Category: Making Modern

Here at Unison, we seek out and collaborate with an array of independent artists and designers, offering distinctive accessories, hard goods, and art that infuse homes with the clean beauty and functional substance of modern American design.

This year we’re especially excited about our most recent collaboration on a limited edition throw blanket with artists and co-founders of The Weaving Mill, Matti Sloman and Emily Winter. We sat down with Matti and Emily to learn more about their creative process and all things weaving. Read on to learn more and watch our video of the weaving in action!

Briefly introduce yourselves

Emily: I grew up in San Francisco and moved to Chicago for college. I got my B.A. in History from University of Chicago. I started weaving right after I finished college, interning with Natalie Boyett at the Chicago Weaving School. I spent the next couple years working with her, teaching at Envision Unlimited and doing various odd jobs. I moved to Providence in 2013 for a Master of Fine Arts in Textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design. Matti and I overlapped for one year in the MFA program and hit it off.

Matti: I grew up in Boston and got my BFA (Painting) and MFA (Textiles) from RISD. I have worked for a number of artists over the years as a studio assistant, which informed my desire for a collaborative studio practice. After grad school, and before moving to Chicago, I participated in the Land Arts of the American West residency which expanded my understanding of the studio as a practice vs. a place.

What is the history of The Weaving Mill?

The Weaving Mill is an outgrowth of the Chicago Weaving Corporation, a textile company that started in the 1940s. The CWC began in Wicker Park, moved to the suburbs in the mid 80s and in 2005 partnered with social services agency Envision Unlimited to create a job training program for adults with developmental disabilities.

I (Emily) worked at Envision Unlimited as a teaching artist and knew Jim, who ran the mill. When I was in grad school, I learned that he was retiring and that there weren’t any concrete plans for the textile equipment. I started talking with people at Envision and at RISD about the possibility of restarting the weaving program at West Town Center. I asked Matti if she would be interested in coming to Chicago to work on this together and she said yes, she would. We both moved to Chicago in the summer of 2015 and started cleaning up the workshop, learning the equipment, and teaching sewing classes to Envision’s clients.

What is it about the art of weaving that you’re drawn to?

Textiles are always in some in-between territory, between art and design, utility and aesthetics. This makes it a really meaty medium to work in, because it always pushes a little bit against some of those conventions. We like that the fabric we make always moves into the world in ways we don’t anticipate.

Can you talk a bit about your residency program?

Hosting an artist-in-residence was a fundamental program of The Weaving Mill since our initial brainstorming conversations. We always imagined The Weaving Mill as a multifaceted organization. Looking towards The Fabric Workshop as an inspiration, we believe the integration of working artists into our studio and the art program at West Town Center would elevate everyone’s practice. We received a Propellor Fund grant last fall that has funded our pilot program. This summer, three artists, staying for a month each, have brought their studio practices and energy to West Town Center. Each artists contributes 16 hours of workshops for Envision Unlimited clients. The remarkable response to the workshops has solidified the importance of continuing the residency next year.

Do you find weaving to be a fairly accessible medium for your students?

West Town Education for Textiles (W.E.F.T.) is our textile education program at West Town. We work with two groups of Envision clients twice a week, building up sewing skills. We work on cutting, measuring, design, and sewing machine skills. Our hope with this program is that participants will become comfortable with these skills and be able to use them in their personal lives and in the future, for paid production work.

How did you begin working with Unison?

When we discussed The Weaving Mill prior to moving to Chicago with our RISD faculty, they would nod and whisper “you need to talk to the people at Unison,” as if they were giving us top secret stock tips. We have admired the level of design coming from Unison from afar, but it took Liz Collins, mentor, artist and former classmate of Unison Co-Founder Robert Segal, to give us the moxie to make contact. Eventually we hosted the team here to The Weaving Mill to geek out and talk weaving. Several months later, when Unison Production Designer Erica Lubetsky proposed this collaboration, we were beyond excited.

Shop the Unison x The Weaving Mill Throw Blanket here

Have you partnered with other brands before? If so, which one(s)?

