey, and remind
you that although our planet is small, our shared history is vast.
Join us.
and
THIS PHOTO WAS TAKEN
BY ONE OF OUR MODERN
MAKERS, SKY CARTER, WHILE
ON A WEAVING EXPEDITION
IN GUATEMALA. TURN TO
PAGE 28 FOR HER STORY.
S H I B U I & Co. est. JuLY 2017
S H I B U I Issue is a bi-monthly online publication
published BY S H I B U I & Co.
We would like to THANK the following PEOPLE for
their support, TIME and contribution WITH this EDITION.
Meran SALSKI, Moacir Zeledon, SKYE BRABY and SUPPORTERS.
co-founder / curator / OPERATIONS KARINA EASTWAY
co-founder / curator / creative BRISEIS ONFRAY
PROOFREADER Meran SALSKI
ALL eNQUIRIES hello@shibuiandco.com
SUBScRIBE to the shibui tribe shibuiandco.com
©copyright 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ADVERTISE
WITH
SHIBUI
If you would like to advertise
with us, please contact us at
hello@shibuiandco.com for
a media kit.
We have advertising packages
to suit all budgets including
digital publication and social
media options so you can
connect with culture-savvy
wanderers around the globe.
HELLO S H I B U I 3

CONTENTS
SHIBUI. A JAPANESE WORD USED
TO DESCRIBE AN UNDERSTATED,
CLASSIC KINDA COOL. IT’S AN
ENRICHED BEAUTY ACHIEVED
THOUGH MINIMALISM AND
PURPOSE RATHER THAN
ADORNMENT AND EXTRAVAGANCE.
ITS VALUE MUST BE DISCOVERED
AND UNDERSTOOD RATHER THAN
BOUGHT OR WON.
4 S H I B U I CONTENTS

MEET THE MAKER
6. GUATEMALA A group of single mothers
weave their way to provide futures for
their family and community 12. AUSTRALIA
Sandra Delany shares her Quandamooka
culture through art and storytelling.
SNAP TO IT
15. Snapping his way around the globe,
MR WONDERLUST (Philipp Hauptmann)
shares his favourite pics and tips.
DESTINATION DESIGNER
22. NEW ZEALAND Arapeta Kaiwai and the
traditional art of Ta Moko (Mãori tattoo).
TRAVEL PACK + GIVEAWAY
26. IN DREAMS Wherever your mind is
taking you, add these to the wish list.
MODERN MAKER
28. AUSTRALIA Sky Carter embraces
the imperfections in her weaving as a
reminder of the beauty to be found in
our everyday lives. 35. NEW YORK trained
designer Felicity Cooney makes products
which go from the Big Apple to the beach.
DIRECTORY
39. Find our SHIBUI makers, photographers
and designers here.
COVER IMAGE Where rain water meets the sea. Photo by SHIBUI & Co. co-founder Briseis Onfray (@walklikeagypsy).
This image is taken where the S H I B U I & Co. concept began on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. THIS PAGE FROM
LEFT TO RIGHT Australian maker Felicity Cooney has a range of sophisticated, lifestyle leather accessories perfect for
travel (page 35); indigenous Australian artist Sandra Delaney’s work Chasing Mullet (page 12); Sky Carter at work in
her studio in Sydney, Australia (page 28).
CONTENTS S H I B U I 5

MEET THE MAKER
curator BRISEIS ONFRAY THE MAKER Victoria Mendoza PHOTOs Moacir Zeledon
SUPPORTING The Single Mothers’ Cooperative of San Juan la Laguna (Asociacion
Madres Solteras de San Juan la Laguna) COUNTRY Guatemala, South America
6 S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

THE
WOVEN
WAY
A GROUP OF SINGLE MOTHERS ARE WEAVING THEIR WAY TO HELP PROVIDE
A FUTURE FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY. VICTORIA MENDOZA, WITH
HER DAUGHTERS INGRID AND BETTY AJU, SHARE ADMIRABLE INSIGHTS INTO
THEIR COLOURFUL CULTURE AND CRAFT.
The Single Mothers’ Cooperative of San Juan la Laguna S H I B U I 7

8 S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Betty on the loom; naturally dyed yarn ready to weave; SHIBUI
roamers Moacir Zeledon and Skye Braby from Cielo Collective, on a recent visit to the Co-op;
Betty weaving her magic; woven fabric ready to purchase at the Association’s market stall
held in San Juan La Laguna.

