XV - Goldsmiths Design BA Show @ Free Range - Truman Brewery, Brick Lane

Through my time at Uni doing a Design & Crafts course, I have learnt a lot of things. Not only practical, but also what I enjoy, what inspires me and what I do best. So in an ironic sense, by going through uni I have come to realise I think I would be better suited at a course like the Design BA at Goldsmiths, for their conceptual and communicative take on Design. However in saying this, I think I would have longed to study colour theory, try screen printing and ultimately have the outlook of an artist, craftsperson and designer simultaneously. 

I was very excited to view this degree show for this reason, and I left full of ideas and inspiration for my own work. I feel like I have a strength on my degree course to have a conceptual edge, though I feel my lacking love of making is a hinderance. Though by acknowledging this I can now see ways through and past that, and I got many tips from the impressive work I saw today. Here are my key examples:

The Interconnected Web of Things - Alaine Burns

Mapping! - I loved this for it's relevance to my own projects and interests. The use of collage, drawing and comical 'map of lasagnes' were all interesting, exciting and efficient communication tools

De-Ikea-fy-Ikea - Liz Baldwin

I again enjoyed the visual presentation of this work. It became obvious to me as I toured that nearly everyone presents a video and bound books to communicate their concept. I particularly liked the use of words with/without images. There was also a 'demo desk' - and other pieces provided forms of interaction for the viewer. 

Astronauts and Beekeepers - Sophie Cook

I was attracted to this piece by the large attractive collage which was mounted on the wallspace. I spoke with Sophie about the visual communication they get encouraged to do - as I feel drawing, collage and poetry were a key part of many of the displays. She said that, in having conceptual projects, it is important to be able to communicate your ideas well. There is a graphic element to the course, which shows through by these presentation spaces. This has made me reflect a lot upon my own visual communication skills, and what I can bring to presentations to help people understand my process and my work. 

Language as a Construction - Danae Papazymouri 

This piece was centred upon the idea of 'designing a new language'. I thought this as a concept is very novel and interesting, but obviously a load of made up nonsense. Which makes you reflect upon what they're marking, and I think above all it's about innovation and ability to communicate. It is also clear that you need to have an interest and passion in design. I feel on my course there's more of an emphasis on having a passion for a material, or for a process etc (physical things). But I shouldn't be deterred and I should let myself think outside of the box

Suburban Delusion - Emma Filippides 

I liked the idea of 'Colour Poetry', and the book with examples amongst the cluttered interactive display. There isn't too much of a worry here of people interacting and pinching or damaging things. I feel this a connection I could make with my work.

I Ate Fernando - Vicki Wong

Channelling the idea of a journey/ a passage of time. An example of poetry and mapping an experience. 

(pub) Church - Fern Damrongwattanopkin

This piece investigated our associations with functions or spaces and places. This is a concept which interests me also, and I think it was well communicated with the use of floor plans and words. 

There were many other ideas that I thought were fun, such as this one;

So, to conclude, I feel an important notion I left with was the idea that a book is interactive. I can start there, make books, posters, 3D pieces etc which investigate my concept. It isn't about having an idea and making something to show it, it is about working with materials and using them to explore the concept. I basically need to work on my visual communication, but also use this to help me make work. 

For my course, I need to refine but also explore. I need simple beautifully made things, and a well communicated concept

My work revolves around the idea of narratives, linking to the concepts of books and maps and the properties they share. I like my work to be interactive, thinking how it can be similar to a book or map but not a book or a map. Maybe more spatial. 

I've been thinking of looking as desks for my research, and I realised that is typically where people have most ideas and make work. I very much enjoyed all the presentation I saw today, so I feel I need to get the balance right between my conceptual work and my eventual outcomes, because I feel I am approaching my third year at an angle no one has before. 

But if I work on my visual communication, and keep on researching, I'm sure it will all naturally evolve... Fingers crossed for my show time!

Day Trip - The National Centre of Craft and Design

The national centre for craft and design, located in Sleaford (in Lincolnshire for all those wait-there's-an-England-out-of-London?! types) is quite the hidden East Midlands gem.  I say hidden, as it only just recently came up on my radar, but it's link with the crafts council and £9 day return ticket to Nottingham makes it a new future firm favourite

The principle exhibition I came to see was the craft's council 'Space Craft' - though the whole building was full of inspiration. From the rooftop viewing platform to the ground floor design and gift shop (essentially the new Tate Modern!), I collected a whole load of photos, drawings notes. I'd probably be leaving with something from the shop too if I wasn't so far into my overdraft...