We are working in 3 realms right now: we do our own projects (TWM Projects), which are single-run editions of textile objects. We have done 3 of these projects so far (100 Blankets, VA! Jackets, and A Very Big Blanket) and have more coming up. We also work with artists to do more experimental yardage—this involves a process of collaborative sampling and really thinking about how to push the possibilities of our looms. We are currently working with Portland artist Sarah Wertzberger on a project, as well as Providence artist Jungil Hong. We do collaborative design and production work with other businesses—we have done projects with print designer Rebecca Atwood, apparel designer Jamie Hayes and artist Nuria Montiel (for Jamie’s line Production Mode), and textile studio Herron.

What is next for The Weaving Mill?

We recently had an exhibition at Wheaton College and we are working on the next TWM project (Navajo churro wool blankets), and we have a couple of collaborations cooking. Sign up for The Weaving Mail!

It was 10 years ago this May that Unison first sprung to life with our first bedding and pillow collections. It was the start of what clearly became an everlasting passion for creating minimal and modern home textiles.

As Unison has grown, we’ve been so fortunate to share our vision of modern design with several Chicago artists and designers who we consider as friends. Along with the talents of our amazing staff, their dedication, skill and drive had made Unison what is today and for years to come.

It’s going to be a special year. We’re celebrating it with new product offerings, promotions and plenty of reflections on where our interest lies: timeless modern design made consciously and with heart.

We are so grateful for all our customers and fans who have supported us over this decade and also to those that are just coming to know us.

Let the celebration begin!

Cheers,

Robert & Alicia

Part of summer fun at Unison is collaborating with artists and designers we admire. One of our favorites is Stephen Eichhorn, a School of The Art Institute of Chicago grad known for impactful sculpture and collage work. (Maybe you remember him from our Aerial and Flower Burst patterns?)

For the hot season ahead, Stephen has dreamed up beautiful orchid bedding, a cactus beach towel and cactus round trays. So, consider your summer napping, sun seeking and entertaining covered!

We caught up with Stephen at his Logan Square home, which he shares with his wife, two toy poodles and cat. It’s an 1890s greystone two-flat, with studio space on the bottom floor. Here’s a glimpse into his stylish environs and reflections on art and design.

Unison: Do you have any “rules” you follow for designing and decorating your own pad? What catches your eye?

Stephen: In the studio I like to have a functional aesthetic (work tables, etc.) but warm aesthetic (oriental rugs, etc) in terms of designing the space – – ultimately it’s a work space within a house. On the second floor we tend toward the more timeless design aesthetic of Mid Century Modern. Due to our more open floor plan, the kitchen is a major component within our living space. We worked closely with Robert McAdams and Jon Martin of Land and Sea to design a space that combines form and function using walnut, steel and marble.

Unison: How does the Unison style jive with your own style, both personal and decor?

Stephen: It mirrors our affinity to clean lines, mixed patterns and a variety of textures.

Unison: What are your three favorite things in your home and why?

Stephen: This tapestry by Kustaa Saski, it hangs at the landing of our stairs and I pause almost every day and find new things within the piece. I have one of the Aerial ottomans down in my studio from when I first started collaborating with Unison – – both poodles absolutely love to perch and nap on it while I work. I start most (if not all) of my collage work sitting at my Eames case study desk from Herman Miller. It has been with me in various studios/ living situations since I graduated school.

Unison: If you moved into a new place, what would be the first thing you did to decorate?

Stephen: I would start by placing the furniture and move directly into hanging our art collection. After two years in our current house I’m still occasionally hanging works here and there.

Unison: How long have you been doing what you do?

Stephen: I’ve been making collages and sculpture for the past 10 years. Most of the sculptural work is derived from my collage work and from when my wife and I made jewelry as a side project years ago. I took some of the technical skills and materials from jewelry making and integrated them into my sculptural practice. My sculptural practice is another vehicle for me to visually communicate through. Most of my sculptures are composed of fake plastic flowers and jewelry components from the ’70s-’80s coated in a mixture of graphite and gloss medium varnish. The sculptural work is a pretty time consuming process that is very repetitious.

There is also a jewelry making portion that involves a lot of hand work and coating in black graphite mixture. There’s a lot of similarities between collage and sculpture, at least when it comes to the making process. Both are found component based that I manipulate in the studio and both have the same dark beauty that most of my work has.

Unison: What are you interests, outside of art and design?

Stephen: Gardening has become a major interest – – especially now that it’s warming up! It has been so rewarding redesigning and working on both the front and back yard green space.

Unison: Where do you go for inspiration?

Stephen: Recently discovered the Caldwell Lily Pond, it’s an amazing oasis between the city and the lake. I was reminded of all the great things Chicago has to offer and am pleasantly surprised to find new treasures after living here for 13 years.

Unison: Let’s talk about the exciting projects you did with us for summer.

Stephen: All the various works for the summer pieces originate as hand-cut collages. One of the great aspects of this collaboration is that, while I am not a designer, I’m able to hand off the collages to {Unison co-founders} Robert and Alicia, who translate them into designed objects. Through our fluid design conversations I’m fortunate to see their vision actualize and I am always stunned with the resulting pieces.

Unison: Any exciting summer plans in store for you?

Stephen: I have two solo shows in the fall and another in the winter so I’m excited to work on several new breadths of work.

September at  Drawing room

October at Johalla Projects

January at Franklin Park Conservatory

Thanks, Stephen! And to all of you Unison fans, check out his summer designs here — perfect for welcoming those golden rays.

 

Designer David Rasmussen, maker of custom-crafted wood furniture and products for the kitchen, grew up in New England, where he was exposed to a rich tradition in furniture making from a young age.

From the outset, his study and work – both in furniture making and beyond – has been “driven by artistic design and aesthetic value.”

And it shows in everything he does.

 

Through his training in composition and construction under the tutelage of master crafters, as well as his focused study in Danish, Ming Dynasty, and contemporary American studio furniture, David developed his own avant-garde style of design and function.

Today, all that thoughtful training and study has translated beautifully into a collection of goods for the home, including kitchen accessories.

Once we adopted some of his pieces into our own collection, we wondered about the driving force behind his work today.

“I really enjoy creating objects that are a joy to use,” David told us, “with the hope that they are of good enough quality that they will be cared for and become heirlooms.”

Which probably explains why all of David’s pieces are made in small batches and not mass-produced.

In addition to artistic integrity, quality plays another key role in David’s success. In order to ensure that each piece lives up to his high standards, David works closely with his hand-picked staff of highly trained craftsman to produce elegant wares for clients across the US.

Our favorite pieces? These, of course:

Chroma Small Bite Plate

According to David, this striking piece is great for parties. And we couldn’t agree more.

With its versatile size and black or white color options, you’ll be hard pressed to find a moment when it doesn’t come in handy—and add a splash of distinctive style to the scene.

Chroma Blk Cheese Board Set

A best-in-class gift item, according to David. And a gorgeous piece of serve ware to bring out for special occasions, family occasions. or no occasion at all.

Chroma Red Tray

“Great for serving apps or as a catch all for jewelry or wallets on a dresser,” David suggests. And yet another example of form-meets-function craftsmanship.

Not to mention a healthy splash of red, just in time for the holidays. ‘Tis the season indeed.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with artist Hillery Sproatt for some time now, and the results are never short of wonderful.

No matter the medium, her work is always unique, thoughtfully crafted, and marked by a dose of whimsy. In the end, her spirited pieces seem to invite smiles and brighten the mood of the home.

So we were delighted when Hillary invited us to take a peek around her own home. And we were fascinated when she shared a bit more about her background and inspiration as an artist. Take a listen:

Unison: What got you interested in designing goods for the home?

Hillery: My background is in fine art, with an emphasis in printmaking and drawing. I’ve always made work that is two-dimensional and often for the wall. So I am thrilled to be exploring art objects as well as functional textiles for the home. I spend much of my time at home and I want it to be a place I love and can love in. I hope my work brings a bit of joy into the lives of those who live with it.

Harvest Black Throw Pillow, Harvest Denim Throw Pillow, Harvest Peach Throw Pillow

Unison: With home being so important to you, how would you describe your own, personal style?

Hillery: I have a deep appreciation for many different aesthetics. Perhaps my personal style is simple and thoughtful, in so much as I enjoy functional things that are well designed and I like to have just enough without having too much. I enjoy things that have a history or a story to them.  I am very drawn to playful and colorful objects as well as pattern. Relationships or how things look next to one another has always been of great interest to me. I am definitely not concerned with matching and often steer clear of sets.

