Ray and Joe are on a mission – a mission to transform the way we think about homeware products. They believe that everyday objects can be more than just functional items, but rather, pieces of art that add beauty and tranquillity to our day-to-day. As the founders of Black Blaze, they have dedicated themselves to creating products that not only enhance the home but also inspire a sense of calm and relaxation.
Their success can be attributed to their unwavering commitment to authenticity. “We believe that creating work that is authentic to ourselves is the key to resonating with a broader audience,” Ray and Joe explained in a recent interview. “By staying true to our values and design principles, we are able to create products that are unique and reflective of our perspective.”
At the same time, they incorporate the aesthetic preference of their audience. “We strive to understand our customers and their lifestyles in order to create products that not only align with our vision, but also have practical value and appeal to a wider range of people,” they said.
Their attention to detail and focus on quality are evident in each of their products. However, not everyone will like their work, and they are receptive to constructive criticism. “When we face negative feedback, we first listen carefully and accept the feedback,” they said. “Then we analyse the issues mentioned in the feedback carefully to see if there is a need for adjustment. Finally, we use feedback as an opportunity for further improvement and development.”
“Our latest collection draws inspiration from the natural forms and shapes found in Australia’s rich environment,” Ray and Joe shared. “As designers, we are always seeking inspiration from the world around us, and nature is one of the most inspiring sources. We are fortunate to live in Australia, where the organic shapes and forms found in nature are endless and can be translated into beautiful and unique designs.”
For this particular collection, Ray and Joe were drawn to the fluidity and movement of seaweed. “In our design process, we typically start with sketches and then experiment with different materials and techniques to bring our ideas to life,” they explained. “Overall, our goal is to create pieces that capture the essence of nature while also being functional and timeless.”
“We hope that when customers use our new collection in their homes, they feel a sense of calm and tranquillity, as if they are bringing a piece of nature indoors,” Ray and Joe said. “We want our pieces to not only be functional but also to serve as decorative objects that add beauty.”
Taking risks and embracing challenges are integral to Ray and Joe’s creative process. As they constantly explore and experiment with new materials and techniques, they also look for opportunities to push themselves out of their comfort zones. This approach not only fosters growth but also allows them to discover new ways of creating and innovating. As Joe explains, “The biggest risk we took in our creative career was starting our own brand, Black Blaze. It was a big leap of faith to leave our stable jobs in the magazine industry and start something from scratch. We learned that taking risks can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.”
Starting Black Blaze was a significant turning point for Ray and Joe, requiring them to step into the unknown and take a chance on their creative vision. The experience taught them many valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and patience. It also reinforced their belief in the importance of having a clear vision and staying true to their values and aesthetic, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. As Ray notes, “We had to learn to be resilient, adaptable, and patient in the face of challenges and setbacks. We also learned the importance of having a clear vision and staying true to our values and aesthetic, even when it wasn’t the easiest or most popular path to take.”
For Ray and Joe, the creative journey is not just about discovering new techniques and materials. It’s also about personal growth and self-reflection. They continually identify their weaknesses and set goals to overcome them. By embracing their strengths and weaknesses, they can evolve their creativity and continue to develop as designers. As Joe says, “Creativity is a journey that requires constant exploration and experimentation. It’s not just about trying new things, but also challenging ourselves and engaging in self-reflection.”
The Brass Candle Holder series is a standout in the Black Blaze collection. As they explain, “Our goal when creating this series was to design something classic that could complement any modern or traditional décor.” Through extensive research and experimentation, they combined brass and marble to create a unique and novel design that expands their design boundaries. The founders were particularly proud to incorporate natural textures into their design, stating, “During the process, we also recognised the beauty of natural textures and integrated this wonderful natural element into our design, which is something that we are especially proud of.” The result is a series of candle holders that are not only functional but also beautiful and versatile, fitting into any interior design style.
For anyone just starting out in the creative field, Ray and Joe offer this advice: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries, even if it means making mistakes along the way. It’s also important to find a supportive community of like-minded individuals who can offer feedback and encouragement.”
As Ray and Joe continue their creative journey with Black Blaze, they remain committed to their values of authenticity, sustainability, and resilience. Their passion for enhancing the home and inspiring a sense of calm and relaxation is reflected in each product they create. By drawing inspiration from the natural world around them, they are able to create unique and timeless pieces that resonate with a wider audience.
Their dedication to constant exploration and experimentation is something that we can all learn from. Whether we’re artists, designers, or simply individuals striving to live a creative life, we can all take inspiration from Ray and Joe’s journey. It’s a reminder that creativity is not always easy, but it’s always worth pursuing.
