TRADE the MARK

TRADE the MARK is an art and design studio led by artist Christina McLean. Currently focusing on hand built and painted ceramic vessels, bespoke art pieces and textile design, the TRADE the MARK studio and its output is constantly evolving, like Chris herself. 

For over three decades, Chris has been obsessed with materials – how they speak and what they say. Her most enduring fixation has been with clay; she’s been throwing, decorating and firing since she left art school in the early 1990s. Textiles, too, have been an abiding love. She’s created textile designs for many of Australia’s top fashion labels, and regularly explores her affection for organic textures and patterns through hand-painting fabric. What ties Chris’ output together is her unique aesthetic, artistic vision and commitment to hand craftsmanship.

Chris is deeply original, incredibly skilled, slightly mad and finely tuned to the wonder of the natural world. Her work embodies her vision, values and creativity. Within each vessel, wall hanging, vase or earring is found a hint of her journey and her values. Every TRADE the MARK object, whether functional or not, is a piece of art, not a product.