WHEN, WHERE AND WHY DID YOU START
YOUR CO-OP?
Our Madres Solteras Association was
created over four years ago because
our initial members were subject
to discrimination within other local
cooperatives due to being single mothers.
Today we have 27 members, all single
mothers who work together to provide
for our children doing something that we
love doing.
WHAT DOES YOUR CO-OP SPECIALISES IN?
We specialise in creating textiles with raw
materials that we obtain from our natural
environment. We work with organic cotton,
bamboo fibre and silk that we get from
butterfly cocoons. We work the entire
process: gathering of materials, dyeing with
natural colours, preparing the threads and
working the back-strap loom.
IS YOUR CRAFT TYPICAL OF GUATEMALA?
It is our cultural heritage and pride, all our
work is made by hand and inspired by the
natural and vibrant colours of our land and
our home, San Juan La Laguna.
WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES YOUR WORK
TRADITIONAL TO YOUR COUNTRY?
Everything! The designs, the colours and
the techniques. Each colour and pattern
represents our identity, our history and
our pride.
IS IT TRADITIONAL FOR WOMEN TO LEARN
THIS CRAFT AT AN EARLY AGE?
Yes, it is a tradition passed down from
generation to generation. I began to learn
when I was six years old.
WHO TAUGHT YOU HOW TO WEAVE, LOOM
AND SEW?
I was taught by my mother and I have
taught my children.
YOUR WORK IS BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED. DO
YOU MAKE IT ALL BY HAND?
Yes, most of our work is done entirely by
hand. Only a small portion requires sewing
on a machine.
>
The Single Mothers’ Cooperative of San Juan la Laguna S H I B U I 9

10 S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

“
IT IS A TRADITION INHERITED
FROM OUR ANCESTORS WHICH WE
DO NOT WANT TO LOSE. IT’S THE
REASON WHY WE, AS MOTHERS,
START TEACHING OUR CHILDREN
AT A YOUNG AGE.”VICTORIA MENDOZA
YOUR REGION IS FAMOUS FOR VIBRANT
COLOUR. WHERE DOES ALL OF THIS
WONDERFUL COLOUR INSPIRATION
COME FROM?
It all comes from our parents, our ancestors
and how our culture was represented
in the spiritual meaning of our flora and
fauna. There is so much inspiration within
our environment, we can draw from our
lakes, our mountains, our trees and our
birds, anything and everything.
WHAT MATERIALS AND TOOLS DO
YOU WORK WITH?
Our raw materials are organic cotton,
bamboo and silk. For our natural dyes
we use avocado pits, cochineal insects,
carrots, coffee, achiote seeds and jiquilite
plants amongst many others. Tools we
use are the tools to prepare the cotton,
bamboo and silk and the back strap loom.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL
WORK DAY?
A typical day would have an early start
with 2-3 hours of house work followed by six
hours of textile work and finished with two
hours of more household duties: preparing
dinner and cleaning afterwards.
DO YOU THINK YOUR CHILDREN WILL
CONTINUE THE TRADITION IN THE FUTURE?
Of course! It is a tradition inherited from our
ancestors which we do not want to lose.
It’s the reason why we, as mothers, start
teaching our children at a young age.
DO YOU HOLD WORKSHOPS FOR TOURISTS?
IF SO, HOW OFTEN?
We don’t have a set workshop program
in place but we can easily arrange
something if the opportunity arises.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY A TOURIST CAN HELP
SUPPORT YOUR CO-OP?
By purchasing our products and using them
with the same pride and respect that we
create them with. And by spreading the
word about our association and our story.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR
TOWN AND COUNTRY?
What I love most about my country is
the natural landscapes, our people, our
traditions and our customs.
DO YOU HAVE A LOCAL TIP FOR TRAVELLERS
VISITING YOUR REGION?
If you are in Lake Atitlan, be sure to come
to our market stall to visit. Enjoy your travels,
take time to learn as much about our local
culture and traditions as possible and have
a lot of fun!
HOW DOES A TRAVELLER FIND YOU? WHAT IS
YOUR LOCATION ADDRESS?
We are in San Juan La Laguna, as you get
off the boat follow the main street into
town, we are halfway up the hill on the left.
SHIBUI & Co. would like to thank the women of this
wonderful co-operative initiative for their valuable work
and insight. We would also like to thank our roamers
Maocir and Skye from Cielo Collective for connecting
us and also providing the translation for this story.
cielocollective.com.au
LEFT Ingrid at their market stall in San Juan La Laguna
www.facebook.com/
MadressolterasdeSanJuanlalaguna/
The Single Mothers’ Cooperative San Juan la Laguna S H I B U I 11

