Behind the Brand TOG & PINI clare dunstan From her home in the leafy Victorian suburb of Research, Tog & Pini was founded in 2010 by artist Clare Dunstan. “I needed work that would fit around my young family and fulfill my creative nature,” Clare recalls. “Tog & Pini started out selling handmade toys made from vintage items but by 2016 the business was looking considerably different as I branched into illustrations. I started out at local craft markets before moving onto stocking stores, doing exhibitions and now running my own online Etsy store.” Clare’s family and menagerie of pets have been instrumental in fostering her love of visual arts and passion for animals. She currently works from her idyllic home studio with her kids, husband, chooks, dogs and guinea-pigs a constant inspiration. “I am passionate about bringing light and joy into homes. I hope my work reflects this.” “I think small businesses naturally take on the individual nature of their owners and therefore my own outlook on life affects my artworks and what they become. I think this makes them unique. Add to that a combination of my values which I think many share, such as: I am conscious of keeping my work affordable while still maintaining a high quality in production and focusing on customer service; I choose recycled paper stocks where available; and I especially like to keep all my printing and manufacturing in Australia and as local as possible.” LOVE OF HOME | 2020 September Shopping Guide
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