Norden Goods | Leucadia, California (USA) | By Lee Fleming

California-based Norden Goods is located in Encinitas and run by husband and wife duo Erika and Pete Panciera. Their design philosophy is rooted in heritage and quality and by ensuring longevity, the pair aim to create products that counter disposable culture. Inspired by past experiences, memories and travels, their aim is to capture the emotional connections we make every day through miscellaneous objects.

By supporting local manufacturers, Norden Goods have recently released their first collection of scented candles. Made with soy wax and high quality, natural fragrances and essentials oils, the candles are poured at their Leucadia-based studio into stoneware containers and hand thrown in Encinitas. The scents include Monhegan (Sandalwood, Tobacco, Leather), Leucadia (Oakmoss, Pine, Citrus, Wood Smoke) and Big Sur (Oakmoss, Pine, Citrus, Wood Smoke), scents inspired by the Panciera’s travels. Norden Goods are available from their online store and selected stockists include Beam & Anchor (Portland) and Voyager (San Francisco) and Gym Standard (San Diego).

Read more about Norden Goods on their website. Photography by Dustin Ortiz.

Sean Woolsey | Costa Mesa, California (US) | By Lee Fleming

A fine artist and craftsman, Southern California based Sean Woolsey creates unique furniture, art and photography following an unorthodox creative process. Woolsey’s hand-made wooden furniture is crafted using traditional techniques and a mathematical approach, whereas his artwork is more experimental. Woolsey early inspiration can be traced back to his childhood; he grew up among a family of artists, his great grandmother was a talented landscape and oil painter and his closest inspiration, his father, a stained glass artist and film photographer.

Inside his Californian studio in Costa Mesa, you’ll note examples of Woolsey’s cross-disciplinary artworks that range from abstract copper paintings to wooden tables, items of homeware and skateboards. His craft approach is largely influenced by his appreciation for the Japanese philosophy Wabi-sabi, an aesthetic centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection to find true beauty.

Woolsey’s pieces are inspired by his travels and the photography taken on his adventures, shot entirely in film. The photograph that inspired him to create the artwork, whether an image of the colour palette, patterns or textures, accompanies each piece. But most interestingly is Woolsey’s choice of materials, his art is created on sheet metal and he uses paints, patinas and water-based acids to cause chemical reactions with the metal. Once he’s satisfied with the outcome, the metal is sealed with epoxy resin to prevent any further change and framed using black walnut. Each piece of art also bears Woolsey’s signature on a brass inlay plaque.

To find out more visit Sean Woolsey’s website or check out his online shop where his furniture and artwork is available to purchase.