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Object a Day

The staircase is even a fine thing, with its 'Window Collection' - showcasing Helen Pailing's 'Object a day' installation, featuring lots of fun little material experiments. Like characters or creatures, they have a narrative to them, particularly as the the materials used have been 'found, scavenged, borrowed, purloined or recycled'

Helen Pailing - Object a day

I particularly liked the way the installation used light and space, creating a subjective sense of scales to the works. These could be domestic fish tanks, or on an aquarium scale. The presentation was colour coded - which I can aids the viewer to appreciate the designed nature of these experiments. Though still the greatly varied forms and materials still praise the beauty of material play and undesigned, seemingly functionless  objects. 

Colour coordinated 'object a day' display

It reminded me of the the 'material wall' of my foundation course, which became a dumping ground for unwanted samples, transforming them into inspiration for future years. 

Look at all the lovely creatures!

More about the collection, which 'possesses it's own rich tapestry of meanings and possible narratives' - can be found on her website at www.helenpailing.wordpress.com

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Lesser known architecture

This exhibition was the showcase for Theo Simpsons's ongoing research project that celebrates the forgotten icons of British architecture. As photography exhibitions go, I particularly liked the curation and coherent styling of the images. 

Lesser known architecture - Theo Simpson

The concept and content is simple, the real beauty to this display was the way it was presented. Each framed image stands alone, with no context or title. These exist in the accompanying guide, which uses alphabetical ordering, and contact sheet style images in clear correlation to text to make access to information really easy. This allows the images to speak for themselves at immediate glance, making them more powerful, as the viewer is swayed by notions of function, location and identity.

Along with great curation inspiration, I also learnt something new - that London had a mail rail in the early 20th century. With it's relevance to culture, society and history, it's all hardly 'lesser' architecture, I'm glad someone's putting it on a pedestal.

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Space Craft

This exhibition brings together two disciplines; craft and architecture, considering the relationship between them by presenting work by makers inspired by architecture and by architects that are deeply connected to making. I feel the term 'spatial' connects the two together well, playing on senses and scale. The exhibition quotes Edward de Waal on the subject, who said that when a pot is thrown 'you're making a volume in a very short space of time; you're creating an internal space.' 

As with the previous display, I was really taken by the curation - more specifically the exhibition design - in the form of upright cardboard tubes laid out in a manner to change the function of the space in which these objects sat. More specifically, making it impossible to enter. Rather than solid walls or railings, as motifs of architecture, by using cardboard objects to create an abstract forms of barrier, the exhibition design mirrored the concept and reason behind the display. These tubes came in a variety of shapes and colour detailing, relating more to a craft or making I feel than architecture, playing on the idea of batch and bespoke production.

Space craft Exhibition design

I also had a personal connection with these forms - as they relate to a 3D piece of work I recently made, aptly named 'peg board'. I designed it in order to 'draw in 3D' - making my illustrations and interpretations spatial. Of the many unexpected and pleasantly surprising outcomes, one was that it looked like an architectural scale model, which is why I feel it links to this exhibition design. It therefore could be seen a map, which this space has turned into a reality. I like the way maps offer a varied perspective, so what looks I 'drew' (using elastic bands) looked different at different angles, had different shadows, presented different restrictions in space etc. As I feel this large scale installation version does. I also liked the idea of small changes, and traces being tracked, which relates to the relationship between time and space (perhaps how maps vary). It quite interesting to consider what it would mean to "draw spaces". 

Of the high quality on offer, the individual displays which caught my imagination best were ones which came in a form or used a process that I felt familiar with and interested by. Ute Decker's interesting and inspired jewellery which played on themes of scale and function gives me hope that I could potentially translate my practice into body adornments (I've had many unsuccessful attempts so far.) 'Articulation' is a necklace which has been designed to enable the wearer to play and display it in different compositions on the body. 'In the praise of shadows' describe a set of earring which invite curiosity, playing with scale and light. They pay 'homage to Tanizaki's Classic essay on the aesthetics of shadows in Japanese architecture' - which has gone straight on my research list.

The FleaFollyArchitects' work was perhaps my favourite of the exhibition, I'd definitely describe it as being the most conceptual. It is a shame the actual 'Grimm City' wasn't present, the project was instead demonstrated with a film and a book. The latter cunningly titled 'Grimm city: an architectural fairytale', due to the project being inspired by the Brothers Grimm. The project saw a 'miniature universe' being hand-crafted, like a story-telling architectural model 'translating the Grimm characters into an elaborate cityscape.' 

