Journal Vol.04
Adam Leng x Deborah Sams
Understanding the value of engaging with the past while responding to the present. Drawing inspiration from history, artists and designers, alike, can reinterpret and reinvent. Breathing new life into familiar concepts. This dynamic interaction with the past allows for the preservation of heritage while embracing the ever-evolving creative landscape, especially in a world that is pushing to see more in the ways of digital creativity.
Returning to natural influences and keeping the long standing dialogue between Earth and art, Australian creatives - such as First Nations artist Adam Leng and Deborah Sams the creative director behind bassike - are on the forefront of keeping this conversation alive and well. With so much in the landscape to draw upon, it’s so easy to be continuously inspired and maintain intrigue in audiences even when considering the notion of trends in art and design.
See below the conversations between artisans Deborah Sams and Adam Leng on authenticity, the importance of environmental influence and responding to the past in the context of the present.
- Words by Venn Miles, HAKE.
Q1: Why do you think environmental influence in your work is important for creativity and what response do you hope your audience will have to this inspiration?
Deborah Sams: There is so much beauty in nature, not only visually but how it makes you feel. Growing up in Avalon and being so close to the water has created this grounding connection for me that supports and feeds my creative energy. I hope that our customer can feel our connection to nature through the natural fibres, colour palettes and seasonal motifs that we focus on using throughout our collections.
Adam Leng: I’m lucky enough to live close to some pretty incredible bush land up on Yugambeh country. When inspiration is running dry I always turn to the Country I’m on to recharge and ground myself. It’s quite easy to be swept up in the noise of life so I’m lucky to have that practice in my corner. I hope that when people see my paintings they have a moment of quiet too.
Q2: How do you find harmony between tradition and innovation in your practice and what do you think the significance is of the two ideologies becoming congruent is?
Deborah Sams: There is a constant push and pull between newness and the influence of the past. I am inspired by both, and love finding ways to recreate and evolve as part of the design process.
Adam Leng: To me, my work is my own interpretation of an ancient idea. Its a tool I have to help me reflect on the stories of all the mob that came before me, expressed in a way that makes sense and feels organic to me.
Deborah Sams - Creative Director of bassike.
“There is a constant push and pull between newness and the influence of the past. I am inspired by both, and love finding ways to recreate and evolve as part of the design process.”
- Deborah Sams
Q3: In what ways does your work aim to capture the essence of the present moment? How do you engage with contemporary issues, trends, or cultural influences in your artistic and design process?
Deborah Sams: I think as designers and creatives we must always be curious and have an awareness of what is happening around us – we need to understand what is important to people and our customer. Engaging with, and reacting to the now, maintains relevancy and keeps us part of the conversation. bassike is fortunate in that, we designed with organic cotton, supported local makers and employed responsible business practices from inception, which has become the zeitgeist of today.
Adam Leng: My practice really started as a mindfulness exercise to help me feel connected to my ancestors. My paintings are a meditation on past present and future and in the process of creating, I have a lot of time to reflect on my place within that. I try my best to not be too influenced by external factors, because this practice was always meant to be a personal thing.
Q4: What do you see in the future of your work that still draws upon the past for inspiration?
Deborah Sams: It is important to evolve and innovate but remain true to the brand DNA. This identity creates a roadmap to maintain continuity and consistency in our collections. I try to draw on the simplicity that is in embedded in the success of the business and keep focused on these aspects.
Adam Leng: I feel very passionately about my heritage and the stories of my ancestors so that’ll always be a part of me and by proxy, my practice. My art is first and foremost a tool for me to unpack the world around me. And for me that will always be influenced by those who came before me.
Q5: If you were describing your creative practice and vision in 3 words what would they be?
Deborah Sams: Authenticity, clarity & focus.
Adam Leng: Fluid, spontaneous & meditative.
Adam Leng in his studio