Open Studio #4... Calum Hurley
Calum Hurley, Dining Chair (trio), 2020. Photo: Dean Toepfer.
With a background in interior architecture,
Calum Hurley’s design practice considers the ways in which we occupy our surroundings, creating objects that enhance the small, everyday moments of ritual.
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I grew up on the West Coast of Scotland before moving to Adelaide with my textile-designer mother as a teenager. Having always had exposure to and enthusiasm for art, design and craft, I pursued a Bachelor of Interior Architecture at the University of South Australia.
My studies proved imperative in showing me how to creatively think and to have a sense of space and scale; this ultimately lead me to the more interactive, human scale of furniture and object design.
Tell us about your studio
My studio practice looks at developing furniture and objects for the home. With bursts of colour and contrasting materials, objects are often designed with space sensitive elements. With small scale living and impact in mind, my brain frequently tends to lead me to designing objects with a multi-purpose or with in-built storage; my Hold mirrors for example.
Sharing Studio 4 at JamFactory with Jordan Leeflang has seen a colourful take over of the space which we use for development, meetings and work. Admittedly, my half is almost purely red.
“With small scale living and impact in mind, my brain frequently tends to lead me to designing objects with
multi-purpose, or with in-built storage”
Calum Hurley shares Studio #4 with fellow JamFactory Alumnus Jordan Leeflang.
Photo: JamFactory.
A corner of inspiration, featuring Calum’s iconic red accents. Photo: JamFactory.
Calum Hurley, Mirror and Dining Chair, 2020. Photo: Dean Toepfer
You’re quite diverse in your choice of material. How does this inform your practice?
Though I certainly have materials I work with often; jesmonite, steel, timber, mirrored glass, I find that working with colour as a starting point is usually what informs material choice. “What can be the structure of this mirror and have it be the reddest red” - a Flame Red powder coat. Similarly, when looking to create a red dining chair (to match the mirror, ofc) I chose Australian Jarrah to create the visually warm piece.
“I often find architectural details, their structure and repetition as inspiration for my work.”
How are you staying inspired right now?
Having recently finished a wonderfully intense two years in the JamFactory Associate Training Program I am taking a bit of a calmer approach at the moment which is seeing time to read, research and let inspiration happen when it happens. I’m never not wandering around the city taking photos and videos of things that catch my attention; I often find architectural details, their structure and repetition as inspiration for my work.
How do you like to spend your time outside of your studio?
On a rare day off, I enjoy visiting neighbouring suburbs, grabbing an iced-long black (regardless of weather) and rummaging through second-hand shops. I find great satisfaction in finding a well fitting old man’s suit, or a box of mint condition 1980’s National Geographics.
What's next for you?
Next is the development of a few pieces to have them retail and industry ready, along with a handful of exhibitions later in the year. I would love to touch base with my interior roots and find ways of using my designs as starting points for larger interior interventions.
Calum at work in his studio, preparing the seat base for Dining Chair. Photo: JamFactory.
Calum Hurley
Calum Hurley’s background in interior architecture and furniture design has led to a practice which deeply considers the ways in which we occupy our surroundings. His visually distinctive designs are characterised by geometric shapes in bursts of bold colour.
Calum’s Chair001 was a finalist for the VIVID Décor + Design Furniture Award and Melbourne’s DENFAIR: Front & Centre. In 2020 he exhibited alongside fellow JamFactory Furniture Associate Jordan Leeflang in their show Differing Perspectives at CRAFT ACT, Canberra and as part of Melbourne Design Week’s Ductility by alt.material at Studio Edwards’ 408 Smith St. In 2019 his works were featured in the solo exhibition Reflecting Location at praxis ARTSPACE, Adelaide and were nominated for DENFAIR: Front & Centre and WORKSHOPPED19 at Australian Design Centre, Sydney.