The designer and tailor Emily Nolan. Photograph by Brigitte Clark. Through her artworks – large scale brutalist-inspired canvases painted in pastel pinks and blues – the Sydney-based artist Annalisa Ferraris depicts glamorous, minimalistic places: street-side architecture, pool-side vistas, and dinner party mise-en-scène.
Recently, however, she has delved into a more functional form of creation, crafting pieces that bring interiors to life. The result is FERRARIS, a capsule collection of furniture comprising of the Claudio chair – a walnut stained birch design with a custom made cushion (available to upholster in ivory taffeta or Sicilian olive velvet) – and the Paola brass light sconce.
Here, we asked the creative and tastemaker for her T Australia List – from the ceramic vases she’s coveting to the South Coast island escape where swimming with seals is on the agenda.
Covet This: A silk collaboration and an artful light sconce for the home
“The incredibly talented abstract artist Miranda Skoczek has a collaboration coming out with Silk Laundry that is looking magnificent, while Poho’s beautiful Double Bay store is a must-visit – not only for their impeccable selection of flowers but also for their range of vases. In particular, the Morgane Pasqualini ceramic pieces, sourced by the artist herself. They’re otherworldly.
I love antique jewellery more than the new – particularly all the beautiful, rare, estate and antique pieces Emrys Cousins sources for her brand Love Well. They’re never short of incredible, will gladly take them all. Finally, my dear friend and botanical illustrator Adriana Picker will soon be launching a beautiful fig leaf sconce, crafted to charm any kitchen or home.”
Eat This: Mediterranean-inspired fare at Sydney’s The Rocks
“For the best and most consistently good food, drinks and vibes, look no further than the Swillhouse Group – their newest restaurant Le Foote is a Mediterranean-inspired grill that will take you back to Europe with the first bite of a cheese pie or sip of a (two-sip) martini. Trust me, I’ve had many sips. They’re also soon to open The Caterpillar Club – a new late-night venue that will no doubt be a real saviour for Sydney night life.” swillhouse.com/venues/le-foote
Visit This: Swim with seals at this idyllic island getaway
“For the perfect city escape take a scenic drive south (if you’re in Sydney) to Narooma and stay on Barunguba (Montage Island). It’s a small island off the coast of Narooma, a seal sanctuary and home to many sea gulls and penguins. Hire both houses for the entire island to yourself or one for a smaller group. On your drive, stop at the Narooma co-op and stock up on oysters and fresh fish (once you’re on the island there’s no shops, so make sure you bring all the essentials). And – the entire reason to visit –swim with the seals. It will be one of the greatest experiences you ever have. When you’re back on the mainland head to Quarter Deck on the other side of Narooma (recently taken over by Merivale) and have a piña colada and some ceviche.”
See This: Iridescent paintings from a 20th-century master
“The Bonnard exhibition at the NGV is on until October and is possibly one of the most important exhibitions of note to visit Australia – definitely worth a visit. My husband (Nathan White) will also be debuting his sculptures-homewares in collaboration with Assembly Label this November – look out for them in stores. The current Peter Godwin exhibition at Defiance Gallery is also (in my opinion) one of the best shows in Sydney at the moment. I’m dying to get my hands on one of his works!”
