Vera – A Collaboration of Art, Design, and Culinary Excellence

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

Some collaborations are destined. They’re not just about design; they’re about shared values, timing, and the rare meeting of people who believe in each other’s vision.

Mark and Ruth, the owners of The Plough, have spent years blending rustic country charm with fine dining. Everything in their venue reflects passion and craftsmanship. Almost everything is made on-site, from stone-baked bread to cured meats and dry-aged beef. Their mantra, “everything matters,” resonated deeply with me.

This connection began through our mutual friend Cody, the carpenter who had been working on The Plough’s new function venue, The Marquee, for five years. One evening, Cody mentioned their love for design and art, showed them my work on Instagram, and suggested we visit. I had been searching endlessly for a venue for my first VANTA photo shoot, emailing hotels and restaurants, only to face barriers and fees I couldn’t afford. The moment I saw photos of The Plough’s stunning white walls and elegant chandelier, I knew it was the perfect place to bring my vision to life.

I sent Cody down with a VANTA book and then, on a rainy Sunday, Adam and I visited The Plough for lunch by the fireplace. We introduced ourselves to Mark and Ruth. They had already seen the book and loved it. The connection was instant. Over lunch, I proposed staging my photo shoot in their venue and discussed the idea of partnering with them for my exhibition by sponsoring the wine in exchange for a custom VANTA piece. They called me the very next day, excited and ready to make it happen.

 

The Design Process: Enter Vera

Before I had even seen the marquee’s back wall, I had already sketched Vera. She was born intuitively—a serene, elegant woman perched on a wine barrel with a glass of red, symbolising the artistry and soul that both The Plough and VANTA represent.

When I finally saw the marquee, it felt like Vera had been designed for that exact spot. She fit perfectly, with room to breathe and the presence to command the entire space. We explored ideas together, from fireplace grills to panels, but Vera was always meant to be the statement.

 

The Execution: A Race Against Time

The Plough’s opening night for the marquee was just over a week away. I reached out to my local fabricator, knowing they could turn Vera around quickly. It was a tight deadline, but every line of that design carried purpose and heart. The fabrication process was flawless, capturing every curve and detail without losing strength or durability.

The night before the opening, Adam and I collected Vera, transported her to the venue, and installed her against the marquee’s back wall. The stage was set for something unforgettable.

 

The Reveal: A Defining Moment

On the grand opening night, Vera stood veiled behind a curtain. With 150 guests in attendance, Mark and Ruth hosted a formal unveiling—my first public art reveal. When the curtain dropped, the room fell silent. It was a moment I had been building toward for five years, a moment of recognition not just for Vera but for the journey behind VANTA itself.

Ruth and Mark saw something in me that few had before. They believed in the soul of my work and gave me a platform to share it with the world. In return, I gave them a piece that reflects their own story—of craft, hospitality, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression.

That night, I stood before the crowd, gave a speech, and signed the wall. It was a defining moment I’ll carry forever.

A Toast to The Plough

Thank you, Mark and Ruth, for your unwavering belief, for your generosity, and for creating a space where art, food, and community come together. Vera is more than a panel; she is a testament to what happens when passion meets opportunity.

Here’s to beautiful food, beautiful art, and the beginning of many shared stories.