2. The Kilve trip – and how it’s impacted my work
During the kilve we were given the opportunity to observe nature in its
fullest. The woodland, beaches, the sea and their different visual
characteristics and how they were composed in the Kilve location. From
this I got to see for myself how nature forms itself it’s unique design
holding different textures, forms, patterns, colours and the way nature
grows and decays (particular since it was autumn).
This was significant because this diversity of natural design presented
different approaches to the formal elements of art and design that we
wouldn’t normally look so much in to depth if we had not been in this
location.
From this I studied what I could see and was able to develop inspiration
from the location that could be incorporated into my art and design
3. Since my most strong interest is invested in 3D design, particularly different types of
craftsmanship I felt it was a good for me to delve into creating outcomes purely in 3D. This way
I could focus on using the concepts of design from Kilve and directly use it in this chosen format.
Through careful consideration about furniture design as being a potential future, I decided I
would attempt natural design focused on 3D furniture.
I decided that I would create a commissioned furniture design piece for the National Trust
organisation (who maintain the Quantocks area) which would be placed the location Will’s Neck
– a popular hiker/tourist location. It’s one of the highest points of the Quantocks hills that
overlook the woodland and hilly grass landscape of Somerset. The piece would incorporate the
furniture piece dragging in elements of natural design inspired by the natural Kilve location to
be both functional yet striking.
I used a combination of 3D artists/designers work from the library/internet as well as my
previous observation of Kilve to create these 3 furniture design outcomes
4. Using the Topographic map I traced
the elevation shapes from Hill top
lane (One of the roads that leads from
the beach to the forest).
This piece highlights the process of
growth, constant change and natural
design that’s out of our control.
5. This bench is heavily influenced by the abstract sculpture of Richard
Deacon and the waves from the beach at Kilve. The approach taken was
inspired by Ian Dawson who reshapes plastic as a means to shape form.
The wave-like
form was created
by cutting and
using the glue gun
to melt, glue and
reshape the plastic
used.
6. This uses an oak
block for a seat
constructed with a
driftwood frame.
Both materials were
found in an outdoor
location.
Driftwood was
collected from the
beach and glue
gunned onto this
piece of oak. The
materials have a soft
but durable texture
which works in
comfort value.
7. I am going to pursue using the Topographic map bench for my final design.
This mainly because I like the idea of using the geographic element of it,
especially since the commissioned piece is being placed on Will’s Neck
location, drawing back elements from Kilve. I think the elevation aspect of it
will synchronise well with this, as well as I think through development of
materials I could use something more organic and reflective of the landscape.
Here an example showing the hills surrounding Will’s Neck:
Upon looking at several images of the landscape surrounding Will’s Neck like
this I felt it was suitable to pursue this design.
