Maker Profiles: Suzy Evans & Adam France

Yaama Yassou is a collaboration between designer Suzy Evans and Adam France. As part of their collaboration now on in Object Space on William Street Window Gallery, ADC’s Communications Producer Laura Wesolowski asked Suzy and Adam a few quick-fire questions to find out what inspires them as a designer makers.

Q. What have you made as part of your collaboration? How did this collaboration begin?

This collaboration has been on the boil for a couple of years. It started with playful ideas and jokes about a Greek and Gomeroi overlap, and then it took us some time to work out what to do with the concept. Much of this started as collage; with many months spent playing with Suzy's prints and Adams illustrations and finding something we were both excited by. Lighting and lamp covers were not our initial intention, but came to us quickly when we considered a product based outcome. The lamp shades gave us these big, oversized, 3D canvases to display on, as well as the joy and warmth you get when things illuminate. 

Q. Why do you make what you make?

This collaboration was important to us and something we needed to put out in the world. We both knew it was a special idea that we had to do justice to. We both work at the intersection of art, design and craft so our practices have always understood each other, but this was a truly special moment to work together. 

What inspires your collaboration?

Thematically, the Greeks and Gomeori are ancient cultures, continents apart. But why not bring them together and find some unexpected overlaps? Coolamons and giant Pithoi, columns of eucalyptus, Greek key patterns mixed with Gomeroi motifs - it all kept unfolding to our delight. Yaama and Yassou - both meaning hello - was the icing on the cake. These ideas kept us playfully exploring and finding outcomes that gave us such a creative kick.

What's next for Yaama Yassou?

Suzy is eager to get these motifs onto totes and pillows, Adam is keen for a bigger installation; a room of 30 of these jumbo illuminated forms. Displaying these at the ADC has been a great chance to get people's response and tips on where to take things. 

Thanks Suzy and Adam!

To learn more about Yaama Yassou, visit their page on Object Space.