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Known as a Dadaist and Abstract German-French artist Hans Arp was a sculptor, painter and poet who used collages, reliefs and sculptures in his work and often incorporated waste material like discarded paper and fabrics.
We find inspiration in the textures, shapes, natural stone and metals used it Hans’ work.

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To celebrate the release of our new Plant Based Selfcare range we chat to our campaign photographer Isabel Sasse. Isabel is one of our favourite photographers based in our home town of Byron Bay and we love her black and white images that beautifully intertwine nature with the female form. Addition asked Isabel about her everyday rituals, inspiration sources, favourite scents and to share a high on rotation playlist that helps get her in the zone. 

Do you have any morning rituals to set you up for the day?

Finding the balance between movement and stillness is a non-negotiable. Often, that looks like heading into the ocean at dawn (which at the moment is reminiscent of an ice bath, so breath work is heavily involved to awaken all areas of my mind and body) or I love an early morning run along the coastline. Anything that offers a form of cathartic release. This is followed by either tea ceremony and meditation for an hour in silence at home, or a few bowls of matcha infused with collagen in the morning sun before tending to the day ahead. I stand by the philosophy of turning routine into ritual— There has to be space held for ourselves, before we can hold space for others.

What inspires you in your work?

Depth & the human form. Anything that has the ability to hit that deeper, core part within me.

Favourite place/time to shoot and why?

Near the ocean at dusk or around dark rocks and caves. There’s something poetic in how the light falls in those places.

Your favourite scents?

Think cardamom, sandalwood, oudh, saffron. Anything with smokey undertones and spice. I’ve always been intrigued with how our particular sense of smell and our own unique ‘scent’ is informed by our experiences and continually re-shaped by our memories.

Can you share with us a playlist you listen to when getting in the editing zone or shooting?

I’ve made a special playlist called SURRENDER – On Spotify for Studio Societa.

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We ask Kate Dalton, Clinical Naturopath, Nutritionist + Founder of Mayde Tea for some Immunity advice and her top tips for Winter eating and lifestyle, along with a winning recipe for a clearing Face Steam using our Upper Oil.

Dietary 

Make breakfast a non-negotiable: 

Eat a nutrient-dense breakfast high in protein before 9am, as this helps to normalise cortisol levels. 

Eat intuitively: 

This means- regular meals, and when you’re hungry.

Reduce dietary stimulants:

Reduce things like coffee from your diet and replace with a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea (something like Mayde Tea Energise). Drinking caffeine initiates the release of cortisol (our stress hormone). This inhibits the body’s ability to fight off infection.  

Consume a diet high in antioxidants:

Eating a variety of organic fruits and vegetables will ensure an antioxidant-rich diet. Antioxidants are involved in the activation of cells that are a part of the immune response. 

Lifestyle

Exercise:

Exercise has been found in numerous studies to help boost the immune system and fight off infections by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Prioritise sleep:

Refrain from doing high intensity exercise within one hour of bedtime. Turn off all devices such as phones and laptops at least 30 minutes before hopping into bed as this can disrupt our sleep hormone- melatonin. Dim the lights and make a ritual of having a calming tea at this time (Serenity by Mayde Tea has been formulated to gently induce sleep!) Have a regular sleep time and try to wake at the same time every day.

Meditate:

Practice mindfulness meditation and deep breathing daily.

Sun exposure:

Aim for 20 minutes of sunlight in the early morning to improve vitamin D status, which is largely involved in immune function. The best part of your body to receive the sunlight is on your thighs and lower arms.

Time out:

Schedule in time out for you, every single day for 20 minutes- listen to a podcast, take a relaxing bath, read a book or anything else that helps to keep you relaxed, mindful and grounded. I’ve created a playlist to help unwind here.

Herbal face steam recipe

We sometimes intuitively inhale steam (say from a cup of tea) when we feel congested. This is because it provides temporary relief. Depending on the ingredients of the tea, this may have had additional benefits such as this following recipe, being both antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory.