Stills from the video. Watch it here: https://vimeo.com/102012309

FleaFollyArchitects is a 'spatial storyteller using narrative to invent unique architectural propositions'. The studio describes itself as 'crossing the fields of architecture, design, craft and contemporary art' and highlights 'the importance of making by hands to create original and often surreal observations.' This all obviously greatly interests me as I feel my work crosses the boundaries between art, craft and design. 

The presentation of a video (showing their final outcome) and a published book also resonates strongly with the way I wish to start presenting my work. As a commission piece (as noted in the video), this style of conceptual design is one in which I wish to work towards within my own creative career. With intentions to write more about my work, the fairy-tale style of the book was very interesting. This is maybe more engaging and conceptual than an essay or report (being short stories), and also featured 'plates' (black and white photographs with poetic text underneath). Rather than being a report on the process of design, it explains specific visual elements of it in relationship to the inspiring concept of the Brother Grimm tales. So starting with the end outcome, and explaining backwards, rather than in a chronological progression (a strong contrast to this blogpost huh.)

The pleasantly familiar yet colourfully striking work of Anton Alvarez was a great companion for the new-to-me range of designers and crafters. Alvarez's thread wrapping machine is potentially one of my greatest inspirations - and I have made the most of every opportunity presented to see the work which he has created with it. Alvarez's current practise 'focuses on the design of systems and the creations of tools and processes for production on a domestic and architectural scale'. The piece on display here was an arch, which perhaps isn't quite as loveable as the little stool that I saw on display at Libby Sellars last year (not with such a little price tag unfortunately.) Though it is interesting to the diversity of the outcomes this process can make - in terms of scale, form, colour and function. 

The ceramics of Adam Furman were definitely of a medium that I have no interest in pursuing (clay is not my friend). However I found the reference to 3D manufacturing processes, and the fun quirky sculpture-esque titles he had given his formed outcomes interesting. (Think memetotem, kitschpot and scrollascaper - spellcheck loves them...) I suppose the real draw of my attention was the fact that he had developed these, as the well as the culminating piece 'Identity Parade', as part of a residency for the Design Museum in 2013, which is a position I would love to find myself in. 

Jewellery: Ute Decker. Ceramics: Adam Furman. Wooden furniture: Simon Jones

Finally, the work of Simon Jones in the form of space saving self-assembly furniture sparked interest in me as I feel my project and practise connects quite strongly to tools, and toys. I'm interested in the functions of these objects; their interactive properties and the fact they directly benefit human capabilities. Toys particularly interest me, as I feel they are tools for developing the brain, both intellectually and creatively. 

This got me thinking about how self-assembly furniture is like a toy for adults. It's problem-solving, engaging, and often comes with wordless instructions. These instead rely on symbols and diagrams for construction, in the same way Lego and K-Nex often did, which rely on some kind of Semiotic understanding. I'm quite drawn to the term 'construction', as I feel this relates to me drawing practise. There is also a novel approach in the fact that toys and tools are to be re-interpreted. You can imagine the fun things you could create if you assembled IKEA furniture incorrectly (though you might need some extra nails...) 

To conclude and reflect upon the exhibition Space Craft, I certainly gained a lot of inspiration and further research sources to take forward with this current project. As an opportunity for 'Personal Exploration', it's a large build up for what I see myself taking forward next year. I've realised this year that I like to use my creative process to investigate things, as if using design to research. So I have quite a conceptual process, (ideally) leading to a well designed outcome. I feel the works exhibited are excellent examples of this. All in all I need to make sure what I'm doing is fun and interesting, so that I can enjoy it and hopefully what I do will get featured in similar future exhibitions. 

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Kate Bajic: Lichenology

This exhibition focused on one specific designer/maker, Bajic, presenting examples of her material research, design process and final outcomes. As a jeweller, I particularly liked her use of concept, linking to the biological traits of Lichens, as well as her material research, similar to scientific experiments.  

The concept behind the final pieces was explained through writing, though the brooches were definitely beautiful and interesting objects themselves. For the brooch 'Xanthoparmella semi - viridis' (vagrant lichen), the physical form of the Lichen has inspired the design as well as how it's used in research being symbolised. In this way I feel like this pieces could be used educationally. I also feel this dual function of displaying physical and symbolising information links these pieces to maps. 

