It all begins with the family story for this pair of designers who create their pieces all the way from concept to manufacture. Based on the Gold Coast, Mark and Jack also grew up in with parents whose domestic tastes and habits were eccentric to say the least.
“Our house was an old family Queenslander and dad was always building extensions or knocking things down. Mum would paint the walls in all different colours that didn’t really match. Dad was a fix-it-yourself guy and we would help him do things, so just from exposure we learned to do different trades – not to an expert level but we got the basics down,” explains Jack.
This formative environment carries all the way through into present practice, with Jack (plumber by training) cutting and sanding the products and Mark (boilermaker) welding metal. “We choose to work with aluminium because of its versatility and durability. It’s lightweight and also has a much longer lifespan compared to mild steel, making it a more sustainable material choice,” says Jack.
“Our hope is that the pieces will have a long life and be passed down through generations and friends, maybe even becoming antiques one day.”
The objects in question might not be antiques straight away but Fearon is keen to emphasise their real-life ‘messiness’ as soon as they start being used. This conception of the materials is captured in the way that Fearon chooses to picture them – not as idealised objects in a distant realm of blank backgrounds and perfect lighting but in real situations. We see them in busy, occupied rooms, covered with other items, displaying, storing and generally being used.
“I guess representation of messiness is important as it represents real-life. I’ve always been a bit messy but, after having a daughter, I realised that if I spent too much time trying to keep everything in its place, I would miss out on the fun experiences with her. I guess it’s the same with creative work: if everything’s clean and in its place all the time, there’s no room for the creative and fun stuff to get done,” says Jack.
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The pieces, then, are and functional at the same time; they are objects due admiration for their material and formal qualities that are nevertheless designed to exist in used spaces. “I think the distinction between sculpture and furniture is pretty subjective and depends on the intended function and perception of the piece,” notes Jack. “An object can be considered sculptural until it is put into use for its intended purpose.”
Alongside the real-life messiness, a sense of fun and playfulness pervades the brothers’ work. Shape and are at the centre of this, as well as a hint of the anthropomorphic in some of the designs. Pieces are curvy, colours are bold – they certainly grab attention even as they blend into most rooms. Fearon seems to be working with a versatility that avoids becoming odourless and remains full of character.
Fearon
Photography
Phillip Huynh
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