Photo dump series #2 with Shabnam Shiwan, Creative Director, Osborne Shiwan
At Sauce, we’re always endeavouring to open the curtains to get a closer to glimpse of women killing the game — Shabnam Shiwan is one of them.
For the second instalment of the series, we are excited to introduce you to Shabnam Shiwan. She is one half of the powerhouse behind multidisciplinary design studio Osborne Shiwan. Shabnam grew up by the Pacific Ocean and moved to New Zealand in her teens – a place she now calls home. Her rich cultural history and tapestry continue to influence her work today, and she works on some of the most influential brands locally and internationally. Welcome to #2 of our lockdown photo dump series.
Tell us a little something about yourself and your career trajectory?
I am a Creative Director at Osborne Shiwan, a brand agency based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Over the past 25 years I've worked with some of Aotearoa's most influential brands. Working on the Karen Walker rebrand was a highlight. Designing a new luxury experience for Godavari Diamonds was very rewarding and it was recently awarded the highly coveted Red Dot. This year we have worked with some incredible photographers like Meighan Ellis, Hōhua Kurene and Alistair Guthrie for Euro. Te Wheke was a turning point for Atamira Dance Company under the leadership of Artistic Director Jack Gray and we are very privileged to have been able to work with them for over seven years.
What are you currently working on?
We have some cool projects on the go for Ryder, WORLD, Godavari Diamonds, and Auckland Art Gallery.
How has mindfulness affected your experience of lockdown?
Taking time out to recharge is important. What that means for me is gardening, reading, and cooking. Spring cleaning in the garden is my favourite way to chase away the lockdown blues. Cooking is something I do at the end of each workday, which allows me to switch off from my workday or to have a break.
During lockdown, what have you learnt about each other as a family and yourself?
Our design studio has been home-based since I left Saatchi & Saatchi and joined Lloyd in his practice over six years ago. So, we are used to spending a lot of time at home. What I have learned over the years is that creating separation from work and home life is key to maintaining balance. Lockdown reminds me of how much I value spending time with loved ones. I have missed my weekend lunches with my family. I am lucky that my immediate family lives in Tāmaki Makaurau, and we will get to see each other soon. This lockdown has also made me think about friends with families overseas who haven't seen each other for years.
What are you cooking?
I am lucky to have some of mum's curries in the freezer. I made kedgeree with leftover dal and served it with sardines and raw onions (marinated in lemon juice and chilli). This was our Saturday lunchtime meal in Fiji after going to the markets (eaten with salad from the garden). You can't beat good Indian home cooking. I have been making Pissaladière (caramelised onion and anchovy tart) ever since seeing Carl and Natalia from The Engine Room make it during a shoot. It is the best and has been a staple in our kitchen for years.
Pancakes and crepes on rotation for breakfast. Nigel Slater has the best recipe for ricotta pancakes, and his book The Kitchen Diaries is my bible. My friend Angela promised to make macaroni for me, but I am still waiting for it to arrive. I took matters into my own hands and ventured into a frozen macaroni journey, which I do not recommend. It's the disasters when I am cooking that gets to me especially when you can't waste ingredients. I would like to say that it's all calm, curated, and centred but sometimes it’s a complete disaster.
Lockdowns are stressful and sap your energy so you can’t even do the basics right some days. I also made a pineapple upside-down cake, which turned out to be a delicious mess of a right side up cake. I had to pop it back in the oven after I tipped it out on a plate because it was very, very undercooked. Time certainly does not have any meaning during lockdowns, and I should have put the timer on. Just because you are ready for cake doesn't mean the cake is ready for you. That's a life lesson right there.
What are you watching?
I started watching Dark Tourist, which seems apt. The concept of travelling feels very dark to me right now. The Panthers and I May Destroy are on my list. I haven’t watched a lot of shows during this lockdown. I’ve been too busy watching my two new kittens Bella and Gigi.
Is there a book you are currently reading?
Quichotte by Salman Rushdie. The book reimagines Don Quixote in modern-day America instead of La Mancha. The protagonist is an Indian, who embarks on a surreal journey across America to win his true love. The book is beautifully written and is a delicious read. I always have a selection of books at home from the library. Currently, I am reading Bubblegum by Adam Levin, not the singer but the American fiction author. Also, in the pile of books is Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver. And last but not least, a book on a collection of works by Irving Penn.
When things go back to normal, I will be
Dining... Going out! I miss sharing a meal with family and friends. My last fabulous home-cooked meal was at Yi’s house, and my last memorable meals out were at Hello Beasty, Candela, and Euro. The Metro Top 50 Restaurants have been announced, and I will be looking through the magazine for recommendations.
Lunching... Sandringham Road is pretty good for a satisfying thali and Dominion Road for spicy noodles. We recently moved back to the Western suburbs and love the food in the area. I took a friend to Sandringham Road and made him eat with his hands, and he is still getting over it. But the truth is that curries taste better eaten with your hands. What's better than a good cultural exchange over lunch in the melting pot that is Tāmaki Makaurau?
Discovering… A road trip this summer – somewhere remote and quiet.
Loving... Catch-ups with family. A proper celebration for Diwali this year with fabulous outfits and great food. Dressing up and going out with friends to enjoy the warmer months coming up. I love swimming so some day trips to the beach perhaps as early as November.