As I enjoy learning about Bajic's design process, it's also important to notes that her work is as much about being product to sell as well as display in an exhibition. This is a way of working which I find difficult to imagine myself doing, however obviously I really enjoy her work. One of the pieces on display, the 'Flourish Brooch', is explained to be a collaborative piece, designed to be part of an American exhibition. This is a process I would enjoy, though it is nice the thought of having my own range of well designed objects which I enjoy to make and sell (for hopefully quite a lot of money) alongside this statement work. The reason I find this hard to desire is because I feel like design and craft are two markets which can be very wasteful, exhausting and saturated with rubbish. I'd really need to feel like what I was doing was good and important, therefore I see myself aiming more towards the conceptual-product-displayed-to-inspire market, rather than the manufactured-to-own.

Though in saying that I feel like Bajic has got it right. I feel like what she is doing is original and inspired, due to her consideration to concept and extensive material experimentation.  

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Closing Thoughts

I will accompany my concluding thoughts on my project that I've developed today with an image of the gift shop (one of the good ones!) . I suppose the question is 'Is this the dream?' Seemingly successful graduates of my course have their work here, as do designers that inspired me to choose the course I have, such a Donna Wilson. I always wanted to make work that was adored, and celebrated, though I'm now starting to question whether I really want my things to be owned, or more considered inspiring and referenced in future art/craft/design projects. Beautiful and interesting is the key, which has to come through initial concept as well as process of making (particularly see Anton Alvarez for the latter.) I'm strong at exploring the former, though I still feel like I need to refine the latter, which I feel like I am with this project, and by considering 'drawing in 3D'. Understanding my end function is also a big leap forward, and I've realised I am really keen for what I do to be interactive and engaging. I feel like I've gained a lot through really evaluating and reflecting upon previous projects, as well as discover new work that inspires me and presented in a way that I aspire to. Which I would say describes pretty much everything I saw today to an extent.

To conclude on my day out at National Centre of Craft and Design; I had a lot of fun. I think that's the most important thing right now, having fun with my work and doing what I want. I know I want to return again soon once the current exhibitions have rolled over. Hopefully anyone else who gets the chance and needs/wants/enjoys some inspiration will do too.  

Portfolio thoughts

I've been having some difficulty getting to terms with my course recently (and I suppose this whole year to some extent.) I've always battled with the concept of trying to work out 'what I want to do', since my foundation shook up my life. So in this regard I do regret not seeking a degree which would take me more directly into a field that would be more focused. But at the same time the beauty of my course is you can really do anything you want. So I do admit to being swept up by the bigger picture (3rd year is approaching!) and not spending as much time as I might have done just having fun with it all. Which I vow to do with this next project

Rant over, here's a picture!

This image has inspired me to write these thoughts all down (thoughts that have been stressing me out all week). I really like the menu layout of this guy's website, I could have a similar one (plus a section for writing.) I believe this person did a degree that I would liked to have done, as it values the conceptual and multi-disciplinary side to design - which is me (as I have identified a little two late.) Despite this, I believe I can fill all these categories with high quality, conceptual, developed design work. Which I really need to get on top of, hopefully next week. 

As long as I'm constantly making good stuff - I agree this second year has been good for sampling - but I just have not suceeded in high quality final pieces. Which, ultimately, I need for a portfolio, to demonstrate what I have learnt (a lot of which through mistakes.) 

I feel confident if I go back and reaccess these projects - editing, remaking and re-photographing elements, then they will be suitable for my (currently underconstruction) online portfolio. 

Design Inspiration - Holly Fulton

A current major design crush of mine is Holly Fulton, for her design signatures of “Graphic print, luxurious materials and hot accessories.”

Her silhouettes are youthful yet elegant, mirrored in her well balanced use of embellishment and bold print. It is this well tuned relationship between simplicity and extravagance which mean the clothes look beautiful on the body and on a hanger. 

I feel Fulton captures themes well within her collection with clever styling, her designs almost seem carefully constructed yet effortlessly done. Her style and work is easy to recognise, yet still full of surprises with continuously strong and sexy collections gracing the catwalks of Fashion weeks. 

She studied at Edinburgh and the RCA, and won awards such as the Swarovski Emerging Talent Award for Accessories at the British Fashion Awards and BFC/ELLE Talent Launch Pad winner.

I am very much taking note... 

Composition play

I feel my design work will follow the suit of my drawing, and be made up of lots of little compositions - full of line, colour and shape. Here's a few I messed around with 

These are based on one of my drawings from sunny Coletta in Spain. I feel they still lack detail. But I very much enjoy playing around with different componants to see their visual effect. I'll link this to my concept and design work later in the project, which I find greatly develops through my research. But for sampling and inspiration this technique is great! 

