Design
elements
I am interested the human form and most particularly in the face. But, I also find
inspiration in all kinds of Things: skies and cloud shapes, animal forms, plant life,
microscopic images, books as visual prompts, conversations, other works of art, patterns
of all sorts, music and literature, television....
SKIES & CLOUDS: Colour to be found and the shapes of
buildings dark against the sunset patterns and forms that clouds make when they’re
moving.
FLORA & FAUNA: Animals themselves as forms or the patterns
of fur or lizard & snakeskin, ie, the actual construction of scales. The linear
pattern of veins in leaves and flowers, the types of bark on trees the variety of colour
and form in foliage and flowers I prefer unusual plants and trees, rather than the country
garden variety. I am mad on tulips for their clarity of shape and colour.
MICROSCOPIC IMAGES: I find the form presented on slides
fascinating and often think of them when doing marbling on paper or material - a favourite
method. I like The randomness of the overall design and it suggests other forms to
me.
OTHER WORKS OF ART: Looking at other people's vision is always
an inspiration and it is usually some part that I carry away with rue - a particular
texture or technique that I feel is effective. This refers to all kinds of work. Also,
something that I see in a shop window display or on the side of a house or the design of
an ordinary object might trigger off an idea. I once saw someone make hammers out of glass
and I was stunned by it - so simple, so amazing.
TELEVISION: This media brings the world to everyone's home and is
the most incredible visual tool. People say that it denies creativity, but I live to be a
contrary testament! I love it and am constantly given ideas by the richness of images and
knowledge. There are many art related items, but I enjoy films and often get ideas from
these as well as faces or layouts of places both real arid imaginary.
INTERNET & COMPUTERS: The above applies to this as well I
recently found a kaleidoscope colour program that gave me ideas for patterns
MUSIC: I love all sorts of music and the ideas and moods that it
can give rise to I always work to music - it helps generate inspiration.
LITERATURE: I read voraciously mid often get ideas from books
-usually images will come to mind that were triggered off and completely unrelated to the
original material that I read. Poems are a great stimulant. They are pockets of emotion
and strong images and even the rhythm of them can suggest something.
CONVERSATIONS: This can be with anyone. Ideas are out there ready to be snapped
up if you are alert. Again the actual spoken word made have nothing to do with the image
that arises, but simply made it possible for you to think in another direction. I often
talk "shop" with anyone who will listen as it helps to clarify my ideas and
often the input will point me in a way that I hadn't conceived of.
EXHIBITIONS: Textile exhibitions provide great inspiration too. An
interesting one taking place until 17th June at The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Riverside
Mill, Bovey Tracey, Devon (01626 832223) is High Fibre. This includes
examples of knotwork, quilting, beadwork and the Japanese art 'Shiburi'.
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