MEET THE MAKER
NGALIYA DABILBAN
Artwork by Sandra Delaney
12 S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

CAPEM NGALIYA JARA
curator KARINA EASTWAY THE MAKER Sandra Delaney
SUPPORTING Saltwater Murris Quandamooka COUNTRY AUSTRALIA
SANDRA DELANEY IS A PROUD QUANDAMOOKA WOMAN AND ARTIST. SHE WAS BEHIND THE
FIRST SPEECH PERFORMED IN ABORIGINAL LANGUAGE AT BRISBANE’S PARLIAMENT HOUSE
AND CONTINUES TO WORK TO SHARE HER CULTURE THROUGH ART AND STORYTELLING.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF SANDRA?
Sandra Delaney – Noonuccal/Coobenpil/
Goenpul woman from Quandamooka
Country. I am an artist and also
the Chairperson of Saltwater Murris
Quandamooka. I have been passionate
about sharing Quandamooka culture
through art and storytelling. I am a
community language consultant and my
Aboriginal language is Jandai. I have
been working actively for many years to
share this knowledge and revitalise Jandai
for the community, in particular the youth.
WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY BASED?
Dunwich, Minjerribah (Queensland,
Australia).
WHAT ARE THE CULTURAL TRADITION/S
BEHIND YOUR ART?
Quandamooka people are saltwater
people. I am a traditional owner who has
bloodline connections to North Stradbroke
Island, Moreton Island, the bay island and
the mainland opposite.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START WORKING
WITH THE MATERIALS?
I started doing sewing and art and craft
from high school and learnt ceramics in
the 1970s and have been researching
Quandamooka histories since I was a
child. My painting and art stems from
this knowledge. My family come from
a long line of artisans: my mother was a
seamstress and has been involved in art
and crafts and painting since she was a
young girl, as well as my sisters.
DO YOU SOURCE THE MATERIALS FROM
STRADBROKE ISLAND AND WHAT’S YOUR
FAVOURITE TO WORK WITH?
It all depends on what I am doing. For
example, I have just finished a series of
ochre dyed silk scarves featuring dilly bags
scarves which were a major source of craft
for Quandamooka grannies.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR CREATIVE
INSPIRATION FROM?
My Elders, my ancestors, the natural
environment and the stories that have
been passed down. From our past
and the legacy left by our Elders,
the old people, we are inheritors to
understandings and to insights into life and
the nature of things. We gain knowledge
and wisdom from the Elders to guide
and mentor us in the conduct of our
business. As an artist, I sought to find the
interconnectedness among things to gain
greater understanding.
IT MUST FEEL GREAT WHEN SOMEONE
FALLS IN LOVE WITH ONE OF YOUR PIECES.
WHAT’S A FAVOURITE COMMENT YOU’VE
RECEIVED?
Love the pendants. Your book featuring
Quandamooka Dreaming stories and the
art is so beautiful… it’s amazing.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT WE PRESERVE
INDIGENOUS CULTURE?
Ngaliya dabilban capem ngaliya jara – our
water our country.
saltwatermurris.com.au
Sandra Delaney S H I B U I 13

