Founded by optometrist Dr Myles Zakheim and his daughter Kyly Zak, the father-daughter duo make classic, affordable eyewear with a focus on eye health. They bridge the historical gap between eye care and eyewear while emphasizing well-being.
Zak and Paramount House Hotel worked on frame and lens colours to create custom sunglasses that would resonate with both guests and the local community as interesting but timeless pieces. “The Really Round is one of our favourite frames for anyone looking for a slightly bolder look. We also featured The Square, which is a classic” says Kyly.
To celebrate the collaboration, we asked a few favourite local artists to come together & talk about their community, personal style and secret Sydney Summer spots (unsurprisingly, most of them remain a secret), all while getting familiar with their new frames.
Ondine Seabrook, Artist
Hi Ondine! Tell us a bit about your work.
I am a painter, mostly abstract / landscape. I make my work in my studio in Darlinghurst and exhibit it at China Heights gallery around the corner in Surry Hills. My work is colourful, painterly and dreamy.
Have you always lived in Sydney? How does your neighbourhood inspire your work?
I grew up on Scotland Island and Avalon which some people say is so far away (from the city) it doesn’t even feel like Sydney. I think spending all the time as a child in the bush and on the water is so embedded in me it will always inspire my work. I have spent the past seven years mostly in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, still having regular contact with the ocean.
Tell us about a special experience you had in your local area that encouraged your work?
I would just say in general just my everyday interactions/support from the local artistic community and my friends. This helps and encourages me every day.
Tell us a bit about the style of your artwork. Does it evolve continuously?
My style is loose and spontaneous but also really carefully thought out. I usually start from the landscape but this can evolve into abstraction or patterns. I think playing and experimenting in between shows is important because this is how you progress/ evolve. Sometimes the best stuff comes out when you’re not thinking about it too much.
A secret spot in Sydney your sunnies would accompany you to…
My first spot will have to stay secret, but my second would be Lady Martin’s beach.
Cloudy Rhodes, Filmmaker and Video Artist
What do you do? Tell us a bit about your work
I am a filmmaker and video artist. My work focuses on telling positive and uplifting queer narratives celebrating gender fluidity and expression.
Have you always lived in Sydney? How does your neighbourhood inspire your work?
I have lived most of my life in Sydney. I think living so close to the ocean has been the biggest inspiration for my work.
Tell us a bit about your personal style. How was it influenced? Do you find it evolving continuously?
I’m always comfy. I’d say my style is masc and casual.
A secret spot your sunnies would accompany you to.
Then it wouldn’t be a secret spot.
Ryan Der, Potter
Hey Ryan, tell us a bit about your work.
I am an American born potter. Currently doing production in Tamarama, Australia.
Have you always lived in Sydney? How does your neighbourhood inspire your work?
I grew up in the States and moved to the West Coast as an adult where I eventually learned ceramics from Patrick Johnston in Venice beach. I took that knowledge with me through south-east Asia, New Zealand and now Australia.
Living in Surry hills I’m lucky enough to be close to a lot of great restaurants as well as being a stone’s throw from the CBD. Inspiration can be found around every corner.
Tell us a bit about your personal style.
Personally, I’m a pretty plain guy. I prefer wearing the basics and my pottery is the same. I’m loud enough as it is so I usually don’t dress loud.
A secret spot your sunnies would accompany you to.
If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret 😉
Diego Carrizalez, Student and Barista at Paramount Coffee Project.
What do you do, Diego? Tell us a bit about your work.
I’m an international student from Mexico currently doing a diploma in Theology and Leadership and work as a part-time barista/waiter at Paramount Coffee Project. I honestly love working in the hospitality industry because I get to meet new people every day, give them great experiences and work with coffee which I am passionate about.
Have you always lived in Sydney? How does your neighbourhood inspire your work?
I’ve been in Sydney for 2 years now. I live in the inner eastern suburbs, but Surry Hills is one of the neighbourhoods where I spend a lot of time. I gain so much inspiration just walking around and getting ice cream in the area – admiring the classic architecture, unique stores and galleries.
Tell us a bit about your personal style. How was it influenced? Do you find it evolving continuously?
I never know how to define my style, but I would say it is based on wearing whatever makes me feel comfortable and like myself. As a teenager, I found myself looking for inspiration in magazines and the internet. As time passes, I feel freer and like to have fun with my outfits – they’re an important expression of who I am.
A secret spot your sunnies would accompany you to…
Eyewear is such an important part of my outfit – I never leave my house without a matching pair of sunnies for my day, even if it’s cloudy or even night (why not break the rules and wear them anyway). One of my favourite spots in Sydney is Gordon’s Bay; it’s the perfect spot to rock my sunnies in!
