Monday 25 June 2012

The Savage Chair

The Savage Chair designed by Korean artist and designer Jay Seajung Oh was designed and made using everday discarded plastic objects which he wrapped in jute. The Savage Chair communicates how conflicting elements can combine in unexpected ways to spur subtle messages of awareness. Seajung Oh hopes that upon viewing the piece people will "reconsider the ordinary and find value in these products reborn." Seajung Oh showcases how innovation, invention and beauty can emerge from anywhere, even the most familiar everyday objects.



Wednesday 20 June 2012

Melting Fusion

"Fusion" is a collection of tables designed by recent furniture maker and design graduate Matthew Robinson. Matthew designed these playful solid wood pieces as part of his final year project at Leed College of Art. The solid wood Fusion tables were made using American walnut and Maple. Robinsons designs are intended to start conversations with an almost cartoon like appearance. Specialising in the use of solid timber and the combination of traditional joinery techniques with modern concepts, Matthew likes to explore the use of contrast and geometry within his pieces.


Friday 15 June 2012

Coil Craft

American designer Doug Johnston's new collection of furniture explores the craft of coiling,a process that is based on an ancient technique used to create ceramic vessels as well as woven baskets. Johnstons adapts this technique and create his own twist on it by using rope instead of the traditional clay. The techique of coiling has resulted in Johnston creating three-dimensional forms suitably used as bags, vessels, and now stools. His designs use rope and stitching as their only mediums which serve both as the objects themselves and the decorative texture of the pieces.His latest furniture collection of stools have been developed for New York based furniture manufacturer "Matter" and continue his exploration of transforming flexible linear materials into sculptural forms and spaces. The stools are made from 100% cotton cord which is coiled according to the desired size and shape and stitched together using an industrial sewing machine.



Tuesday 12 June 2012

"The Crochet Collection"

As most of you already know I have been hard at it developing a new collection of lighting since joining The Malthouse Design Studio. Although I have had lights hanging in the Light Fantastic Exhibition since May, these models were just prototypes and mock ups of what was to come. I have finally got my finished "Crochet Collection" designed,made and currently on sale in The Malthouse Showroom in Distillery Court, North Circular Road.

The lighting collection was developed through my interest in how flat sheet material can be constructed into three dimensional form through a variety of techniques. The collection of pendant lights achieve their form through a technique of slotting 12 identical two dimensional modules together which have been sliced in a specific manner to create an overall sphere form. This form is create as a result of geometric mathematical systems. To add texture and pattern to the form, a photograph of Irish crochet has been digitally printed and transferred onto the plastic in variety of different colours. The story of my conceptual development can been seen here from a previous post.

Further to the printed crochet pendant lights, a selection of one off lace pendants have been developed as part of the collection also. Using recycled offcuts of lace from Siopa Rince, the same form has been repeat but using physical pieces of lace on plastic rather than a print. Sizes range from 200mm to 400mm for both printed crochet and lace pendants. Printed crochet pendant available in purple,teal,lime,black and grey. Other colours can be ordered and commissions for bespoke pieces are also available.
Hope you all like,
Gráinne




"Crochet Collection" on display in the Malthouse Design Centre


White Lace Commissioned Piece



From Fashion to Furniture - Issey Miyake

Known globally for his clothing lines which are seen on runways around the world,Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake has created a range of LED lighting designs for Italian lighting manufacturer Artemide. The project was a development of Miyake’s earlier 132 5. project and is known as IN-EI.  The collection of lights unfold from flat 2D shapes into 3D shades with creases and folds in the cloth used as a guide similar to the Japanese art of paper folding. The same folding principles transform flat geometric pieces of cloth into garments which are seen in Miyake's 132.5 Project. Each one is folded from a single piece of fabric that’s made of recycled plastic bottles. Fibers in the material make it self-supporting so there’s no need for a separate frame inside.
The lamps are on show at the Issey Miyake boutique at 11 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris, until 30 June as part of city-wide festival Designer’s Days.




Wednesday 6 June 2012

Claire-Anne O'Brien at TENT 2012

Irish-born designer and recent graduate from the Royal College of Art, Claire-Anne O’Brien has expanded her collection of carefully detailed knitted furniture for this years up and coming TENT Exhibition during London Design Festival. Pattern and form play a big influence in her work combined with research on traditional crafts and materials such as basket making and lace work. Inspired by elements of the knitted stitch itself such as rings and loops, these structures are revealed and celebrated through exaggerated scale into bold and textured forms. Passionate about wool, O'Brien is currently developing new fabrics using a wool made especially in a mill in Yorkshire which will then be knitted by a team of knitters around the UK and Irelan. Claire-Anne will celebrate the creativity, imagination and innovation present in Ireland today while highlighting the unique skill and craftsmanship with which Irish products are made. Tent London takes place from the 20th - 23rd of September at the Old Truman Brewery in East London.






Tuesday 5 June 2012

Waste Not, Want Not


Here are some of the most inivitive and creative recycling of everyday throw away materials into highend designer jewellery pieces. From paper and plastic bottles to colouring pencils and crayons, these designers specialise in the recycling of materials and found objects to create statement jewellery pieces.

Colour pencil necklace designed by Maria Christina Bellucci

Hair clip necklace designed by Mana Bernardes


Rubber band necklace designed by Alienina
 
Plastic necklace designed by Mana Bernardes using plastic bottles

Paper Jewellery designed by Nel Linssen

Sunday 3 June 2012

Tomomi Sayuda "Daydream Series"

The Tomomi Sayuda "Daydream" Lighting Series was featured during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York last month. The series was created by London-based designer and artist Tomomi Sayuda. The series of pendant lights was inspired by the budding flowers of spring which has been recreated by using Japanese handwoven paper. The paper used in these lanterns make them appear delicate and graceful given the series a gentle nature.