FIND YOUR
N O R T H
W ANDERL U S T
S U NSHINE C O AST
W ANDERL UST . C O M

SNAP TO IT
WHERE
IN THE
WORLD
curator KARINA EASTWAY
COUNTRY BALI
MR
WONDERLUST?
SNAPPING HIS WAY AROuND THE GLOBE,
Philipp Hauptmann SHARES HIS FAVE
PICS and TIPS TO DROOL OVER.
WHEREABOUTS ARE YOU BASED?
I have been traveling a lot during my
studies and in the end decided to be
based in Bali for now.
YOUR TRAVEL PICS INCLUDE
ASIA, EUROPE AND CENTRAL
AMERICA. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE
DESTINATION TO SHOOT (SO FAR)?
All places have their advantages,
obviously. But if I had to choose, I
would say Asia is my favourite spot. The
landscapes and cityscapes are incredibly
diverse there. I especially love islands
that are not touristy yet, for example
Sumba in Indonesia (see the picture of
the two fishermen). I love that people
do not see you as a walking white wallet
in those places and you can really try
to be part of their community for a short
time. Additionally, I like to take pictures
that have not been taken by a million
other photographers before me, so that is
another reason I like remote islands.
WHAT CAMERA DO YOU SHOOT WITH?
I have been using a lot of different Sony
models (A7 series) but recently switched to
the Fuji X-T2. Even though it sounds like an
empty phrase, the camera really is not that
important. If I am in an awesome place or
close to some interesting people, it is good
to have a proper camera, but cheap ones
might do the job as well. To me, having a
tripod is way more important than having
an expensive camera. I believe that the
step up in quality of landscape pictures
just by using a tripod is incredible. >
MR WONDERLUST S H I B U I 15

16 S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

mr wonderlust S H I B U I 17

“
SOMEONE ONCE SAID TO
ME THAT MY PICTURES WERE
‘REVEALING THIS PLANET’S
BEAUTY’. I LIKE THE THOUGHT
OF ME ‘REVEALING’ SOMETHING
BY TAKING PICTURES. IT IS
NOT A FAMOUS QUOTE BUT IT
MOTIVATED ME A LOT.”MR WONDERLUST
PREVIOUS PAGE Yeni Cami Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Pulau Padar Island, Indonesia
(Philipp’s favourite place in the world); Lake Danau Batur, Bali, Indonesia; San Blas Islands, Panama
18 S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

MR WONDERLUST S H I B U I 19

20 S H I B U I SNAP TO IT

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Monks at Golden Rock, Mt Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar (Burma); Berg Eltz Castle, Wierschem,
Germany; Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE
SUBJECT MATTER? YOU’RE GOOD AT
CAPTURING PEOPLE, LANDSCAPE, HIGH-RISE
SKYLINES AND ANIMALS WHICH IS UNUSUAL!
I started photography because I was
travelling and felt that my memory was
pretty bad (which it really is). The reason I
took pictures was mainly that I wanted to
create something that would bring back
my memories of my trips later. That is why
I took and still take pictures of everything
that looks interesting or beautiful to me.
I do not see myself as an artist. For me,
photographs are not an end to themselves,
they are a tool I use to help myself
remember and show others the beauty of
this world. Long story short, I do not have
a favourite subject matter, I just shoot
whatever I come across.
TOP PHOTOGRAPHY TIP FOR THE
BEGINNERS?
As mentioned above, if you want to take
photographs of cityscapes or landscapes,
my first tip is to use a tripod. It enables
you to shoot at sunrise and sunset without
losing image quality, even if your camera
is not that expensive. After the tripod
get lenses rather than crazily expensive
camera bodies. Especially extreme wide
angle lenses change your perspective in a
shockingly beautiful way. And - it cannot
be said enough - do not shoot when the
light is boring. Shoot during sunrise, sunset
and the blue hours.
instagram.com/mr.wonderlust/
steemit.com/@mrwanderlust
MR WONDERLUST S H I B U I 21

DESTINATION DESIGNER
ta moko
Mãori
tattoo
curator KARINA EASTWAY
THE MAKER Arapeta Kaiwai COUNTRY NEW ZEALAND
IN AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND, KARANGAHAPE ROAD IS SOMEWHAT OF
AN ABNORMALITY. BOOKENDED BY QUEEN STREET AND PONSONBY ROAD,
KARANGAHAPE ROAD (GENERALLY KNOWN AS K’ROAD) WAS THE ONLY
STREET IN AUCKLAND THAT HELD A MÃORI NAME UNTIL THE MID 20TH
CENTURY. IT WAS A FITTING PLACE FOR SHIBUI & CO TO CATCH UP WITH
ARAPETA KAIWAI, WHO PRACTISES THE TRADITIONAL ART OF TA MOKO OR
MÃORI TATTOO.
22 S H I B U I DESTINATION DESIGNER

