ELIZA HOPEWELL & THEODORE VASS

For us it often begins with seeing something, a piece of furniture, sculpture or artwork when we are out together. Theo works with wood to create the form of the object and to make sure it will last. He employs woodworking techniques such as steam bending and joining, and then researches the best varnishes, techniques and materials to make sure our objects are useable and hard wearing. Eliza works with imagery, using drawing or painting techniques to decorate or bring storytelling into these artworks. 

“The domestic environment is a space where stories are told through decor, where functional things take on emotional meaning and the arrangement of objects is continually changing and developing to better function for, or represent the taste of, the home’s occupant. The duality of function and art means that one’s worldview can broaden. If a chair or lamp can be an artwork one can begin to see art in everything.”

We’re very interested in artists that work within the context of a home environment. Much of our inspiration comes from thinking about things we might make or do for our own home after seeing what other artists or architects have done in theirs.

A strong value that we both hold is that art should be able to be experienced by everyone, and that it doesn’t only have to be viewed in a white-walled gallery with paid entry. Art can be something you live around and use and interact with every day, and which can spark conversation and be vehicles of communication.

Eliza studied Painting and Printmaking at Glasgow School of Art. She has exhibited work with East of Elsewhere, Berlin and AWoman and Platform Foundation, London. Her work is also part of the Permanent Collection at Soho House and has featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle and House & Garden. Theo studied Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores university. His work has recently been shown at Humber Street Gallery and he is Co-director of CBS Gallery and Studio in Liverpool.