25 Jul 2008
Article - 06.08.2007
Robert Foster presents his talk, 'Metal: an organic process - the nexus between handmade and industry' at the 'Smart works' symposium at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, on 30 March 2007.
Silversmith Robert Foster, who believes 'You get back what you put in', set up F!NK and Co in 1994, joined by partner Gretel Harrison in 1997. Foster wanted a business that would support his one-off handmade works, starting with production of his now well-known aluminium F!NK water jug.
From the outset, F!NK was envisaged as a company of designers and many acknowledge Foster's generosity and enthusiasm in providing them with a start. He insists on a close connection to the tooling part of the process to 'maintain the sensitivity and integrity of the design'. F!NK objects are now sold extensively in Australia and overseas.
Increased demand for the F!NK water jug led Foster to explore offshore manufacturing, and he now has jug forms made in China, mostly for assembly in Australia.
TAGS
+ Foster
+ F!nk
+ Jug
+ Design
+ Metal
+ Industry
+ Handmade
From the outset, F!NK was envisaged as a company of designers and many acknowledge Foster's generosity and enthusiasm in providing them with a start. He insists on a close connection to the tooling part of the process to 'maintain the sensitivity and integrity of the design'. F!NK objects are now sold extensively in Australia and overseas.
Increased demand for the F!NK water jug led Foster to explore offshore manufacturing, and he now has jug forms made in China, mostly for assembly in Australia.
TAGS
+ Foster
+ F!nk
+ Jug
+ Design
+ Metal
+ Industry
+ Handmade