“Every artist knows that he is engaged in an encounter with infinity, and that work done with heart and hand is ultimately expression of Life Itself.”
– Bernard Leach
HI THERE, I’M EMMA,
Some may know me as a photographer, others as a ceramicist but more importantly, creativity has been an integral part of my being for as long as I can remember. It is the fuel to my fire, the language that allows me to go beyond my self, explore liberally and fulfil my deepest curiosities.
Coupled with a hunger for authenticity, community and engagement, I have long found solace in collaboration with other creative minds and relish what comes to the surface when we explore new territory together from this place of intuitive connection. In a society where, if we’re honest, distractions from this sincere exploration are plentiful, I truly believe that the most promising way forward is as a collective.
A number of fateful twist and turns have led me to Bali, and I gotta say, it’s true what they tell ya – the gods really do work their magic here. Inspired by the abundance of rich creative tradition and nourished by the wholesome creative and spiritual lifestyle, I have found a space where I believe I may put these values into practice and serve to make a difference.
THE JOURNEY OF MAKASI
The term ‘makasi’ in Indonesian language comes from terima kasih. ‘Terima’ meaning to receive and ‘kasih’, to give. Together the two mean thank you.
The universal language of creativity unites the Makasi community and enables us to engage liberally with ourselves, our environment, our traditions, and within our diverse collective. This intimacy is passed onto our audience through our unique range of pieces that are designed with intention to accompany and bring presence to the quiet and abundant moments of our day to day.
It seems only appropriate to say Makasi and show gratitude for this enriching exchange of both giving and receiving.
Initially, working alongside a curated selection of traditional artisans in Indonesia, Makasi will provide a contemporary platform for them to tell their story and share their treasured traditions with an international audience. Collaboratively, we will design and curate a selection of intentionally made pieces intended to accompany everyday rituals with gratitude and simplicity. The Makasi blog and online store will feature this unique range - reaching, educating and growing a socially and ecologically conscious audience who choose to consume with transparency and intention.
Seeking to create new opportunities and progressive ideas amongst our community, collaboration will be encouraged between various mediums and generations, providing the platform for a diverse range of creative minds to engage and explore. Simplicity will be cherished throughout this process as we endeavour to provide a collection that offers a simple, timeless, functional aesthetic and allows the organic and intuitive allure of natural materials and the makers hand to be celebrated.
Our online content will strive to represent our artists in an authentic and engaging manner. Photographic documentation of the artists within their creative spaces alongside accompanying articles and regular topical blog posts will provide our audience with an intimate insight and allow them to be captivated by the creative process.
Rich in crafts, culture, tradition, beautiful natural materials and open to opportunities, Indonesia provides a fantastic platform for the initiation of the Makasi community. Following this establishment and with a reputable reputation behind us, our diversity will extend to cross-cultural collaboration as we unite East and West with an invitation to contemporary and traditional artists from New Zealand, Australia and throughout South East Asia to collaborate and join the collective. As the community extends and diversifies with representation from various cultural backgrounds, Makasi becomes a unifying centre and we are able to explore wholesome, progressive ideas amongst a supportive world-wide network, enriching the lives of artists and consumers worldwide.
Once the community has been established online and is self-sufficient, Makasi provides the platform to launch further projects and create more opportunities.
The physical home of the community will exist as a creative sanctuary. This space will house a gallery with rotating exhibitions and a retail area featuring the Makasi range. A collaborative work / event space will offer the opportunity for further community engagement. New Zealand or Indonesia will provide a home to the first Makasi hub, with the potential to expand worldwide.
Further initiatives could also include world-wide pop-up markets, workshops, creative exchanges, residencies or mentoring programs. As the community connects, the opportunities really are infinite. Collectively – our presence is stronger, as we strive to make the creative lifestyle forever more relevant in our contemporary society.
With much of the initial stages well underway including consideration of site design, branding, proposals and contracts, policies, payment procedures, artist recruitment and design philosophy, the platform for the Makasi community is already well established and the funding received will provide the support needed to launch this vision into reality. Alongside my own creative practice, my background in community work and as a gallery coordinator has provided me with a solid foundational skill set for the challenges that may arise as Makasi unfolds. I feel well equipped for this endeavor alongside a team of incredible artisans, designers, advisers and marketing experts. As we stand by these authentic intentions, keep the passion flame burning and remain open to organic evolution I am eager to watch this journey unfold.
TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
Reaching our campaign goal will provide the investment that is needed to establish the initial online platform for opportunity. These funds will be received with an immense amount of gratitude and will contribute to:
Generation of online blog, store and branding.
Cost of materials, sampling and production for the initial collection.
Production of eco friendly packaging and stationary.
Production of online video content.
TO SHOW OUR GRATITUDE
The first two people to donate $600 or more will receive a one-off anagama fired piece handmade by Emma Badeia. Accompanied by a hand-written letter, this will be carefully packaged and shipped to your destination.
Every donation of $100 or over will receive a personalised email and a digital copy of the very first Makasi publication produced for our initial exhibition in 2017. This beautifully designed book features insightful and intimate studio documentation of Bali-based artists accompanied by carefully crafted articles.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
If the vision of the Makasi community and its potential offerings is something that you feel you can get behind, then we would be hugely humbled and grateful for your support.
Donation of funds will be received graciously and contribute hugely to our online launch – every little bit really does count.
Share the love and spread the word to your friends, family and social media followings.
“Sediket demi sediket lama-lama menjadi bukit”
“Little by little, over time, we make a mountain”
