Recline: 5 Minutes with Amelia Fagence

Each season we look for interesting and unique furniture to feature in our new collection photoshoots. Earlier this year, when shooting our latest Spring Summer collection, Interrupted Perfection, we were lucky enough to borrow a few special pieces from New Zealand designer Amelia Fagence.

"The pieces work perfectly with our Recline collection as it has such a beautiful presence and form, a calmness and yes practicality. Once we actually worked with these pieces, the clever seamless construction and hand detailing that allows its personalisation just took these pieces to a new level. We love being able to work alongside other creative NZ talents." - Vicki Taylor

There’s a lovely link between us, as Amelia’s Auckland Stockist Public Record, owned by Yuka O'Shannessy, used to be the back of our Ponsonby concept store, The Shelter. It's here where we got to know Yuka, who introduced us to Fagence's designs.

To celebrate the launch of Recline by Taylor, we got to know Amelia a little better and spoke to her about the creative process and the story behind each piece in Recline's campaign.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to date

I am a designer and maker who works with timber to create object art, contemporary furniture and bespoke custom pieces for both residential and commercial spaces. I enjoy pairing sculptural forms with structured elements and playing with the boundaries between form and function and art and furniture.

My creative practice reflects the way I aim to live - savouring the finer details and small moments, slowing down, and reducing my footprint on this world. I select locally grown or sustainably sourced timbers and choose the specific timber based on the beauty of the grains and tones. All of my pieces are handcrafted and made to last, both through the quality of the material and their timeless design.

I have been immersed in the world of art from an early age. Growing up, afternoons and weekends were filled with arts and crafts and following my artist parents around their painting studio and glass art workshop. I had free reign to experiment with materials, forms, and functions and was always making. I went on to study architecture and completed my Masters of Architecture in Melbourne. After a few years of working in the architecture industry, I found myself longing to use my hands again. I have been creating art, objects, and furniture from wood since, spending every day enjoying the beauty and tactility that wood offers.

You originally worked in Architecture! How did you make the decision to change careers and begin Amelia Fagence Design?

After a few years of working as an architectural graduate, I realised that architecture was holding me back from being as creative as I would like to be. Working behind a computer screen didn’t suit me, and I was longing to use my hands again and make something with them! The pandemic really accelerated this career shift. I spent the first lockdown experimenting with carving large pieces of solid wood. When it was time to re-emerge into the world, I just knew I couldn’t go back to an office job. I got to work establishing Amelia Fagence Design and working towards where I am now - a full-time designer and maker. Even though I no longer work in architecture, my training has been incredibly useful and still informs the way I work.

Your current medium of choice is wood. How did you pick up woodwork, and what inspired you to work in this medium?

I grew up in a home nestled among lush native bush in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa, so my love of trees and wood started in the early days. Wood is a beautiful material to work with. No piece is ever the same, so observing the grains and characteristics makes it exciting and special. I love to uncover the grains and bring to the surface the beauty that the tree has encapsulated for years and years. It is a generous and forgiving medium that is natural, safe and sustainable to create forever pieces from.

We were honoured to use a few special Amelia Fagence pieces as part of our recent Recline collection's photoshoot. Can you tell us a little bit about each piece?

Absolutely! These pieces are part of my ‘Equilibrium’ collection, a collection of sculptural solid wood furniture. They were shown at my solo exhibition at Public Record Gallery earlier this year. They were made alongside a few other pieces of sculptural furniture out of two elm trees. I created these works in Nelson, where I was based at the time, and where these two elm trees were grown.

The furniture pieces are composed of an organic sculptural form which is framed by structured linear elements and punctuated with finely crafted details. These furniture pieces elicit a sense of playfulness and tactility.

What are your best tips for someone looking to invest in a special piece?

Whether it is art, furniture or a garment, I would ask myself three questions: Has it been sustainably made? Is it built to last from quality materials? Am I going to love this for years to come?

taylor is centred around the belief that each collection should remain seasonless, with each building on the next. What are your favourite design elements that you believe transcend time?

My approach is very much aligned with taylor’s beliefs around timeless design. I strive to create pieces that stand the test of time in all ways. To create timeless and intentional designs, I believe in using natural and durable materials, focusing on both simple beauty and functionality, and valuing quality craftsmanship. Trends expire but good design and craft last.

What does a day in your life look like? Do you often lean on other creatives, or is your work more internal?

I like to start the day off with a warm chai and homemade sourdough toast. I then head to my studio, where I plan out my tasks for the day. As soon as I put my ear muffs with Bluetooth music on, I am on a roll, making, creating and playing.

I really value both quiet time creating by myself and connecting and collaborating with others. Day to day, I am fairly quiet and focused at my workshop. However, relationships are very important to me and I always welcome the opportunity to connect with others. The most exciting projects are where I am collaborating with other artists and designers or working on one-off commissioned designs with my clients.

Recline is for all the relaxed moments in your life. How do you unwind after a day in the studio?

I enjoy cooking and being creative in the kitchen, so making a nice dinner definitely helps me to unwind. When the weather is right, a stroll on the beach is my best method to relax.

Where can we go to find your work?

My range is available through my website - www.ameliafagencedesign.com and through my Instagram - @ameliafagencedesign. I also love creating custom-made pieces for residential and commercial spaces, so people are welcome to get in touch with me if they have a special piece in mind. You can also find my works at Public Record in Auckland and Kaukau in Wellington.

Recline by taylor's latest collection is now available online and in-store.Discover the range here.