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Studiokyss
Written
by
Lucy Feagins
Writer
Lucy Feagins
4th of August 2013
Concrete and timber containers by Sydney based Kenny Yong Soo Son of Studiokyss. Photo - Phu Tang.
Small concrete container and paperweight by Kenny Yong Soo Son of Studiokyss. Photo - Phu Tang.
Kenny sanding one of his concrete vessels. Photo - Phu Tang.
Kenny Yong Soo Son of Studiokyss in his Sydney studio. Photo - Phu Tang.
It's still the greatest thrill when we discover an emerging Australian designer whose work is still relatively unknown... and today's post is one such discovery. Kenny Yong Soo Son is 26, and a graduate of Sydney College of Arts, where he completed an honours degree in Visual Arts in 2010, majoring in Jewellery and Object Design. Feeling the need for a little more refinement and efficiency in his practice, Kenny went on to undertake a Masters in Design at the University of Technology, Sydney, majoring in Object & Accessories, which he completed earlier this year. He now designs an elegant range of handcrafted objects and jewellery from his studio in Sydney's North West, under the name Studiokyss. Kenny works mainly in concrete, metal and timber. I am SO completely smitten with his stunningly simple handcrafted concrete and timber vessels, paperweights, and containers. Combining robust, textured materials with minimalist restraint, there's something so engaging about these pieces. 'I am a strong believer of ‘Less, but better’ says Kenny of his design approach - a philosophy that is more than evident in his work. 'Additionally, I am very much focused on producing work with ‘life’ ' Kenny continues. 'I believe there are too many ‘lifeless’ objects produced in this world. It is important for objects to have a reason to be part of this world'.
Kenny has just been awarded a $10,000 traveling scholarship from the Australia-Korea Foundation, and will be leaving for Seoul soon to undertake a metalcraft based mentorship program. He will spend six months with a master metal craftsman, learning and practicing traditional Korean metalwork skills and techniques.
Upon his return to Sydney early next year, he will stage a combined exhibition with his Korean mentor, and plans to run a series of workshops at USYD, in the hope of introducing his newly learnt techniques to the local metal craft/art/design scene.
‘Studiokyss is still very new as it continues to grow' says Kenny of his little business. 'I would like to concentrate on further developing the collection, producing work that resonates and with people, work that connects emotionally with the users, adding significance, and essentially giving longevity to the object'.
A small selection of Kenny's work can also be found at Small Spaces in Redfern, Sydney. We are also SUPER CHUFFED to let you know that we have secured Kenny's beautiful work for TDF Open House later this year (yet to be properly announced, but SO EXCITED to include these beautiful new pieces in the lineup, we just had to let you know...! Woohoo!).
Small concrete and timber containers by Studiokyss. Photo - Phu Tang.
Concrete and brass paperweight by Kenny Yong Soo Son of Studiokyss. Photo - Phu Tang.
