Artistic Influence_pépite on supporting Melbourne creatives
Artistic Influence
pépite on supporting Melbourne creatives
WRITTEN BY ALEESHA CALLAHAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTINA GEMMOLA
Exploration, creation and a love of materiality are qualities at the heart of the Cantilever design ethos. Likewise; a genuine appreciation for such expressions by others.
pépite gallery space offers a daily window into this world.
For those who haven’t visited before, pépite gallery is a space that sits somewhere between a traditional art gallery and a curated retail environment, offering a unique way to experience contemporary art and design.
The gallery represents more than 60 emerging artists, presenting one-of-a-kind and limited edition works – many of which aren’t available anywhere else. At the heart of pépite is a commitment that goes beyond simply sourcing and selling handmade pieces. The team is driven by a desire to uncover new talent, support artists as they develop their practice, and share a thoughtful, ever-evolving selection of work that feels fresh, inspiring, and accessible.
What sets pépite apart from a traditional gallery is its approach to exhibition. Rather than hosting rotating solo shows, the space brings together all of the artists at once, which allows visitors to experience the full breadth of the collection in a single visit. This creates an environment where each piece can be appreciated individually, while also revealing the harmony between works across different artists and disciplines.
Left to Right: Emily Ellis, Dawn Vachon
Left to Right: Tessy King, Lauren Joffe
With artists working across ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewellery, what's the curatorial through-line – what makes a piece feel pépite?
There isn’t a single, defining feature that makes a piece feel like pépite – as you’ll notice when you walk into the space, the collection is intentionally eclectic. When we’re sourcing new work, we’re drawn to pieces that feel distinct, but still sit comfortably alongside what’s already in the collection.
It’s a careful balance; we want each work to hold its own and feel unique within the space, while also contributing to a dialogue between pieces. Ultimately, what ties everything together is a shared sense of intention and longevity. We’re interested in one-of-a-kind works that feel special and enduring – pieces that people can connect with and treasure for years to come.
Left to right: Alterfact (first two), Dawn Vachon (second two)
What is it about Australian ceramics right now that's exciting you most?
What’s most exciting right now is how our ceramic artists are redefining what the medium can be. Many of the artists we work with are pushing beyond traditional expectations, either by experimenting with scale or moving into areas like furniture and lighting. There’s still a common perception of ceramics being limited to vases and tableware – and while we have a strong offering in that space – it’s been exciting to see that idea challenged. More and more, artists are expanding the boundaries of the medium in ways that feel fresh and unexpected.
We’re especially looking forward to the 100 Chairs exhibition during MDW this year, which includes a few of our artists working with clay, either on its own or in combination with other materials. It’s a great example of how versatile and dynamic ceramics has become.
Left to Right: Emily Ellis, Angela Hayes
Top to bottom: Emily Ellis, Laura Veleff (Leaf and Thread), Theodosius Ng
Cantilever sources ceramic sculptures and pieces from pépite for our project shoots – a relationship that's been running for some time now. What do you look for when matching a piece to a Cantilever interior?
It’s always a pleasure working with Cantilever and we really value the care and consideration that goes into every project. There’s a shared attention to detail, especially in those final layers that bring a space together. For each shoot, we spend time selecting pieces that feel thoughtfully aligned with the home.
When matching works to a Cantilever interior, we look for pieces with character – through colour, texture or form – that complements and elevates the overall palette. We really appreciate that Cantilever doesn’t shy away from colour; their spaces feel refined but still warm and lived in.
Left to Right: Mali Taylor,
“We really believe industries grow through community. It’s important to support, collaborate and promote one another, especially within the local creative scene.”
You support so many local creatives – why is it important to collaborate with local businesses?
We really believe industries grow through community. It’s important to support, collaborate and promote one another, especially within the local creative scene.
Working with like-minded businesses, such as Cantilever, allows us to help create more considered and enduring spaces, adding that final layer through art and ceramics.
Left to Right: Emily Ellis, Laura Veleff (Leaf and Thread)
What's coming up at pépite that you'd love people to know about – new editions, makers, or moments in the showroom?
We’re entering a really exciting year at pépite as we continue to grow and evolve the collection. We’re expanding into new materials, welcoming artists working with metal, textiles and timber, which brings a really interesting new dimension to the space.
Alongside this, we’re also looking to gradually introduce smaller furniture pieces, which feels like a natural extension of how our works are already being experienced in the home. We also have a few exciting collaborations coming up, including exclusive series created specifically for pépite, which we’re looking forward to sharing over the coming months.
Emily Ellis (both white pieces)
Kelly Brown (vase)
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