PATRÒN Tequila’s $25,000 PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant
With a re-emergence of handcrafted design, PATRÒN Tequila’s $25,000 PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant recognises some of Australia’s best craftspeople.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
The Rosetta dining table and Daisy chair designed by Steffanie Ball from En Gold, shortlisted in the PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant.
Finalist ceramist Layla Cluer in her Northern Rivers design studio.
PATRÒN Tequila recognises the joy of handmade crafts, and this year they are paying it forwards with a $25,000 grant to Australian craftspeople who display unique and memorable products and design.
The brand is known for very drinkable tequila, yet the business model is based on sustainable practices that honours the craft of tequila making. As such, the PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant wants to give back to grassroots and community designers, as well as in the fashion and hospitality industries.
“PATRÒN itself is a refined handcrafted spirit, so there is a great synergy between the craftsmanship of our tequila and these makers, and we want to nurture these talented craftspeople through Patrón 60 Hands,” shares Stephanie Sarantakos from PATRÒN. “We’re looking forward to seeing entries from far and wide across Australia.”
One of the judges of the prize, Modernist design enthusiast, Tim Ross shares that they are looking for passion, enthusiasm and a commitment to craft when it comes to the finalists. “This is a wonderful initiative and a life-changing one,” he adds, considering the lasting impact of the grant. “Beyond the grant, the demonstrative effect of the thoughtfulness of encouraging artists is a wonderful one.”
Designer Steffanie Ball is behind the Melbourne homewares brand, En Gold, and has reinvented the audience and client base of natural stone.
“I think Australian design is often incredibly practical, an essay in problem solving. It can also have a knock about spirit, a cheeky flair and a sense of adventure,” says judge Tim Ross.
“Sometimes the best design can be invisible because it solves problems and just works. I love design that somehow moves you, that is so well thought out that it makes you swoon.”
The Daisy chair designed Steffanie Ball from En Gold.
The Nave side table designed by Tom Sheehan, shortlisted in the PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant. Photo – Peter Ryle.
Within the shortlist includes two ceramicists, Mornington Peninsula-based Britt Neech of Clae Studio and Layla Cluer from the Northern Rivers Region. Both designers touch on the impact of design and the lasting effects on the environment. As such, they create careful, minimal products that double as art.
Designer Steffanie Ball is behind the Melbourne homewares brand, En Gold, who has reinvented the audience and client base of natural stone and marble pieces, tapping into the Instagram market. However, her model thrives in slow interiors and sustainability—creating investment pieces at affordable prices ranges.
In the same sentiment, Caroline Olah from REDDIE only makes handcrafted, to-order furniture. Her designs are anti-mass-produced and only use certified hardwoods. Fellow furniture craftsperson, James Howe, also channels this into his minimal designs and ethos, catching the attention of NGV Melbourne Design Week 2020.
Regardless of the recipient, all the finalists being recognised encourages thoughtful design and important messages to both the creators and consumers. And Tim’s final advice for all the finalists? “Stay with it, work hard and make meaningful connections across the broader creative community and not just your discipline.” Reliable words for all designers.
The J5 Cabinet designed by James Howe shortlisted in the PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant. Photo – Peter Ryle.
Designer Caroline Olah from REDDIE - shortlisted in the PATRÒN 60 Hands Pay It Forward Grant