Monday 22 July 2013

Land Art


Land Art: Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Long

I find land art incredibly inspiring! If we could all have such a direct relationship with our natural landscapes our world would probably be a much healthier place.

There is something about land art that really reminds me of several of the Japanese principles, I think that is because they similarly are inspired by nature, working with nature and being part of nature. I love this idea!

Land Art = Beautiful............... Spontaneous......... Natural........ Honest............ Ancient............
                   Profound........ Simple.......... Thought provoking.............Powerful.......
                   .............experiencing nature in a whole new light.


Andy Goldsworthy:
This video is a fascinating insight into the incredible work of Andy Goldsworthy and the ideology behind his work.
 
 





Richard Long:
 
These videos above give an amazing insight into the process and installation of Richard Long's artworks. Seeing these beautiful natural pieces on display in a gallery away from their natural setting is a stunning way to 'frame' and really highlight the simple beauty of our natural world.




Art and Design, by definition

I sometimes get lost in my work and in my direction and I then feel that it is helpful to come right back to the beginning and remind myself of obvious basis. For this purpose here are the definitions of art and design as a way of defining how I work and what path I am on:

ART:

noun
  • 1 [mass noun] the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power
DESIGN:
Noun
A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of a building, garment, or other object before it is built or made.
Verb
Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), typically by making a detailed drawing of it.

Sustainable Textile Design Resources

Living in a world where, lets face it, we are rapidly using up resources and land, destroying natural habitats and contributing varsity to rising carbon levels, surely the responsibility of changing this is particularly down to forward thinking designers who can help to change the way we work and think about design.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday 15 July 2013

Design zen

 
 (Shihoko Fukumoto)


I absolutely love Japanese design. There is something so simple yet stunning, so natural yet elegant and so well executed and thought out that just creates such a perfect overall piece that you can only admire in awe. I have discovered that there are the 7 Japanese principles which can be applied to all areas of your life but can definitely be found present in beautiful Japanese design. They are:
  1. Simplicity- uncomplicated
  2. Irregularity- uneven, irregular
  3. Austere- beauty in being understated
  4. Naturalness- raw, non-artificial
  5. Profundity- avoid obvious, not revealing all
  6. Unworldly- freedom from habits
  7. Tranquillity- stillness, energised calm
I think I can learn from these principles and I am going to work these ideas into my design process from now on to help me to evolve as a textile artist and create my best work yet!....Here goes.... :)

To find out more here are a couple of links to more indepth explanations of the 7 theories of Japanese philosophy:

http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2009/09/exposing-ourselves-to-traditional-japanese-aesthetic-ideas-notions-that-may-seem-quite-foreign-to-most-of-us-is-a-goo.html

http://www.designsojourn.com/theories-behind-japanese-design/

Saturday 13 July 2013

Sunny days

With all this beautiful weather at the moment we've found it hard to stay inside and get any work done! Its perfect beach weather and me and the little man have been out for lots of walks to the harbour for an ice cream. Its nice to see such blue skys, clear waters and there were even dolphins down by the pier at the weekend!

Tuesday 2 July 2013

Textile and Knitwear Designer: Jesscia Leclere

Whilst having a little flick around pinterest today I came across this amazing knitwear designer. Her collection has reminded me of the real aspect of 'Design'. Every single feature of her clothing is really considered and precise meaning that all aspects of the garment works together to create an amazing overall look. I also love the tactile/3dimensional aspects of her work, very unique and striking. Made with ultimate refinement and sophistication, her work is truely beautiful!





Check out her full collection here: