bookhou

Arounna Khounnoraj, a printmaker and textile artist, is one half of Toronto-based Bookhou, a collaborative design company co-founded in 2002 with partner John Booth, a painter and furniture maker.

Arounna + daughter Piper

"John’s inspiration board consists of images that are found, photocopied and his own – any sort of image or mark that spurs his imagination. My inspiration board consists of objects and images that I’ve collected from other artists and my own. I try to change it often, but find it hard to give up certain works. We both find the inspiration board helps to remind us of things and helps to build a context – I know that I forget thoughts if it’s hidden in my sketchbook."

above quote + picture from a studio interview via DesignSponge

In 2008 they opened a welcoming storefront and gallery where they feature their own roughly-elegant handmade items for the home. In addition to looking after their 2 young kids, Arounna also teaches printing classes on a vintage movable type press at the back of the space, mounts monthly shows by local artists, writes a lovely blog called bookhou at home, writes + produces her own magazine and contributes DIY features to other blogs such as poppytalk.

At Task we carry John's gorgeous hand-laminated maple veneer flock mobiles and Arounna's lovely hand-printed lines + triangles tea towels.

Arounna's blog is filled with many gorgeous images and I love the way she plays with variations on a theme in these limited edition totes and wearable art...

Arounna + John on a visit to NYC