Five Minutes with ... Caren Elliss

Caren Elliss and Keturah Nangala Zimran, Boulder Chair, 2021. Tuscany linen, Australian Blackwood, 700 x 850 x 850 mm; Boulder Footrest, 2021, Tuscany linen, Australian Blackwood, 450 x 600 mm. Photographer: Dean Toepfer. — Caren Elliss and Keturah Nangala Zimran, *Boulder Chair,* 2021. Tuscany linen, Australian Blackwood, 700 x 850 x 850 mm; *Boulder Footrest,* 2021, Tuscany linen, Australian Blackwood, 450 x 600 mm. Photographer: Dean Toepfer.

Taking inspiration from Luritja–Pintupi artist Keturah Nangala Zimran’s bold and bright textiles, industrial designer Caren Elliss has translated the scenes of sand hills and puli puli (rocks) into the curvaceous, anchored forms of the Boulder Chair and Boulder Footrest. We spend five minutes getting to know the designer and the creative process behind her work for Tarnanthi.

Photography by Dean Toepfer.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

Sure, I started my education in design by receiving my Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours) at The University of South Australia, it was during this time I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico for an internship. This was a pivotal time in my development as a designer because I was tasked with designing furniture there. This really opened my eyes to the object in the domestic realm and from then on all I wanted to do was continue to learn more about the making process so I could be more intimately involved with making my ideas come to life. I decided to join the team at JamFactory in the Furniture Studio as an associate, to further my hand making skills, which was the beginning of my career as a Designer/Maker.

How did you approach this collaboration with the artists from Ikuntji Arts for Rekkan/Tamuwu/Nyinakati (sit/sit down)?

Initially, I met with Margaret Hancock-Davis to have a look through the work of the textile artists represented by Ikuntji Arts at Haasts Bluff NT. When I saw the incredible work of Keturah Zimran, I was so excited about her strong graphic print that I knew this was the artist that I would love to collaborate with. On learning about the story behind the design, (Keturah's family and the connection to the sand hills and rocks at Haasts Bluff), I realised that the form I would make should showcase Keturah's print and the boulder form to embrace and nestle the body in a supportive and grounding way, just like a hug from
your family.

What do you love most about furniture and industrial design?

I really like the process, from an initial drawing or idea coming to life and solving issues along the way. I love using different materials and working with their limitations and sometimes pushing the boundaries of what a material can do.

It is a joy and a privilege to get to work with all types of people in this role. Working with experts who have specific skills and materials knowledge, I am constantly learning - my job never gets boring, and no day is the same.

Rekkan/Tamuwu/Nyinakati (sit/sit down)

13 October – 28 November 2021
Collect

Rekkan / Tamuwu / Nyinakat (sit/sit down) showcases the vitality and exuberance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textile design by interpreting Indigenous fabric onto contemporary upholstered furniture.

Presented as part of Tarnanthi 2021.

Caren Elliss
@carenellissdesign
carenelliss.com

Ikuntji Artists
@ikuntjiartists
ikuntji.com.au