Weekend Itinerary: The best Sunday lunch in town, with Ben Mazey

Already thinking about how to spend this weekend? Here's how artist and ex-Kenzo design director, Ben Mazey, spends a precious 48 hours in Melbourne!

Annie here. I first came across artist Ben Mazey last July at Rachael Fry’s C. Gallery in South Yarra, where his latest exhibition at the time, HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’RE DEAD, was on display. I was lucky enough to catch Ben speak with Katya Wachtel about his artwork and his career, and I fell instantly in love with his story and philosophy towards personal and professional growth. It’s not everyday you get a glimpse of so much talent oozing out of one single humble human.

I’ve been nattering away to anyone who would listen to me wax lyrical about Ben ever since (mainly my long-suffering husband and my dog), so I thought it was time to introduce him to our amazing community here by asking him to curate his perfect weekend in Melbourne.

But first, a little about him.

Ben Mazey with an assortment of his artworks at C. Gallery

Ben Mazey is an Australian-based artist who creates sculptural works made mainly from ceramic slabs which he turns into stunning wall panels, totems, vessels and other tactile, three dimensional forms.

I am not an art critic (surprise!) and generally find writing about art to be hard/wanky, but all I can say about Ben’s work is that it’s mesmerisingly beautiful. And really, what more could you ask for from a work of art???

Ben’s work up close and personal! Told you it was beautiful!!

It’s not surprising, then, to learn that Ben has been immersed in the world of design and fashion for the last 14 years, notably at Kenzo in Paris where he spent seven years as design director. He has the sort of clear-eyed sense of taste that can only come from honed instinct, but he’s also completely lacking any pretentiousness whatsoever (he self-describes as a “middle aged aspiring sculptor” which sort of tells you everything you need to know). And if there’s anything me and Soph love it’s a fashion person who should in theory be untouchably cool but who turns out to be generous, warm, funny and down to earth.

Ben’s latest fashion-centric creative venture is design brand Positive Goods, which has one of the best printed graphic tees going ‘round right now.

For locals and visitors alike, I am sure you will find some gems in his weekend below. Read on to discover Ben Mazey’s perfect 48 hours, including what he describes as the best baked good in Australia! How could you say no?!!

P.S. For anyone interested in learning more about Ben, you can follow him on Instagram or visit C. Gallery to see his work (his next exhibition will open in July!).

P.P.S. For anyone interested in more flawless taste, take a sticky beak at C. Gallery owner Rachael Fry’s beautiful home. It’ll give you an indication of her eye as a curator (hint: it’s impeccable, hence why you’ll find Ben on her gallery’s walls).