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT TA MOKO?
Moko upholds the integrity and traditional
ways of Mãori tattoo and the structure
of the design, although the traditional
patterns have changed and become
more contemporary. For example if a
doctor comes in for a tattoo we will have
to find the closest fit as there’s no direct
symbol translation.
WHAT’S THE HISTORY BEHIND THE
PATTERNS?
The tattoo pattern of ta moko were
originally given to you – it was something
you had to achieve. It identified your
role (eg fisherman or gardener) and
also your status. It was predominately
genealogy based and a reference of your
achievement and life story.
>
ARAPETA KAIWAI S H I B U I 23

PREVIOUS PAGE Arapeta Kaiwai CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE Arapeta at work; Otautahi Tattoo Studio (outside);
Arapeta’s tattoo work; rose sketch; studio wall decoration OPPOSITE PAGE Otautahi Tattoo Studio (outside)
24 S H I B U I DESTINATION DESIGNER

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN WORKING
WITH TA MOKO?
My background is in traditional Mãori
carving which I learnt growing up in
Ruatoria (on the east coast of New
Zealand’s North Island). Moko is quite
strong there and my grandparents were
well educated in the art form.
WHY THE CHANGE TO TATTOO WORK?
Carving took a long time to see any
results. With tattoo I get to see instant
results and I get to express my creative
side more quickly. I specialise in fine-line
moko work.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR ANYONE
VISITING AUCKLAND?
I would say get out and see the beaches
and the bay areas. Lots of people come
to Auckland and just stay in the city, but
we’ve got amazing beaches to explore.
You can find Arapeta at Otautahi Tattoo,
155 Karangahape Road, Auckland. +64 9 337 0694
or auckland@otautahitattoo.com
ARAPETA KAIWAI S H I B U I 25

travel pack
in dreams
DAY-DREAMING OF ESCAPING TO THE COLD OR THE
HEAT? WHEREVER YOUR MIND IS TAKING YOU FOR
YOUR NEXT TRIP, HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO ADD
TO THE WISH LIST.
26 S H I B U I TRAVEL PACK

WANDER-
LUST
GIVEAWAY
We’ve got tickets to
Wanderlust Sunshine Coast
to give away! Simply follow
us on Instagram or Facebook
and share one of our posts
using #shibuiwanderlust
for your chance to win!
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT THE IKAT BLANKET (indigo)
was beautifully handwoven by the Single Mothers’
Association (featured on page 6) and naturally dyed
using leaves from the Indigofera Tinctoria plant. It
can take up to one week to make. The blanket’s
lightweight feel is ideal to drape over your bed
during summer nights or layer in the cooler months.
Cosy up with it on the couch, wrap it around you
during those windy surf checks or use it as a picnic
rug. RRP 349.00AUD. (Other colours also available.)
cielocollective.com.au/collections/blankets
HONG KONG DINER explores a unique café and
street food culture in which western taste overlaps
with an ancient cuisine. Featuring a selection of 70
dishes, including bao, buns, hotpots, fried noodles
and bubble tea. RRP 29.99AUD, hardiegrant.com
POUCH new season handmade leather Moon
Clutch in Pearl with strap. POA, felicitycooney.com
BEAR EXPLORE FOR BALANCE Vitamin C + Rhodiola
tablets to promote immune function and support the
production of energy. RRP 90.00AUD, bearjournal.com
SHOES new season leather Yen Slide in Cocoa. POA,
felicitycooney.com
LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA.
TRAVEL PACK S H I B U I 27

