British-born and Melbourne-based self-taught designer, Dean Norton has earned another accolade to his repertoire, this time named in the top 100 global designers at the 2023 Kyoto Global Design Awards.
Born and raised in Essex, England, Norton initially studied graphic design before taking on an interior design degree at the University of Arts London. Borne out of a desire to create functional pieces that made an artistic statement, Norton launched his own studio in Melbourne in 2017. Developing minimalist works inspired by personal experiences, Norton aims to craft enduring, performative works that connect with the observer on an emotional level.
Dean Norton’s Containa series.
Image:
Spot Studio
Norton’s work has captured the attention of many creatives, designers and galleries across the globe. In 2021, he won the Vivid Emerging Designer Award and his Concave Convex Mirror was acquired by the National Galley of Victoria for its permanent collection. In 2022, he was awarded Best Table of the Year for his Containa series, which was also selected for exhibition at the Rossana Orlandi Master Gallery during Milan Design Week 2022/23.
Upon receiving the KGDA award, Norton said “it is such an honour to be selected in the company of extraordinary talent from around the world and gives me an immense sense of purpose to know I am adding to promoting positive social and economic development through my designs.”
Inside the Full Moon vessel, a spherical form resembling a moon floats weightlessly as if supported by gravity.
Image:
Courtesy of Dean Norton
Norton has manipulated and worked with a diverse range of materials in developing his objects, including timber, mirrors, stell and glass. His latest series, Full Moon comprises sculptural glass vessels, which were crafted by hand. Inside the vessel, a spherical form resembling a moon floats weightlessly as if supported by gravity. The glass sheets encasing the sphere create distorted moon shapes at every approach.
“Full Moon is an opportunity for me to continue exploring form and its interplay through materiality. Created during a full moon period, I hope this series will have its own personal engagement, connecting with the hearts and minds of its viewers. Showcasing this as part of my involvement at Alcova Miami is super exciting and I can’t wait to be part of an event that elevates innovative design from around the world,” Norton said.
Dean Norton has earned another accolade to his repertoire, this time named in the top 100 global designers at the 2023 Kyoto Global Design Awards.
Image: Supplied
Each year, the KGDA jury names its top 100 global designers and design studios of the year, with particular emphasis on designers who instigate trends or contribute significantly to advancing the field of design. The criteria for selection is based not only on the design features of projects, but also on functionality and social or environmental value.
To find out more about the Kyoto Design Awards Best 100 of the Year visit here.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
