GROWTH SEP-OCT
PART1 500 words
INITIAL AIMS After COP2’s colour-based project, I intended to further investigate the field. As I’d intended, my preliminary research led to narrowing down my area of interest within colour, one which would benefit my practice. Wanted to analyse a specific palette - began looking into biophilic design which mimics qualities of nature within design. This led to my choice to investigate natural palettes in design.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
INITIAL RESEARCH - Abstract Expressionism. Interested in the ‘reductionist approach’ which abstracted reality and colour. - Hella Jongerius. Perception of colour in her work with colours, materials and textures:
AD REINHARDT
‘We see the world in colour, but rarely do we appreciate how colour shapes what we see.’ - Breathing Colour exhibition. She lets the materials choose the colour palette. More natural. Visited her Breathing Colour exhibition and went to a panel discussion about the Subjectivity of Colour. Both of which were inspiring - specifically how quality of light changed the perception of a colour. Began to think about nature’s role in colour.
BREATHING COLOUR
SYNTHESIS Similarly, in my own practical I started to let my surroundings drive the colour and mark-making. This felt more organic and raw. In order to construct a question, I narrowed down key themes: Natural | biophilic design | organic | colour | palettes | roles | effects | illustration Began considering processes such as natural dyeing and fabric screen-printing, materials like natural linens and application to interior accessories like wall-hangings. Contemplated creating a space that would test the extent to which colour and nature benefit people’s wellbeing.
To what extent do visual associations between colour and nature benefit people’s wellbeing? DRAFTED QUESTION
DEVELOPMENT Points for discussion: - Power and cruciality of nature - Estranging from natural world - Reconnecting with nature - Biomorphic shapes - Stay relevant to question and don’t stray too far into biophilic design. - Who to approach for exhibition/installation - student union, gallery space or cafe in Leeds, Lord Whitney? - Conduct primary research - interviews and research studies
POTENTIAL CASE STUDIES S I N G A P O R E : City in a Garden - Evidences success of synthesising biophilic theory and design. - Demonstrates innate connection with nature - Large scale application that improved happiness SINGAPORE
T H E W E A T H E R C A F E by David Shearing - Smaller and local - could contact for interview - Brought climates inside to explore the transition between inside and outside. - Offered people a chance to reconnect with nature after busy days in the city - Reliable accounts of people’s experiences in the space
WEATHER CAFE
SENSE OF PLACE Carried out a series of field trips, but the biggest impression was left by Ilkley Moor. Responded to photos and memories of the experience with marks, colours, swatches and sketches. Continued to redraw, develop and abstract these into pieces evocative of the experience of being in nature. Inspired by painters like Emily Jeffords and Heather Day, for the first time I tried to push past being literal and ‘neat’. This broke boundaries for me and began to loosen up my practice.
ILKLEY MOOR SEP 24TH
PROCESS New processes to push boundaries of what ‘illustration’ is and to stop me overthinking my practice: Weaving with nature
SKETCHBOOK WORK
Dyeing fabric and string Fabric screen-printing to construct wall-hangings Simple, loose sketches All of which explore symbolising nature for interior decor in ways that are subtler than putting a potted plant on a window sill, as research shows this can be equally effective. ORGANIC WEAVING