MODERN MAKER
IS THE LIMIT
curator BRISEIS ONFRAY THE MAKER Sky Carter
PHOTOs Hannah Morgan Photography and Sky Carter COUNTRY AUSTRALIA
SKY CARTER EMBRACES THE IMPERFECTIONS IN HER WEAVING AS A REMINDER
OF THE BEAUTY TO BE FOUND IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
My home and my studio are both in
Sydney’s Inner West, only 15 minutes’ drive
apart which is great.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START WORKING
IN TEXTILES?
I was floating along in life trying to be a
proper adult but was not enjoying it very
much. About five years ago I made the
very big and scary decision to leave full
time work and follow my heart. I hired
a studio space and began painting.
Creative expression had always been
an ‘on the side’ pursuit and I yearned to
have a space that I could splash paint
around in. It was a lot of fun and kind of
like a self-taught crash-course in being a
professional artist. I was fortunate enough
to get commissions and sell my paintings
so I could have stayed on that path if I
hadn’t suddenly discovered fibre art one
day which, ultimately, transformed my art
practice.
WHAT INSPIRED YOUR FIRST PIECE?
I tell this little story in my weaving workshops
about an epiphany I had one evening
while watching a movie at home that had
a wall hanging as part of its set design.
When I saw it, something just clicked
for me, I went into the kitchen, ripped
up a cardboard box, did a quick bit of
YouTubing, made a small cardboard loom
and then wove my first ever wall hanging.
I used some old fabric and yarn left over
from a blanket I had crocheted. I loved
it, it felt like I had made the cutest little
thing. Before I knew it I had completely
converted my studio into a fibre and textile
art space and had given away my paints!
>
28 S H I B U I MODERN MAKER

SKY CARTER S H I B U I 29

30 S H I B U I MODERN Maker

“
I AM A BIT OF A TEXTURE
FREAK SO I LOVE TO EMPHASISE
THAT SIDE OF THINGS TOO,
MAKING VERY SHAGGY WORKS,
OFTEN TO THE POINT WHERE
PEOPLE WANT TO PLUNGE
THEMSELVES IN AND CAN’T KEEP
THEIR HANDS OFF.
IT’S A VERY TACTILE ART FORM. WHAT IS
THIS BEST THING ABOUT HAND-MADE?
There is something about being physically
connected to my work that brings me
a deeper sense of satisfaction than, say
painting did. Being able to hold something
in your lap that is soft feels so good and
the process of having my fingers entwined
with yarn is hugely enjoyable. I am a bit
of a texture freak so I love to emphasise
that side of things too, making very shaggy
works, often to the point where people
want to plunge themselves in and can’t
keep their hands off.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR CREATIVE
INSPIRATION FROM?
Generally speaking inspiration comes
from other creatives, studying, teaching
my weaving workshops and being in new
environments. Travelling and being out of
your usual space is imperative to get my
creative process flowing and recharged. It
allows me to view the world with fresh eyes.
I tend to notice and absorb more when
travelling. However I don’t need to get on
a plane to get inspired. My husband and
I often drive out to far away markets to
rub shoulders with locals and find retro or
vintage treasures. I am also a packaging
fanatic and if I need a moment of fun I will
pop into an Asian supermarket and buy
something super cool and colourful. There
can be weeks when I realise I have not
really left my studio so sometimes I need to
remind myself to go roaming.
”
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU WORK WITH?
Part of the joy of having a studio is having
the space to collect and hoard. I have
yarns, fabrics and other materials that I
have come upon in my travels. Plus a lot of
‘reference’ items like ceramics and textiles
collected on travels. I don’t discriminate
between synthetic and natural as I feel
they both have merits and I particularly
love rescuing preloved yarns from another
era as you generally get colours that are
no longer produced. Because my first wall
hanging contained fabric this is a staple
in my wall hangings and I still enjoy using
fabric to add a chunky, raw and textural
element to my work.
WHAT KIND OF CULTURAL FINDS OR
ARTISAN WORKSHOPS HAVE YOU
ENCOUNTERED THAT HAVE ENRICHED
YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?
I have recently returned from an artist
residency in Antigua, Guatemala which
was full of wonderful activities and I am
still on a high. I had the opportunity to
spend time weaving with the indigenous
Maya women and learnt how to use their
traditional loom which is called a back
strap loom. Personally I use several different
types of looms in my practice and now I
have another one I can add to the list! The
intricate patterns and bright colours of the
traditional weaving are so enticing and
a small piece of cloth can take months
for the women to complete, often with a
baby strapped to their backs.
>
SKY CARTER S H I B U I 31

32 S H I B U I MEET THE MAKER

“
TRAVELLING AND BEING OUT OF
YOUR USUAL SPACE IS IMPERATIVE
TO GET MY CREATIVE PROCESS
FLOWING AND RECHARGED. IT
ALLOWS ME TO VIEW THE WORLD
WITH FRESH EYES.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE
ARTISAN CULTURE OR TRADITION?
I really love the notion of the Japanese
movement of Saori weaving which
is about embracing mistakes and
imperfection. I have to say this movement
has only been around since the ‘70s but
there are many much older cultures and
practices that ensure there is a small mark
that shows a product is handmade (Wabi-
Sabi … look it up!). The Amish for example
add a small mistake purposefully to their
quilts, the notion being only God can be
perfect. While this is not my motivation
for the appreciation of imperfections I
love this story. I am currently working on a
collection that references striations which
are considered geological faults, but
ironically it is these faults that add beauty
to a rock face or river pebble. A great
metaphor for us as humans.
DO YOU HAVE A MEMORABLE, TRAVEL-
BASED EXPERIENCE TO SHARE?
I had the opportunity to exhibit an
installation piece in Chicago last year,
I made the work here and flew it over,
hopped on a plane myself to install it
and got to meet and hang out with a
wonderful community of artists. I spent a
total of six weeks there which was the first
time I had the chance to totally immerse
myself in one place. I love a bit of slow
travel as it allows you to get to the nitty
gritty of a city and find its heartbeat. I got
to see so many different sides to Chicago,
see how people live, know its smells and
OPPOSITE PAGE FROM TOP RIGHT Sky Carter on a
backstrap loom while on her recent visit to Antigua,
Guatemala; This is Rosita, a mayan weaver from
Antigua who has been honing her craft since age
seven; Chichicastenango markets, Guatemala; it’s all
in the colour and detail, Chichicastenango markets,
Guatemala.
”
feel its sun. That was a special experience
and I will always cherish it.
While I was there I also spent a few
weeks at the Chicago Weaving School
under the tuition of the very talented
and knowledgeable Natalie Boyett who
has created something special. I got to
experiment with different techniques that
have gone on to inform my practice in a
hugely positive way. The school has over 80
floor looms (can you imagine) and it’s full of
a mixture of octogenarians and millennials
keeping weaving traditions alive.
IF YOU COULD BE WORKING ANYWHERE IN
THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
I think the US is the place to be. Brooklyn is a
special place, part gentrified and part real.
A combination which means you can get
a good coffee while still feeling grounded
as a human being. In the US there is
already an established community and
understanding and acceptance of fibre
and textile art as an art form, more so than
in Australia, where I feel it is still considered
fringe and niche amongst the general
population. Also the huge population of the
US means everyone has a ‘tribe’ they can
find. Having said this I am currently trying to
convince my husband to get a job in Tokyo,
I would love to live there for a while.
HOW DOES CULTURE, ART OR TRAVEL MAKE
YOU FEEL?
Travel makes me feel privileged (so
fortunate to be born in Australia) and
globally minded with a broad perspective
that allows me to feel empathy and truly
appreciate what I have in life. Art and
culture make me feel ‘fed’ and fulfilled, like
there is a purpose to life.
skycartercolour.com.au
instagram.com/skycartercolour/
MEET THE MAKER S H I B U I 33

Taste the world
with Hardie Grant Books
hardiegrantbooks.com

modern maker
curator KARINA EASTWAY
THE MAKER Felicity Cooney
COUNTRY AUSTRALIA
FELICITY COONEY IS A NEW
YORK TRAINED DESIGNER WHOSE
FOCUS IS ON ETHICAL AUSTRALIAN
PRODUCTION AND BOLD DESIGNS.
HER HAND-MADE BEACH BAGS AND
SANDALS ARE SOME OF THE COOLEST
ON THE FASHION SCENE.
FELICITY COONEY S H I B U I 35

“
I FIND COLOUR
INSPIRATION
EVERYWHERE. I LOVE
THE RICH, BRIGHT
COLOURS OF THE
AUSTRALIAN BEACH
AND BUSH. DESIGN
WISE, I MAKE THINGS
THAT I WOULD LIKE IN
MY OWN WARDROBE. I’M
ALSO A HUGE FAN OF
JAPANESE DESIGN - I
LOVE THE MINIMALISM
AND CONSIDERED
SHAPES AND
COLOURS.
”
36 S H I B U I MODERN MAKER

