Coral Patterns

Whilst on holiday in Egypt I encountered a particular kind of coral that reminded me of a pattern I found on my bathroom window. I was suprised to find a link like this, and it has caused me to look at some of the interior details of my own house.

Observation - Photography

I have taken may photographs from a wide range of sources. Wherever I look, I can find a wealth of design that has been inspired by natural form. Consequently, most of my photos were taken in nearby areas such as the University of Reading and my own house. I also aquired a large batch of photos (and inspiration) from a holiday to Marsa Alam, Egypt. I found inspiration in the corals of the red sea, from ancient columns in the Karnak temple of Luxor and in the Islamic architecture all around me. Above, I have featured some of my favourite photos. All of the photos can be viewed in the slideshow in the top-right hand corner of this blog or by visiting my picasa web album.

Observation

After looking at purely natural forms, I have turned my attention to objects that have been inspired by natural forms.

I started by looking at objects around me that I used in everyday life. I drew my tripod because its flexible legs were probably inspired by those of some king of insect of plant.

I observed a camera lens and made an experimental line drawing considering some of the connotations of cameras and photographs. The inspiration here is from the human eye and the shifting of lenses.

I looked at a swing ball corkscrew and made a rhythmic fine line and watercolour drawing to emphasise the spiralling corkscrew. The influence for this design may be the path of a falling seed as it spirals to the ground.

I also found some wash balls which reminded me of small alien planets. I tried to convey their character using a collage of various pieces of plastic and paper. I also used watercolour, pen and talcum powder.

Observation

To start this project, I have decided to look at natural forms on their own as opposed to designs that are inspired by natural forms, this will come later. My first drawing was in charcoal; of a large shell from the art department. I observed a fairly simple outline that contained many complexities within. Firstly, there were the patterns on the shell, these varied at different points on the shell's coil. Then there was the coil itself, which spiralled into infinity. Finally, there were the complexities hidden within the shell which I have neglected for the sake of simplicity. I went on to draw the spiral from an end-on viewpoint.

Using this medium, I noticed a small bundle of charcoal on the table and drew these. I was interested by the way that these 'man made' objects had a distinctly organic feel; slightly curved and with a dark matte surface.