Ingredients:

1TBSP each of thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, peppermint leaf and/or lavender flowers. 

3-5 drops of Studio Societa Upper essential oil

Method:

Heat about an inch of water in a large pot/saucepan.

Once boiled, place on top of a heat-proof surface and add in the herbs and essential oil. Stir, and cover for 1-2 minutes.

Remove the lid and carefully lower your face towards the steam, slowly, being mindful of the heat of the steam. Cover your head with a towel, as to make a little tent over you and the pot and breathe in the steam for up to 10 minutes. 

Discard of the herbs in your garden or compost bin.

*the above recipe is not recommended for children or pregnant women.

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It’s bath season, so to speak.

As soon as the weather started cooling down we found ourselves cancelling plans to hop in the bath to thaw out. No more sunset swims; this is the new end to the day.

We have to say it’s our favourite when it comes to a good old fashioned, warm up. 

We think the perfect bath goes a little something like this…

• Set the mood. Light a candle, incense or oil burner. Or if you’re feeling a little extra, do all three! Pop on our Bath Playlist. Turn off the lights.
• Get that water running + pour in roughly 1 sachet of Australian Native Bath Soak (let’s be honest we free pour!) plus a couple of drops of Lavender Oil or Downer.
• Add a few pumps of the Osmosis Hand and Body Wash for bubbles, if that’s your jam…
• While the water’s running, Start off with an invigorating Australian Native Body Scrub to get rid of all that dry winter skin. Work the scrub in circular motions, and get all Wim Hof. Take a quick, refreshing cold shower and hop into the warm bath.
• Breathe deeply to inhale all the grounding essential oils and exhale any bodily tension. 
• Once you’re well soaked, dry off and apply the Australian Native Clay Mask and make a hot cup of tea! Our pick is Mayde Tea – Restore.
• Lay back and apply the Eye Pad infused with calming Lavender oil. 

Image left: Portuguese architect Manuel Aires Mateus of Silent Living.
Image right: Bodhi Store

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We meet the girls, Nicole + Clare of the newly opened skincare and wellness store, FENN (our stockist too!) in leafy Paddington, NSW. 

Nestled under the umbrella of trees on Glenmore road you’ll find FENN hiding in the dappled winter light.

FENN offers an array of bespoke facials customised according to your skin needs + we love the different elements and textures of the soothing space they have created, not to mention their holistic approach to skincare, and the power of using natural ingredients in their treatments and everyday lifestyle. Addition is proud to sit alongside a beautifully curated selection of some of our favourite brands.

We ask the Nicole + Clare how to create a calm atmosphere and about their favourite Studio Societas products!

What is your approach to self care?

C. It’s essential to help you feel energised and motivated. Self-care comes in many different shapes and sizes. Giving myself a beautiful treatment either at home or at Fenn, sitting down to read (not on my phone!), having a glass of wine at the end of the day. The notion of giving back to yourself sometimes is what matters. Do things that make you feel happy and calm. 

Do you have any rituals to create a calm atmosphere at home + work?

C. A sparkling clean home is the best way to create a calm atmosphere for me. It’s  imperative I start the week with a declutter, freshly sun-dried sheets, lighting a beautiful incense, currently enjoying Studio Societas Lemon Myrtle & Bluegum, or adding a fresh bunch of flowers to my home. If I can accomplish all of those things I am absolutely winning. A vision of zen. 

You offer so many beautiful treatments. What is your go-to for the ultimate unwind?

C. I love Omnilux Light Therapy, either on its own or during a facial treatment. To me, it’s when I feel my most centred and calm. It’s like a meditation, you can’t look at your phone, you don’t speak to anyone, you’re completely alone – in the best way! I always feel mentally rejuvenated and calm plus my skin is glowing afterwards, as it reaps the benefits of light stimulation and collagen synthesis. 

Favourite Studio Societa product and how do you use it or why?

