Introducing the Fired Up zine Part I; full of creativity, craftsmanship, and design
Gathering sticks to start a fire
We are thrilled to unveil the inaugural issue of Fired Up – our brand new, vibrant zine that captures the essence of creativity, craftsmanship, and design. This first edition marks the culmination of collaboration and passion, bringing together insightful interviews, stunning artwork, and stories from global creatives who share our unwavering commitment to exceptional design.
Designed and art-directed by Mark Lazenby, the renowned British collage artist and former AD of The World of Interiors, the cover of Fired Up is a striking visual representation of his unique style. Weaving together elements of typography and collage, Mark has utilised a wonderful range of source images including details and fragments of our products and surfaces. With a portfolio that includes exhibitions alongside the likes of Tracey Emin and Cornelia Parker, Mark brings his signature aesthetic to this debut edition of Fired Up. Inside, you’ll find interviews curated by Dammy Ponnuthurai, offering fresh perspectives on outdoor living, incredible recipes from exciting chefs and design ideas from creatives across the globe.
Below are some links to content contained in the zine to give you a taste:
2/ Five Minutes with Lucy Willcox of Willcox Garden Design
3/ Five Minutes with Andrew Clarke of Acme Fire Cult
From the US Show: A glimpse into the future of outdoor living
Fired Up launched just in time for the WestEdge Design Fair in Santa Monica, California, where it made its public debut and was really well received. Held at the iconic Barker Hangar in Santa Monica from November 14-16, 2024, the fair was an immersive experience showcasing the latest in modern design. Attendees had the chance to explore our innovative new Vlaze modular system, an outdoor kitchen solution featuring 12 configurable cabinet options, allowing you to create a fully customised space tailored to your style and needs.
Alongside other exciting brands, Vlaze proudly showcased our stunningly beautiful vitreous enamel surfaces, combining exquisite craftsmanship with engineering. We also had the huge pleasure of collaborating with ZWILLING Flammkraft, a leader in modern grilling. Exceptional German-made grills, featuring infrared burners with three separate cooking zones and multiple attachments, for endless cooking possibilities. ZWILLING Flammkraft grills truly reimagine the art of grilling, making them the perfect complement to our Vlaze outdoor kitchens.
The Fired Up podcast: Get fired up about design, creativity and well-being
For those eager to dive deeper into the worlds of design, innovation, and culture, tune into our all-new Fired Up Podcast available on Spotify. Featuring the audio versions of Dammy’s insightful writings, the podcast offers a platform for exploring topics that resonate with the creative mind. Dammy delves into the profound intersections of design, creativity, and personal well-being, offering her thoughtful perspective on how our physical surroundings shape our inner worlds. She invites listeners to explore how design can ground us in the present moment, revealing fresh insights into the simplicity and beauty of our environments.
In one standout episode, Resting, Dammy reflects on her upbringing as a child of immigrants, where hard work was ingrained as a mantra. While this has instilled a tenacity to push forward, Dammy recognises that it often leaves little room for rest. She examines how the cultural pressure to stay busy, even in the face of exhaustion, affects our well-being, and why truly embracing rest is essential for balance and greater creativity. Drawing on insights from philosophy and her own experiences, Dammy highlights the need to slow down in a world that constantly demands more.
The podcast touches on a variety of topics – from Tiny Home Living, where limited space and time spent outside our homes can spark creativity and reconnect us to joy, to Materiality and Acts of Kindness, which explores how materials around us and small everyday acts can shape our experience and well-being. Dammy’s poetic approach weaves in references from art, philosophy, and design theory, offering rich and thoughtful insights that challenge conventional thinking.
Whether you’re passionate about design, seeking fresh perspectives on well-being, or curious about the stories behind iconic brands, the Fired Up Podcast offers something for every discerning listener. Listen now on Spotify and join us in exploring the creative forces shaping our world.