Monday, October 11, 2010

Who am I as a Designer

For any design to be successful I believe that it needs to be backed up with a strong concept. Be it inspired from a word, mood, or style. For me, it is the starting point for a fun filled journey. Without it I am lost.


To find a feeling of comfort within a space, a sense of balance is an important factor to be considered. And I keep that in mind while designing spaces.


Rhythm is another element I consider while designing. It adds interest to the space, brings in a sense of liveliness. So a play of scale proportion, shapes and forms are vital for the success of my designs.


Colors play an important role in bringing in various pieces together. Unify in a harmonious manner. These could be help set a mood to the space, evoke a feeling. Sometimes, the palette I bring, are inspirations from nature, fashion, culture, or by playing with the color wheel. It's always a good way to begin from basics.


I am not fond of Traditional interiors, very heavy, and ornate. I like to instead be inspired by them and tone it down to fit them in today's environment. Eclectic and modern style is the direction I tend to lean on to.


Understanding human behavior/ interaction in an open an enclosed space, enables me to work on the development phase of space planning. Why things are done the in a specific manner. There should be a reason and purpose for setting a path in a space.

Like I mentioned earlier, I sometimes take inspiration from nature, which led me to know more about biomimicry. It is interesting to learn how plants and animals survive in the surroundings. A great source for effective space planning, in turn supporting the idea of sustainability.


I am always in search for creative ideas. It helps me grow as a designer, and make reasonable decisions in my design process.

And lastly, as a budding designer I am learning the process of working in a collaborative manner. Since it is vital for your growth as well as the company we work in. As designers we need to respect other designers works style and tastes and appreciate them. Without it, the journey will not be a pleasant one.


Things I Love!!!

First thing first, my hot cup of coffee. I love taking my own sweet time and enjoy it, but that happens only during the weekend. And I won't sacrifice my coffee for anything on weekend mornings.

                                                                       Morning Coffee

I don't need to wait for any occasion to wear henna on my hands. It simply reminds me of my wedding, my culture, that I love.

 

Have you tried eating ice-cream during winter?? Try it, its fun. I forget about the freezing weather, when I have my chocolate fudge with vanilla ice-cream.


Ok!! Sometimes, I do love to day dream, just drift away with the wind, think about something sweet, one that brings a smile to my face. Hmmmm....don't remember last when I did it.


Traveling and taking loads of pictures is another favorite to do list for me, whenever I get a chance. I feel in some way connected to design, and feel happy to apply the principles of design in some form or the other.


Ever tried to enjoy the first monsoon. Back home, my friends and myself would never miss it. It's refreshing and the earth's smell is comforting.


Want to fly, feel like a bird, let's go on a roller coaster ride then. Heart beat raises, I scream enough to make the person sitting beside me deaf, but it's worth it. Just an awesome feeling!!


Love planning surprise parties for loved one and dear friends. Just a small way to express how much they mean to me. It makes me happy.

My wish every weekend is to wake up and find a clean home, no weekly cleaning, doing the dishes or even clothes. It's all done for you. Magic!!! I wish I was a Jennie, with a blink of an eye, things are done.

I wait for the days when I can have breakfast in bed. I like to be pampered at times. What a wonderful way to start the morning. Just had one recently :)

My family is very special to me. Although they are miles away, I think about them all the time.


I love dogs, they are loyal, cud-able, adorable. And my dog beat the list and I love spending time with him.


And lastly, mangoes!! A fruit I wait to have every Summer, when I am back home. But now a days I wait for my father to ship them for me. Yummmm...

These are a few things I love...stay tuned for more...

Monday, September 27, 2010

Textile Twist

Off late I am drawn to textile design. I feel they bring life and character wherever used; be it wrapped on furniture, ourselves, or even if used as accessories. So I went on this journey to learn more about textiles. More so, on how they are exhibited. And I found it interesting to learn how textiles were used and interpreted. For instance, Textiles are used to express an emotion, or socio-economic affairs, etc. They are used as a medium to express an art form. I also found designer exhibits, that are inspired by such art form and showcase their current designs. So, Scroll down and enjoy viewing a whole range of textile exhibitions. Feel inspired!!

knitting show

The Montreal Centre for contemporary Textiles: 'Tricot Nouveau' by Lysanne Latulippe
 Here's a good example where the designer showcased her products in an artistic manner. Adding drama and 3D appeal over the 2D patterns.




Postscrapes
In this exhibit textiles was used to represent shipping containers. I found it interesting to know how a container that is heavy and opaque is given a light and translucent feeling. Check out the link, to learn more on their inspiration and their goals for this exhibit.


Tordoire1.jpg












 Antwrep M HKA- Textiles
Here's a great examples of textiles were used to express a socio/ political affair.



Water Writing Anthological Exhibition 1966-2009 019

Water Cry
 Unspun wool was used to bring a connection between text and textiles, as it installed in a library. Interesting Juxtaposition.















Japanese Textiles
Inspired by Japanese Textiles, artist Lesley Millar showcased her love for contemporary Japanese textiles.






















Genesis
Another example of textile design presented in an art form. I like the composition, since it adds a sense of belonging to this space.

















Batik Designs
Malaysia is famous for it's Batik textile designs, and here there are presented in a more fashionable manner.




Wearable Art, Indonesian Batik Cloth Exhibition, The Korea Cultural Centre 

Batik Design- II
Here's we see a shift in the presentation of Batik designs, the wearable pieces are given an artistic expression.


Download_3

Rummage

Historic American textiles are explored in this installation. I loved the way the artist, Susie Brandt, incorporates a fireplace to bring a cohesiveness in the design. A focal point, that's how we could call it in Interior design terms.






















Tattered Culture
Here the artists exhibit the idea of dominance over cultural heritage. Another interesting used of medium to express how globalization and cultural influence has changed our outlook on our culture itself.





















Soft walls
I am sure you all will love this one. I did. It will change your thinking on implementing textiles in an interior space. It will force you to think outside the box!!! Here, walls are formed using textiles. Isn't it cool. check out the link for more inspiring designs.













Tech Style software
Here's an interesting installation, where textile and sculpture come together to express a thought/ emotion.
Here's a link to a video, that showcases snippets on the design process for this installation. Do have a look at it. I thought this would be helpful as and when we work on sketchbooks.
Surface & Shape

I feel that this assignment has changed my perspective on textile designs, since as designers we feel limited or set boundaries on its usage. For instance, while designing Interiors my view on textiles was for upholstery, accessorizing purposes alone. But not anymore!!!. Be challenged and explore the impossible.