Unison: And when it’s time to get creative, what spurs you to create new work?

Hillery: I’ve always enjoyed making things. Perhaps it’s the surprise of seeing something into existence that excites me or quieting my mind a bit and letting my hands do the talking.

I draw inspiration from nearly everything I take in; places I’ve visited, conversations I’ve had, books I’m reading, or a flower by the side of the road. All of these things find their way into my work.

Unison: And once inspiration strikes, what is your artistic process typically like from there?

Hillery: When painting or drawing my art practice is intuitive. I almost never begin with a plan. When making my dolls and mobiles I am more exacting. I find I put my energy into being efficient with my process and thoughtful with my craft.

Unison: How about us? What has the experience of collaborating with Unison been like for you?

Hillery: I’ve enjoyed it immensely! It’s allowed me the opportunity to interpret my work into textiles, which has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

In particular, I was very pleased with the way my Unison Rag Dolls turned out. Unison’s beautifully bright hand printed geometric fabrics lend themselves so well to being mixed and matched. I think these dolls are whimsical, lovable, and so special.

 

 

If you’re not drawn to the work of artist Matthew Hoffman, then you haven’t seen it yet.

His message-themed artwork is not only uplifting; it’s thoughtfully simple, frequently profound, and consistently true.

Known around the world for his You Are Beautiful project, Matthew’s work appears on billboards, stickers, and public installations in every corner of the globe.

When we met him at one of our store events, we were instantly hooked – and impressed with his wide range of collaborations, both large and small. So we went to his studio and workshop to get our heads together and develop unique, positive messages for the holidays (and beyond).

We love the finished pieces, which are all made right in his Chicago studio. But we also love the guy: Matthew is one of the nicest people around. Despite the fact that his work is so influential, he is humble and persistently creative. Check him out:

Unison: Do you have an overarching design philosophy?

Matthew: Keep it simple. Keep it positive. Make meaning by making things.

 

Unison: What do you find particularly important about your work/art? What drives you to continue creating?

Matthew: To me, it’s the interaction with people on a human level. I like to write phrases that I get something out of, and share those in the public. Where the viewer takes it is completely up to them. Hopefully, they get something out of it too.

I love that conversation with people through my art. It certainly keeps me going.

Unison: What’s special about the design community in Chicago?

Matthew: I love the art & design community in Chicago. It’s very collaborative, and everyone works really hard to help each other when they need it. I think this holiday catalogue is the perfect example of that – there are many outstanding Chicago designers & artists involved.

The collaboration with Alicia & Robert [of Unison] has been so rewarding. It was so great to brainstorm on what things could be, and run loose creating sample ideas. Their eye is very refined, and they did a great job curating down the collection into something really fantastic.

Unison: Well then, let’s talk specifics: any background on the Good Times Wall Piece?

Matthew: It’s all about having a good time.

Unison: Clearly. How about the silver pedestal?

Matthew: I love this little guy. I especially love how the text almost looks floating.

Unison: Agreed. And the You Are Beautiful silver wall piece is a favorite of ours, too.

Matthew: A classic reworked for the holidays.

We’d been looking for a line of USA-made ceramics for some time when we came across the work of Nobuhito Nisigawara. As soon as we discovered his line of functional, casual ceramics, we knew our search was over.

Nishigawara designs and produces beautifully informal ceramics with a clean-lined, handmade aesthetic. This simply gorgeous look stems largely from his background: born in Nagoya, Japan, Nishigawara fuses the tradition of Japanese artisan ceramic production with his work as a contemporary artist and his formal education in North America.

The result: a show-stopping look for your everyday table.

If we weren’t already in love, what we learned next would have sealed the deal: every single object from this line is hand crafted in Nishigawara’s studio in Orange County, California. Which means that every piece is uniquely one of a kind.

“My inspiration is also what drives me to continue the tradition of handmade ceramics,” Nishigawara told us recently. “I am inspired by the Japanese Mingei movement, an arts and crafts movement that focused on creating objects by hand that are affordable with the intent to be used.”

“With my line, I focus on simplicity in design,” Nishigawara explained. “It’s important to me that the dinnerware does not visually overpower the food.”

Mission accomplished. But even so, we can’t help but call these pieces yummy.