Research for Unit X

During the practice unit I focused on translating imagery collected over my summer travels on to fabric through patterns aimed at interiors. I worked with a wide variety of imagery but I didn't focus enough time developing my drawing technique, instead I created a number of motifs in similar styles causing me to overcompensate by creating complicated designs. I also found that because I was working from a wide range of imagery with no consistency I found it difficult to keep my designs fluent.

Taking this into consideration I have decided for Unit X to investigate a nature Vs machine concept as I feel that this will keep my initial imagery and designs fluent, creating a refined interiors collection.
I will focus on only collecting imagery that features a natural (plants, rocks, shells, landscapes etc.) or mechanical form and I have started by collecting photographs from the Museum of Science and Industry and the Natural History Museum.

Another aspect I felt needed more focus was artist/designer research. Collecting this type of research is important when understanding where my work will be in the market, and bettering my understanding of high end interiors. I have recently visited the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre to gather research regarding current high end designs. I liked the contemporary wallpaper designed by Cole & Son because it creates an environment by displaying scenes of rough seas, marine life and forests in repeat. It was useful to see how the different colour ways could vary for a design, and demonstrate a subtle or dramatic vibe. As some of the designs were produced in up to five colour ways, I feel that this variation is important when targeting different audiences. When designing I will need to consider what vibe I want to demonstrate throughout my designs, and make sure it is suitable for my target audience.
I also found it interesting how a motif can be reused, for example the leaves featured in their design Secret Garden are also present in the underwater scene Nautilus. The subtle reusing of motifs in other designs can save time whilst creating fluency with in the collection.



Brunschwig & Fils was another company that interested me, as their designs feature a vintage/ retro theme. It appears that the drawing style differs greatly within a collection. Below are four deigns from the Le Jardin Chinois collection, inspired by the West's artistic fascination with the Chinese lifestyle, this collection celebrates the fantasy and timelessness of Chinoiserie. Each design is displayed in a number of colour ways, and easy motif and imagery differs from each design. The idea of stripes or florals is present, however each design is completely different. I found that the only similarity between the designs in this collection is the colour palette, which sticks to red, blue, green, yellow and brown with some white. It's interesting to see the difference in design techniques between Brunschwig & Fils and Cole and Son, however it could be possible that as one is a wallpaper company their aim is to create fluency within a home, whilst a fabric collection creates differences in the rooms.




I have started to research different mark making techniques and drawing styles and I found that when it comes to composition I am drawn to collections of motifs. This is something I have reflected throughout other projects and is something I wish to revisit as I feel it is appropriate for this project. I have mostly been inspired by Eduardo Paolozzi's machine prints. The fluidity in his work appeals to me as it reflects the moving parts of a machine. This is something I aim to reflect within my own work, however I wish to also combine imagery from natural forms. I feel that the complexity of the prints would work well in repeat, as the contrast between the straight edges and curves give the impression of movement.