We love your bold designs and colours -
where do you get your inspiration from?
I find colour inspiration everywhere.
I love the rich, bright colours of the
Australian beach and bush. Design wise,
I make things that I would like in my
own wardrobe. I’m also a huge fan of
Japanese design - I love the minimalism
and considered shapes and colours.
What materials do you use and work with,
and why?
I work largely with kangaroo leather
because it is a sustainable and ethical
leather. It also has superior performance in
comparison to other leathers - it is strong
and stretchy, making it perfect for sandals
and other everyday essentials.
Why sandals and bags specifically - and
where did you learn the craft?
I grew up on the Sunshine Coast in
Queensland and I always appreciated
a more relaxed way of dressing. I love
wearing sandals, but couldn’t find ones
that reflected my own personal sense of
style. I studied fashion design in New York
at Parsons School of Design and learnt
how to make shoes there - I guess that my
products really sit in the middle of New York
meets beach Australia aesthetic.
Tell us about your decision to study in
New York and then the move back to
Australia?
I always wanted to study in New York
because it is a global fashion capital and
I was able to learn from and work with
amazing people. I decided to move back
to Australia because I wanted to start my
own business and I missed the sunshine and
the more relaxed pace of Australia...snow
is not my natural environment!
Even though the patterns are machine
cut, there’s a lot of handmade love
which goes into each pair of shoes.
How satisfying is that?
It’s fantastic to be able to see my creations
come to fruition and see my customers
wearing them! I love using the laser cutter
because it allows me to be more flexible
and prototype my designs more quickly.
One final quote - what’s your top travel tip
for New York?
New York has everything for everyone!
Some of my favourite things to do were to
go to the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum,
eat a Murray’s bagel and shop at Bird in
Williamsburg.
felicitycooney.com
FELICITY COONEY S H I B U I 37

www.selenohealth.com
@ seleno.health

DIRECTORY
JOIN THE
SHIBUI
TRIBE
WE CAN’T BE EVERYWHERE, SO WE ARE CALLING ON LIKE-MINDED
CULTURE-VULTURES AND WANDERERS TO JOIN OUR TRIBE. IF YOU KNOW OF ANY
SHIBUI-WORTHY ARTISANS, OR FANCY YOURSELF A SHIBUI ROAMER, WE WOULD
LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
PLEASE EMAIL HELLO@SHIBUIANDCO.COM
WHAT IS A SHIBUI MAKER?
Their handcrafted objects follow a
cultural tradition. They master a treasured,
hand-made and unique craft in the
contemporary world.
ROLE They have a passionate interest in
sharing their culture and story with SHIBUI
& Co, so that we can help support and
connect them with travellers around the
world.
OUTCOME We will feature their story,
culture and craft in our online publication
SHIBUI Issue.
WHAT IS A SHIBUI ROAMER?
For those who travel to uncover and
discover the soul of a place. You wander
the earth lightly; yet delve deep to know her
people and their ways.
ROLE If you stumble upon an interesting
artisan or traditional craftsperson as you
roam, take their details and let us know.
OUTCOME It is only the beginning of the
SHIBUI journey, but we will support you by
sharing your posts and adding your profile
to our website.
DIRECTORY
(REFER TO OUR WEBSITE DIRECTORY FOR MORE MAKERS AROUND THE GLOBE)
AUS
Felicity Cooney
Sunshine Coast
Queensland
felicitycooney.com
AMERICAS
Single Mothers’ Cooperative
San Juan la Laguna
San Juan, La Laguna, Guatemala
facebook.com/
MadressolterasdeSanJuanlalaguna
ASIA
Mr Wonderlust
Bali, Indonesia
instagram.com/mr.wonderlust
steemit.com/@mrwanderlust
Sandra Delany - Salt Water Murris
3 Ballow Road, Dunwich
Queensland
saltwatermurris.com.au
Sky Carter - Sky Carter Colour
0409 123 357
skycartercolour@gmail.com
skycartercolour.com.au
instagram.com/skycartercolour/
NZ
Arapeta Kaiwai- Otautahi Tattoo
155 Karangahape Road,
Auckland
otautahitattoo.com
FIND YOUR S H I B U I 39

BC
INDEGO
AFRICA
AD