Art inspiration can come from everywhere, and the result can come in many forms. While we can instantly appreciate an original artwork, investing in the actual piece is not always realistic.
Enter Australian-designed products. They’re the items you need anyway — like clothes or homewares — but are designed or created with art from local designers. And they make for great seasonal gifts too.
So, from a wine set that features floral designs by a Sydney artist, to a picnic rug based on peaceful paintings with an irresistible palette, we’ve decided to round up some of our favourite pieces among them. Ahead, are our picks for the best Australian-designed products to shop for friends and family this Christmas.
Maxwell & Williams Golden Summer Collection, starting at $6.95
Help any giftee be picnic or barbecue-ready with items from Maxwell & Williams’ Golden Summer collection, created in collaboration with Sydney artist Neha Gupte, who goes by ‘The Blck Pen’. Gift a combination that will set anyone up for a picnic to remember! The collection includes plates, bowls and tumblers, that are durable, lightweight and dishwasher-safe, as well as picnic carry-alls, a folding picnic table, salad servers, a serving tray and a picnic blanket.
‘Manamana (Sky)’ Picnic Mat by Arkie the Label, $119
Arkie the Label aims to bring contemporary Aboriginal culture to mainstream with her colourful artworks – one of which is displayed on this picnic rug. Made from three layers of 100% recycled polyester, the rug is an ideal gift for anyone you know who appreciates sustainability, not to mention love adventures in the great outdoors.
Birds of Condor The 19th Shirt, $99.95
This button-up is part of Birds of Condor’s Putt Loose collection, which sees the brand teaming up with local and international creatives to create the designs. This tee showcases illustrations by local artist Lee McConnell that depict Byron Bay Golf Club. A giftee can wear it open, over swimmers, or buttoned-up for a day on the green.
Rach Jackson Rock Garden Insulated Wine Set, $99.95
Artist Rach Jackson is known for her bold colours and layered painting style, and this three-piece wine set, made in collaboration with Maxwell & Williams, showcases that. The set comes with a 750ml insulated bottle to keep drinks hot or cold, as well as two 350ml tumblers.
Crumpets by Merna Bandana, $25
A bandana can be used as a napkin, or worn as a hair tie, hair band or around the wrist or neck. If the giftee has a pooch, they could even have them wear it. This bandana has a red and white design by local artist Pilar Basa that shows a platypus snacking on a crumpet in a Parisian café. For a twist, Basa added Australian flowers to the scene.
Koko Australian Critters Collection, $34.90
While Australian chocolatier Koko Black hasn’t named the artist responsible for the animal illustrations on its eight-piece critters collection chocolate, it’s still worth a mention. The illustrations correspond to eight characters, including Edna Emu, Eddie Echidna and Remy Roo, made from Belgian milk chocolate. $2 from the sale of each collection goes to supporting the conservation of Australian wildlife.
Oceans Garden Yoga Mat, $114.95
This yoga mat by artist Anna Connell from Walbanga Tribe in Yuin Country displays the garden that lies underneath the water’s surface, including its sea life and the corals by the shore. The rubber used in the mat has no silicone or toxic materials, and unlike other synthetic rubber or foam, it’s hard-wearing and, even better, won’t retain moisture. Incredibly, the micro-fibre suede top is entirely made from recycled plastic bottles.
