‘Atlas 59’, above, by Australian design and illustration studio Inaluxe was one of the very first images I ever pinned when I discovered Pinterest. On further exploration of this new visual paradise, I’d regularly come across more pictures where I’d think, “oh, wonderful patterns”, or “gosh, gorgeous colours” only to find, lo and behold, it was Inaluxe again.
I’d been wanting to write about their work several weeks ago, but a visit to the Inaluxe website to gather information and images was met with the message that they were closed for a month so they could spend time in the studio creating new work. My disappointment was short-lived, however, as this could only mean exciting new work and fresh finds to come. It’s now business as usual again, so it’s with great pleasure that I present to you the people behind the pictures that have so captured my attention and imagination.
‘Atlas 39’, part of a series inspired by a love of flying and cartography.
Inaluxe, located in the Grampians, Victoria, Australia, was created in 2006 by former art students Kristina Sostarko and Jason Odd, who create their colourful, modern artworks as a combined effort. They explain that “While we both have a very different approach to creating, the upside of this is we love working on designs together, and what comes out of our combined efforts. Of course, sometimes we go it solo too!”
Above left: ‘Atmosphere’ Above right: ‘Flora’
I’m a great fan of collage work, and pictures that have overlaid textures, which is why I’m so drawn to the Inaluxe look; some of the pictures are painted onto linen board, like the ones above, so that the weave of the fabric shows through the colours, others are mixed media collages. Kristina and Jason talk more on their website about their inspirations and how they work:
“People often ask us what materials are our favourites… It’s very hard to chalk it down to one or two, however, gouache, ink, and acrylic feature prominently at present, as well as paper, wood panels, and linen. As for influences, and inspiration, that’s a very big area, however, to break it down, it comes down to the natural world. Organic forms found in nature, the magnificence of birds, and animals. The interaction people have with one another. What makes this world tick. While the designs might be abstract, there is a basis, and human foundation to their existence. It’s the things below the surface we marvel at. It’s more about the thoughts, or feelings the work might evoke, rather than a literal interpratation of the subject.
When it comes to artists who inspire us, the long time heros are Robert Rauschenberg, the early Abstract Experssionists of the 1920’s onwards, and Mark Rothko.”
The prints that Inaluxe sell are reproductions taken from their original collages and artworks; printing to gallery standard, the pair are uncompromising about the quality of this aspect of their work:
“Our philosophy when it comes to design is simple – make it beautiful, use the best materials possible, and be responsible and sustainable in production practice. It is very important for us to feel great about what we do, therefore we only print on the best archival fine art papers, in combination with a professional giclee reproduction print process. We believe in quality over quantity.”
At present their whole collection of small size prints can be shipped worldwide; selected prints are also available in a larger size which can be despatched to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA only. The good news for Inaluxe fans in the UK is that their work is available online from Easyart as either art prints on paper or as canvas artworks, with both formats available in 4 sizes from small to extra large. And I also just discovered that John Lewis are now selling a small collection of Inaluxe prints ready framed.
Images: Inaluxe; Easyart
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