LASER PATTERNS_CONTEXT

Marimekko has always been an inspiration and a reliable reference for my work, this being used as an reference again now is that I found that where my patterns are now they have Marimekko style to them because of there complex and minimal style.

Why I mention Marimekko further more is because of the duality of there work, duality in print is having the same design/pattern and for it to be applied on to different surfaces, for instance with Marimekko it can be for interiors and fashion. 

In relation to the development of this project is how I'm using the same patterns but then have edited them to be a little bigger or smaller for instance, and then they have been created further by layering and photographing them in interesting ways to create a further pattern. To which these patterns can be used in collections and then can be used in a duality context of applying them to a surface.

Presentation thoughts lead me with Marimekko to always consider on how to present the duality context, from how subtly they use the duality of prints. As seen on the image below, you have the sofa being the main feature in that room and then some sort of kettle having the same print, but it seems to be a smaller print, then you have the matching dinner set that has similar colours to cushion and a similar print to the sofa and kettle. Using this image, was to consider  how I can playfully use my duality of prints in the same context, but subtly involve it.

Marimekko_Inspiration of duality 

REFLECTION/DIRECTION

I looked back into the repeated patterns I initially showed Rachel from the start of this project, as I looked further into the older patterns I started to pick upon key motifs that I could work further with to create more interesting repeated patterns that would represent a complex and geometric theme due to my architecture influences. [fig7,8] 

[fig7]

[fig8]

Before I started working even further into the patterns, I had to test out the stenciled idea, I started to play around with stenciling on paper to try and create a transparent effect just like the structured buildings used in architecture, I like how you can see through and into the buildings and I wanted to create that in my designs somehow and the best way to create this initial idea was to use a simple technique of stenciling and if that being a successful outcome then I can start to consider the patterns further and the laser process further. 

The stencils were done free hand, and were quick motifs picked out from older designs, I had the patterns placed underneath that gave the whole design a layered effect. This interest me, of using layering to create further complex patterns, but there was something missing with these designs.

The problem was whilst comparing them to the architecture research was that the designs had no white spaces, they were an all over pattern and not a placement pattern; for me to further this potential outcome and to correct the problem was to create a range of laser motifs as an all over repeated design with limited spacing that could then be placed over the pattern designs.

 [fig4,5,6] 

[fig 4]

[fig5]

[fig6]

Whilst working and editing the older patterns, I started to pick up on single motifs that would create intricate patterns for the laser process, these motifs selected would be placed into a repeat and edited to show the difference between the flat designs and the laser designs, wanting to use a process like laser cutting would benefit my time on this project due to the designs being complicated and busy. I had to bare in mind what material I wanted to use for these designs, as I wanted to represent a sturdy, structured outcome I needed a material that would not be flimsy and not transparent, I decided the laser patterns would be cut out on black card, this being the black card eliminates the white completely and a thick card for it to be not as flexible.

Laser motifs

Laser motifs

LASER PATTERNS_OUTWARD FACING

Architecture being key inspiration for the outward facing project Brunt wood, I had created a research log full of different architects and designers. This research log was an initial starting point to help get my creative juices flowing by having inspiration from a different area that I have not looked into for a while and from researching into the project it was clear the similarities of how i design and how architecture is would benefit my progression for this project.

The main influence came from An Architecture book, “ Patterns 2: Design, art and architecture “ this book has 100 plus designers work pictured from architects to designers, filmmakers etc., a good diversity of inspiration all in one book. What interested me was how the use of lighting in architecture is a key element on making the work more powerful- it gives it the purpose that it was intended to create.

Attending this tutorial with just my research log, showing that many different artists that have inspired me to take my work further into a more of a 3D element. In the research log, the main inspiration had come from architecture references that relates to my work now, I do try to use different sources than just textiles to inspire my work due to my work being very structured with a complex and minimal theme to it.

Lasering was the process that interest me in these designs, of using a laser to create the patterns to give them a 3D effect, where i use a 2D effect. It was interesting seeing the complexed designs in a 3D aspect, seeing them 3D gave me the thought of "this is what seeing your designs in context really looks like" it gave me the eagerness to wanting to translate my flat designs into laser cuts and to try and use them in some sort of 3D element, not as extreme as a building but to try and not use my patterns as flat patterns anymore. 

[fig 1] Thom Faulders_Air Space Tokyo, 2007

[fig 2] Thom Faulders_ Air Space Tokyo, 2007

[fig 3] Mount Fuji Architects Studio
Mashahiro Harada + Mao
Sakura, Tokyo 2006

[fig 4] Mount Fuji Architects Studio
Mashahiro Harada + Mao
Sakura, Tokyo 2006

The next steps for this newfound research is to create structured patterns like from my inspirations to develop into unique pieces that go from 2D to 3D possibly. As architecture has a transparent element to it, built with windows, holes the outside of the building, then it was obvious for myself to be playing around with the use of stencilling for myself to create the transparency effect.