N. The Asteroid Oil Burner is so beautiful. We use these at FENN to gently scent the space and I love lighting one at home at the end of the day to wind down.

Do you have a favourite place in nature?

By the ocean. In the blur of having a baby and starting a new business, I’ve missed it almost without realising. Even growing up in the Blue Mountains, I’ve always had a strong connection to the coast…It simultaneously calms and energises me. 

Do you have a playlist you listen to, to help you get in the zone?

I do! This one.

We curate a very intentional playlist for our spaces at FENN. The retail and decompression spaces are fun and sophisticated. The treatment spaces are very calm and very direct. We like clients to be aware of music in the space, but for it to fall away as the treatment gets going. 

Store design by Akin Atelier.

Images by Terence Chin.

You can find FENN at 24 Glenmore Road, Paddington NSW or shop or online here.

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Arriving to you, your clay mask, glass dish and brush kit is ready to use immediately.

Simply rinse and cleanse your face, pat dry and pull all hair away from face.

Pour approximately two teaspoons into the glass dish provided, add a small amount of water and mix into a smooth paste using the brush included.

Once you have a smooth consistency brush the mixture onto your face. You can also apply to your whole body and with particular attention to oil and toxin hot-spots like the chest and shoulders.

Next, turn on some relaxing music and chill out while the clay dries.

Once dried wash off the mixture in a shower or bath to reduce mess.
Apprx. 4 serves included.

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An all in one designer incense burner set.

Arriving to you with a brass holder, ash catcher and 15 incense sticks.

Take the brass lid from the packaging, turn over and place on the surface you wish to burn. Take the solid circular brass piece sitting on top of the incense sticks and place it either within the brass lid, or balancing on the edge of it.

Place the incense stick vertically into the holder and light your incense.

Let burn for a moment before blowing it out. You will see the ember ignite, sending the smoke from the incense wafting into the air.

Commence relaxation.

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Made from 100% brass, our Asteroid Oil Burner is a tea light holder which acts as a subtle diffuser of essential oil.

Arriving to you with an Australian made beeswax candle and essential oil, simply remove the lid of the burner, light the candle and add 3-5 drops of the essential oil around the rim of the lid.

As the candle burns it will heat up the brass lid, diffusing the soothing scent of the oil into the space.

Hot to the touch after a long burn time, blow your candle out and let cool.

This brass oil burner is designed to age with you over time.

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Photo by Fernando Miranda and creative by The Colourblind Florist featuring our new Molecular Vase in travertine.

Could you run us through your morning ritual?

Mornings usually start at 3:45am when I get up, brush my teeth, feed my fish and head to Sydney flower market, stopping at 7/11 for a glorious $2 coffee. Once I arrive it’s all systems go as I try to find that special element, whether it be a delicate rare orchid or an especially juicy bunch of Lilac.

This energy and excitement kick starts my day. From there it’s back to the studio for the second coffee and to go through the haul and carefully prepare every stem for the days work.

Photo by the Colourblind Florist.

What is your start point for each arrangement and do you have any tips for people trying to create their own?

I am very influenced by the natural world. Not only by botanical elements but more the physical natural landscape that surrounds us.

Instead of making an arrangement, I’ll aim to make a mountain range, or a river bed, a coral reef, a peninsular or archipelago. This not only gives my work a narrative but it also gives me a personal connection to the work as it is usually taken from personal experience or trip.

I also tend to work more with interesting textures as a result of my colourblindness. Focusing on form shape and texture and not worrying so much about the use of busy colours

Photo by Fernando Miranda and creative by The Colourblind Florist featuring our new Molecular Vase.

Photo by the Colourblind Florist

What are you currently drawn to right now for this season?

Coming into spring summer the floral choices are off the charts. Im always looking for rare orchid varieties but at the moment Lilac is a huge draw card for me, as well as tree peonies and heliconias. Ive also seen some passionfruit flowers starting to emerge, as my favourite flower I’m also on the look out! Picked my first this morning!

Visit the Colourblind Florist here.

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