Palinopsia pieces and people: both made for keeping both one-of-a-kinds. I wanted to capture moments with my much-loved friend and interior designer, Judyta Hulme and her family. Our shared friendship, history and time together bring our handmade ceramics to life in a way a staged set can't.
On a friend's property on the edge of the big smoke is the green nook of Forest Glen, New South Wales. This is where we shot our campaign over a few days in November. Close enough to be part of Sydney; far enough to stretch out and leave the loudness of city life. Backing onto the Dharug National Park, this ancient environment holds the indigenous Darug people's whispers.
Our Gluten-free Pear-Walnut Cake is inspired by Our Food Stories. Simple and beautiful, it’s got a food-is-art vibe, and the crew was all-too-happy to inhale it afterwards. Judyta calls this epic backdrop, ‘Dinosaur Cave,’ a quintessential corner with Australianness of place. Golden Hour gave us a gentle glow when the sunset over the caves. A lovely local light spilt over our cut crystal glasses, icing sugar dusting and tableware Australia. In a New South Wales colour palette; still grasses, still life.
Inspired by my friendship with Judyta, I wanted to capture the familiarity of our shared time. I met Judyta years ago while styling on a retail campaign set. Magically wild with a unique creative abandon, she never sees the obstacles. Instead, she rolls up her proverbial sleeves and runs toward the new and unknown with quiet determination. At first, I thought she had a superpower, but I quickly learned Judyta just loves life.
Her sparkle is infectious. So between corporate sandwiches and photoshoots, we became fast friends. Since I’ve been on the Palinopsia path, Judyta and her husband, Jason, have been cherished contributors. From offering a creative, resourceful perspective around my campaigns to being the talent in my photos, they're my speed-dial sounding boards for ideas and dreams. Having friends on my journey is outstanding; choosing them as my co-creative minds is a privilege.
The Hulmes are an energetic family of doers. The perfect point of call to test the durability and everyday practicality of Palinopsia pieces. Jason is a stellar cook; he may be modest, but his meringue is not. As a craftsman in the kitchen, he helps shape our ranges' usability and functionality. These are ceramics for the modern home as well as plates for restaurants. That’s why Jason is our ceramic dishes crash-test dummy.
Darlinghurst life is joyful in its own loud, inner-city way. But when bright lights and big-city crowd my thoughts, I escape to Forest Glen for solace and peace. With private walking tracks, swimming holes and scores of native flora and fauna – this phenomenal property brings refuge and recharge around the crackle of a firepit. A soul reset with a robust glass of red and some quality storytelling.
Palinopsia is about everyday living; the rituals of cooking and family. Here, this happens in spades. I created a scene to paint friendship; both in our world, laughing, sharing, devouring coffee and cake. Walnuts, honey, stoneware dinner sets and worn wooden chairs. Peacefully manic; untamed with kids and dogs running wild around us.
Judyta’s nine lives
Originally from Poland, Judyta Hulme is a Sydney-based interior designer and photography stylist. My go-to Palinopsia collaborator, her work has been featured in Real Living, Vogue Living, House & Garden, Mamamia and Domain. As well as a photographer, artist and visual merchandiser, Judyta is also a NSW volunteer firefighter, landscaper, keen horse rider and Mum to two boys. She also knows how to build a damn good, sturdy fence.
In Judyta’s cupboard, you’ll find ceramic plates and pasta bowl in the Malo range in Milk. Malo Milk Dinnerware Set and Sabe Serving Bowl in Mushroom