(Though I'd have to find out how to attatch them all together...) 

P.s. I'm thinking adding detail by making my own plastics - more on this to come!

Design Museum - Designers in Residence and more

I always tour the design museum working from the top down. Aside from being a logical way to view it, my primary draw has long been the annual Designers in Residence exhibition, situated on the top floor.

I was happy to see the show had a lot more space for itself than last time. I feel the curation is always excellent and I gain so much from the fresh ideas of these raw talents. 

The first and foremost design which stood out to be was that of James Christian. An architectural design, what captured my attention was very much the fun colourful models and diagrams which presented his ideas.

This speaks to me, and was reoccurring theme in the show, as it shows how a design can be so much more than a singular object. When dealing with an idea regarding design, one can print, make models, write a report, make a film, a play etc. 

Christian's design in particular demonstrated a kind of all encompassing approach to design, considering aesthetics and how they have the potential to improve peoples lives.

(Some thoughts I had whilst drawing;

- Some things get smaller as they move away, some things get bigger

- The negative space between what we can see and what we can't)

Ilona Gaynor's design played with the theatrics of a court case - e.g. having a script/ the line between real and fake. The execution and presentation was again good, though what spoke to me most was her interview in the short film accompanying the show.

She spoke of "Translating ideas" - the idea that research based investigations could be taken into an essay - but think about all the other ways! Such as 3d, 2d, films, plays etc. This obviously speaks to me a lot - I value research a lot in my projects - design can really take any shape or form.

Though being less inspirational for the now, I must give credit to the other two designers. I'm sure I will draw on them for a future project.

Torsten Sherwood's ingenious toy design (making building dens a reality) is something I wish existed when I was younger. A simple idea which has so much potential - highlighting how good an opportunity this competition is for young designers. 

Patrick Stevenson-Keating's design aims to highlight something which goes completely unnoticed which we all use; the design of how money works in today's world. An interactive installation of a fake bank takes up his portion of the exhibition space. A fun idea and well presented through a series of accessories. Fresh and quirky ideas like this are the ones that thrive and get designers noticed.

So overall I (once again) greatly enjoyed the Designers in Residence show, as it is a platform for new talent and radical ideas to reach the public in an un-watered down, commerce-reliant way.

... So it's fair to say it is a massive contrast to John Lewis 'How we live now' exhibition, which highlights the importance of designed everyday objects.

In a way it seems perverse to include a henry hoover in a museum display (they may well have knicked it from the cleaners cupboard) but it's always good for studying and practising designers to recognise the incredible and rapid way certain designs have evolved. 

This is very much the kind of science my lecture series dealt with. So though not as fresh as the DinR, inspiring and interesting all the same (and innovative for their time.)

I hadn't known what to expect from the Louis Kahn exhibit, and as primarily urban architecture I can't say it spoke to me greatly. But it was a good contrast to the bright fun proposed housing that I had seen upstairs. What was different? The patterns/ the colour/ the concept?

I was glad they dedicated a fair section to his research and influences - displaying his impressive pastel drawings showing his appreciation of colour. Also a section was dedicated to 'Travels' as research, with drawings, postcards and stamped passports collected framed and displayed. 

Philadelphia architecture was discussed - which I briefly visited this summer. Though of the images on the walls I most enjoyed Kahn's traffic studies (concept diagrams are always far more interesting in terms of illustration than real ones.)

Inspiring quote; "When the work is completed the beginnings must be felt" (Louis Kahn)

Though the style of architecture didn't do it for me, I was greatly inspired by elements of Kahn's design and research process. Firstly, the importance of folding paper in design. And secondly, the intricate, technically drawn and modelled designs of unbuilt buildings - which still had a presence to inspire others with future designs. This presents the idea that nothing is wasted, down to a simple note or sketch. This is a notion I need to maintain in my own practise. I think it will do much to improve my confidence.

So I made my final descent down the stairs very happy. Goals, ambitions and aims floating around my head. (I will go to the RCA! I will be a resident designer!)

Maybe that's a bit far fetched to be thinking now, but one note I made was;

"I'm sick of designing teapots

There is something huge about us"

The design of the knot is inspirational - these things come from the simplest places. An idea is nothing without confidence behind it, and a drive to make it something, whatever form that something may take 

And as ever, one of the best bits about a museum, I very much exited through the gift shop. (I personally think the Design Museum has one of the best!)

Decoration Transformation!

From this...

To this!

What do you think?