deantoepfer

New work for Melbourne Design Week, Fleece in Blue. This project explores the transformation of raw material through a design-led intervention, positioning the sheepskin rug as both functional object and chromatic study.

At the core of the work’s identity is the indigo vat itself. Through repeated cycles of immersion and oxidation, the piece documents the tonal range possible from a single source of colour. Lighter shades emerge from a single dip, while deep, saturated blues result from several immersions, allowing the pigment to gradually build within the wool fibres.

Rather than concealing variation, Fleece in Blue preserves the evidence of process, organic affinity, and the rhythmic building of pigment across a soft, structural landscape.

Fleece in Blue will be showing at The Sheepskin Suite at .
Curated by
Sponsored by
Melbourne Design Week presented by

Some process pictures from the development of Fleece in Blue. This piece will be showing at The Sheepskin Suite as part of Melbourne Design Week.

At the core of the work’s identity is the indigo vat itself. Through repeated cycles of immersion and oxidation, the piece documents the tonal range possible from a single source of colour. Lighter shades emerge from a single dip, while deep, saturated blues result from several immersions, allowing the pigment to gradually build within the wool fibres.

The Sheepskin Suite, Abortsford Convent, 14th - 24th May.
Curated by
Sponsored by
Melbourne Design Week presented by

Thanks to Robin for the help sewing this work together. And to for the indigo assistance!

Tero Tote for ’s Superhot Shop.
Great to be part of the creative cohort again this year for Danielle’s Melbourne Design Week pop up shop.

I’ve produced a limited run of lil tote bags utilising surplus from a previous project. Perfect for the essential items.

Superhot Shop, 47 Easey St, Collingwood.
Opening night Friday 15th of May.
Open to the public 15th - 25th of May

SuperHot Shop will be open to Public 15th May - 25th May.

Melbourne Design Week presented by .

A few development pics for an upcoming Melbourne Design Week exhibition, The Sheepskin Suit, sponsored by

Creating a graphic pattern for the project utilising color variations, we established an indigo vat from scratch and carried out a series of test dyes on sheepskin to understand how the wool fibre responds. Testing focused on immersion time, oxidation, and repeated dips to see how colour builds through the material.

The Sheepskin Suit will be shown at Abbotsford Convent as part of Melbourne Design Week,
14–24 May. Curated by

Big thanks to for the indigo assistance.

Cooking up a new project for Melbourne Design Week with and . Pictured here is all the equipment and materials needed to start an indigo vat. Next step is to bring the indigo baby to life, fingers crossed.

It’s always a pleasure creating works for people’s homes, and this commission was especially meaningful. A big thank you to the client for the opportunity to contribute to their new space.
The Ombré Mirror is part of an ongoing series exploring reclaimed textiles within lighting design, a continuing investigation into how material, light, and form can shape atmosphere and elevate a space.

Block door pulls, still a few of these juicy ones available.
Available in 2 sizes, DM if interested.

The Lambent Wall Light explores light as both object and sculpture. Once engineered for function and survival, the parachute silk is reimagined as something soft and luminous, allowing light to diffuse gently and inhabit the surrounding space. Balancing structure with delicacy, Lambent reflects an ongoing exploration of material life cycles and transformation.

The Pop bottle opener. Made from sand-cast bronze here in Australia. Have a few of these on hand ready to ship, good gift or treat to self ($80)

Pic by

Congratulations to on her appointment as CEO of the . While at the , Simone played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian design landscape by elevating local designers, fostering stronger industry connections, and helping build a more cohesive and vibrant design community.

I’ve just joined the DIA for the first time, and am looking forward to seeing what Simone’s leadership will bring. Her long-standing commitment to our community will undoubtedly have a powerful and positive impact.

Pictured here my first Ombré mirror, purchased by Simon at the 2023 Melbourne Design Fair.