For my collection Forged in Nature, I was greatly inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. It is based on the idea that there is beauty to be found in imperfection and impermanence, appreciating life’s natural cycle of growth and decay.
My subject of focus is my grandad's welding shed. The years of work his tools have seen is evident in the dents, scrapes and discolouration they bear. Even though the space was left mostly untouched for some years, nature has continued to grow within it, creating constant movement. This wear-and-tear and weathering gives great character to his workplace, and is the focal point of my designs.
Forged in Nature hosts a series of interior drapery fabrics made entirely from natural fibres, including paper and wool, and natural dyes. Each piece was created in a circular design process, and can eventually biodegrade and return to the earth as bio-nutrients or return to production as technical nutrients.
Deerpark, woven piece made from paper and wool, mounted onto white oak divider
Roche, knitted piece made from paper
Roskeagh, lambswool knitted piece with embroidered linen knit
Thistle Cross, woven piece made from paper and wool
Whitemill, crochet piece made from paper
Drumbilla, woven piece made from paper, wool and lambswool
Primary visual research
Research
Natural dye swatches
Weathered, primary visual research