In and around Switzerland there were loads of little things that you would only notice walking around. I loved these door hinges and plan to use them as inspiration for a new Coffee Clutch Set design.
You are currently browsing the archive for the Inspiration category.
Walking over one of the bridges (on one of the few half sunny days) the railing cast a gorgeous shadow. Coming from a textile design background I could not just walk over this pattern.
I love how the pattern (as the shadow) is distorted and how the geometric lines meet and divide the flowing shapes.
Hesere Gildenhuys ‘Gauze Poetry’ was the highlight of the CPUT exhibition for me. She is a B.TEch Surface Design student that I feel produced something truly beautiful, interesting, engaging and strong with meaning.
To give you some insight into the art pieces I will drop few key words: phenomenology
embodiment
perception and representation
self reflection
They are inspired by traditional body adornment of African women in tribes such as the Kaleri, Ga’anda, Nuba, Maro, Mbaye and Zaire. Geisha’s from the Japanese culture with their blank white faces and painted red lips were also very inspirational. Overall, I think Hesere has produced something very special.
The Surface Design Department really pulled out all stops. Every surface imaginable had been reflected upon. It was a visual and tactile wonderland.
Photographs taken at the CPUT Design Exhibition 2009.
The Graphic Design floor always makes one smile, laugh and reflect on some very serious issues. I smiled and laughed at the poster above about Lorieres and Boeries (for those of you who are not familiar with the Lourie Awards click here and for those of you who do not know what a Boerie is, click here).
The third year students presented themselves and their work in the form of one large poster. Some of my favourites are below.
On a more serious note, this poster and carry bag (see below) really made an impact on me.
The illustration work always bowls me over. I wish I create characters and draw stories.
Photographs taken at the CPUT Design Exhibition 2009.
The CPUT Design Exhibition was a huge success. There was, as always is, so much to absorb you never really can take it all in at once. I snapped away with my camera hoping to take inspiration home to reflect on it. This collage is of work on the Industrial Design floor. I adore the lime green dog light.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a year’s break? Or even just two months a year where you devote everyday to developing, learning and creating without any purpose other than growing. Wouldn’t it be wonderful…
It’s spring time and finally the sun has decided to show and the wind has decided to blow (as it does in summer). But undoubtedly my favourite thing about spring is how nature erupts into colour. To see some select Wren items paired with spring inspiration photographs visit Sibling Mine’s Spring Fling.
And I have updated my shop with some new ’springy’ products such as the gorgeous lime Hibiscus Big Town Bag above (paired with a close up photo of a white lily).
Recently I discovered a wonderful flickr group called ‘Organised Collections‘. Inspired to put my own collection together I combined my linens (which are now filled with pattern piece markings) and my pebble and twig collection.
Each pebble and twig is special to me. To remember them, I have written where and when I picked it up on each one. The first twig I collected was on my first day of high school. Somehow I did not have a hair elastic and whilst sitting in register I reached for a stick, rolled my hair into a bun and carefully slid it through holding my hair in place for the rest of the day. I still have this stick and I love running my fingers over its now smooth surface.
“What did I learn at art school? I learned that art is painting, not painted.’
Harvey Fierstein, quotes in the exhibition ‘A Bamily Album: Brooklyn Collects’ at Brooklyn Museum of Art, April 2001.
Is it just me or are bicycles becoming the new must-have accessory? All sizes and all forms but the older the better it seems (for once). This music clip posted by astulabee hit home with it’s mix of 80’s music and bicycle love.
.
Here are some bicycle etsy finds:
1. ‘We are so good together’ linocut print by PerlaAnne 2. ‘Super bicycle diagram’ print by SweetRide 3. ‘Address stamp -olivia’ by RubberStampPress’s shop 4. ‘looking good’ photographic print by SweetRide 5. ‘Giraffe on two-high-bike black shirt‘ by darkcycleclothing 6. ‘Bicycle Cameo – Illustrated Bicycle Brooch‘ by craftyfolk’s shop 7. ‘Bring It‘ photographic print by SweetRide
I have been playing with different linens for a new bag design. Laid side-by-side they make a lovely natural colour palette and the textures are not only beautiful to feel but also to look at. I’m in-love.
I cant wait to transform these fabrics it into a bag that I can ‘feel’ all day long.
Quilt Shack by Malka Dubrawsky / Stitchindye
Quilts are something special. Whether you have made them or received them, the time that is put into one never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
My quilt was made by my Aunt (my mom’s sister) and sadly it has completely faded from years of washing and general use. The only part recognizable is the embroidered ‘W.M’.
Quilts can be used in so many different ways. I used to use it as a blanket, then I used it as a sofa throw and now its back to being a blanket (that is hidden in the closet most of the time). However, I love how Syrie (first below) and Laurraine (second below) have used theirs. Syrie has upholstered a beautiful decorative lounging chair in a soft quilt and Laurraine has covered a tea pot in a mini quilt.
Quilt Upholestered by Sunshine Syrie / Sunshinesyrie
Quilted Teapot & Lavender Teabags by Laurraine Yuyama / Patchwork Pottery's
…and this picture by Riana I had to include becuase it is so beautiful. The photograph is a quilt of interesting things that all come together into a beautiful composition.
Wedding Quilt by Riana Lagarde / These Days in French Life
My favourite thing about quilts is that they hold love. If I wrap myself up with mine, no matter how old and faded it is, I feel wrapped in love. That is something that the sun or washing powder can never take away.
The sunrise this morning was absolutely breath taking. Winter is definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year. I am so grateful that my new home has a view of the sunrise becuase it would definitely be something I would miss terribly. My gran and my mom phoned to check if that I was watching – they both know it is my favourite time of the day and I ask, how can it not be?
My house has the most amazing trees. They are over 100 years old, as is the house, and you can spot them in any postcard of Fish Hoek or in any history book (although much smaller).
My house was first bought by my grandparents many years ago and has since been passed down to my grandmother and now to my mom. It was the one of the first homes in Fish Hoek so it really has a monumental history and not only one made by family. Sadly this is where the chain will end but these trees will carry on growing and always be beautiful.
My house looks out over the ocean towards the rising sun. These pictures of the tree were taken early this morning when there was still a golden glow to the air, hence the glow to these pictures.
The tree’s are a type of Mountain Cypress. My grandmother declares that they are one of a kind here in Cape Town but we are all certain that there are more of them around although nobody knows for sure.
