Coexistence

I was cycling back to my studio this afternoon after checking on a couple projects that started this year when I happened to see one of my clients walking by. I pulled over for a quick catch-up chat (sometimes it's these little interactions that really make my day), and as I cycled on, I glanced up and saw this building. It houses Coexistence - a company that sells iconic furniture pieces and designer products. I must have passed it a  hundred times, but as I rarely look up when cycling around the city (for obvious reasons), this extension was a pleasant surprise.

I love that this building is quietly distinguished in a way that doesn't upstage those around it. How great would it be to have that space as your office? The changing light and views of the city would have to be an inspiring backdrop to the working day.

What is the view outside your window?

Putting Colour to Work

Apartment Therapy

                                                      Desire to Inspire
Le Corbusier said that 'a house is a machine for living' - that a space is there to serve it's inhabitants. Well, I believe that it is colour that pumps the life into it. These images are chosen as good examples of how powerful colour can be and how quickly the right colour can create an inspiring environment. Layering colours that are sympathetic to scale and proportion can create depth where perhaps there is none, and clarity where it is lacking.

A well chosen shade defines a room; bringing it into it's own. These designers and architects have created spaces that are dynamic and exciting, grounding and functional and I find them utterly compelling. Don't you?

The top three images belong to photographer Matthew Millman - his website is pretty fab.

Natural Born Weavers

Those who had studied Textiles at Central Saint Martins will surely remember the wonderful weave room technicians, Sri and Lindsay. There is no way on this earth that I would have survived that studio/dobby loom had it not been for their endless patience and good humour - just you try threading a loom without them. Combined, their skills could get the world back on it's feet should the Apocalypse ever come and go, and I'm not kidding.

The weave pathway is still currently being led by Philippa Brock (who I believe is now the head of the textile degree course) and is supported by a number of visiting lecturers, all highly skilled with successful careers.




One of the reasons CSM deserves it's world class reputation is that it's students have access to some of the most highly regarded and experienced designers out there. I was lucky enough to be taught by master weaver Eleanor Pritchard, whose beautiful and technically brilliant woven colour palettes are reminiscent of the post war era. These images are from her website.

                                                      Eleanor Pritchard

Now, this may not be the wisest thing to do - following Eleanor's work with mine, but after admiring her website, I felt it was time to pull out my degree work to see whether 5 years on, time had worked it's magic on my woven textiles, i.e. turned them into the master pieces they longed to be. I haven't actually looked at these since I boxed them up after the degree show (back in 2005) and I have to say that, although flawed from a technical point of view (don't be unkind by clicking on the images to enlarge), I actually quite like them.

My show 'Reflective Fashion' was a collection of woven pieces inspired by a desire to create reflective and illuminating fabrics that may one day adorn the discerning cyclist and/or pedestrian. Being an enthusiastic and committed cyclist, I am also an aesthetically sensitive one, and so, since I have now migrated into the world of interiors, I'd love it if someone were to nick this idea and give it a nice pair of legs... (I have lots of ideas/research for anyone wanting to discuss this in minute detail - call me!)

 

                                       Photography (of model) by Emma Tarrant

The research behind this work was a collection of slow shutter speed photographs taken of London and NYC at night - hence the streams of colour. Also, I'd like to say that most of the yarn used was hand dyed. Yes, by me. (Be impressed; it was tough.)

Photographer: Pierre-Jean Verger

                                        Pierre-Jean Verger

Looking at this website is about as close to a spiritual experience as I'm going to get, sat here in front of my computer. This has to be some of the best interior design work that I have seen, to date. I think the photographs speak for themselves. Have a look at the website, go on, treat yourself... (click on images to enlarge)

time for bed

(click on images to enlarge)

Beds, beds everywhere, and not a single one to rest upon... I'm going to call it a day and go and find mine. Sweet dreams.

etsy's 'how to' just made my day

Etsy's 'How-to-Tuesday' - Pillow with rosette clusters from felt

I popped over to see a friend of mine for a cup of tea and on the wall in her hallway, I saw an impressive piece of art that she had made purely out of coloured felt balls. (I'll see if she has an image of it that she's willing to let me upload.*) 

Now, this friend is no craft-monster - she's cool with impeccable taste and she really knows her colours. So with that revelation tucked away I saw this little project and it sparked a burst of ideas. At last, a craft project that's sure to impress, and it looks really easy to do.

* here you go... Isn't this great?

probably the best thing you will see today

                            The Third and the Seventh - by Alex Roman

My friend Steve James Brown just sent me a link to this entirely 3D generated film. It is extraordinary. The creator of this film, Alex Roman, has worked on every single aspect, from modeling, to editing to mixing the score. It is a stunning piece of work, a must see if ever there was one... see it here