In her Biography, she explains how she is 'inspired by natural forms and textures and constructs textiles that simulate organic surfaces', and 'makes textiles that suggest organic surfaces by changing the structure of the fabric, rather than imposing a design on the surface of the cloth'. This approach is one that I could explore, looking at how nature can be suggested in interior design using textures and form, rather than images of nature. Below are a number of images of her work that I have analysed.
The above image is from Richmond's collection of lace. The close up below shows that the lace imitates a decaying leaf, leaving only the structure or skeleton. This clever link between leaf and lace, works because it has not changed the delicacy of either objects, but combines them seamlessly.
These two images are from the leaf cloth series. Here it is clear what is being depicted, but the Richmond achieves a natural and organic look, as if a forest floor has been picked up and stitched together. Reflecting on these, Richmond describes using 'distressing techniques and chemical processes to change the surface structure of the fiber into an illusion of organic decay'. This is the second example of Richmond's use of decay, an important consideration in my development of the theme country connections. Richmond has looked at the effects of natural forces such as decay and rot, and it is this element that I could consider in my research, possibly looking at weathered furniture, and unfinished, rustic surfaces.
This image indicates the nature's changing seasons, looking at the structure of trees without their leaves representing Autumn. The natural change that occurs throughout the year is another possible area of study and development that I could look at in terms of my theme.
Use of Fabric
Below I have looked at ways that this fabric could be used, photoshoping it into images to give a rough idea of what it might look like.
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Here I have looked at using the fabric for a curtain. With the light shinning through, this will create a warm ambience and a cosy feeling. This idea allows the natural surroundings to flow into the room.
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In this image, I have looked at using the fabric on cushions to create a more subtle reference to the the outdoors. The cushion in the foreground seems to work particularly well, as it looks like a delicate winter scene.
Having looked at the abstraction of colour in the previous post, and looking at the abstraction of natural forms in this post, I would now like to research nature from a more realistic point of view, and how this can be used in interior design
Post Bibliography
Lesley Richmond. (n.d.) Biography. [Online] Available from: http://lesleyrichmond.com/ [Accessed: 19th October 2011]
