August

These patchwork cushions are part of an exploration into a variety of issues. The pattern on the english pure cotton reminds me of an immitation woodgrain finish. It was too large for an upholstery project, so I have broken it down, just like a sheet of veneer. I have collected scraps to assemble together, while foregoing the grain matching that could form an interesting pattern.

The idea of recycling is more prevalent in my design projects now, as I can include many pre-manufactured elements in one form, and not make more items that can be unnecessary. This can also save on costs and time, and it makes me feel better that I am not adding more items to the growing mountain of waste that is growing in New Zealand.

The strong lines that usually appear in my personal designs are represented in these cushions as segmented elements of a series of lines. They could imply the dynamic speed lines that are not visually present in other similar designs, such as the lightweight tables of last year. What I am more concerned with recently is finding a series of connecting elements and ideas, so I can produce a defined aesthetic that forms my signature style.

July

This month I have been considering the re-using of old discarded objects in new contexts. I have found that if I focused on one or two colours, in the sourcing of objects, then the task would be easy and not overwhelming. So I refurbished old cafe chairs with orange pleather, found in an emporium. I have given a metal storage case for an electric drill a new life as a storage case for drawing and light tools. In a similar way I have used old kitchen storage containers from OP shops as storage for small transient items, like medications. Lastly I have recycled old discarded fabric into cushion covers, more as an exercise in upholstery than decor items.

April

52 Chairs

This month I bought 52 chairs from an internet site. Currently I am finalising plans to use these chairs. I have made a tower from 16 chairs that have minor broken faults to the frames. This tower relates back to the tower of tables that I made back in 2006, and to the theme of multiples in my productions last year.

They are a formal contrast to my angular aerodynamic aesthetics that I used last year, but in other ways the design of the chairs works well. The spartan frame implies a light-weight quality, with minimal steel necessary for the function of the chairs. But the black, heavy steel contrasts to the light weight nature of the tables I have produced. I will work on redesigning elements of the chairs.

I bought the chairs partly for one purpose, that is for my own use. But I only need up to 18. Another 6 have gone to my parents, and the rest I do not know. I may need to design a table for sale with these left-over chairs.

Labyrinth

The Unitec graduates show 2007 was better than the year before. The designers collective that I am a part of, Suite 6, put on the best display of all pathways. We worked together as a group to put on a display that was talked about for weeks after the show. The Suite 6 catalogue was put together by hand and was worth the effort.

November

This photo shows the coffee table in a natural waxed finish. It weighs only 6 kilograms, yet is strong enough for myself to lie down on it, and I weigh in at 75 kilograms. The photo does not show the complex and beautiful integrated chassis that is the support for the table. Being constructed in the formation of the Union Jack, and from light-weight plywood, it supports all areas of the table surface and the legs.

The tables are available in the waxed finish with a selection of grain patterns to choose from. The featured table has a birds eye pine grain that is rare and beautiful. Other wood grains include a flame look or common multicolour pine. The grains can be enhanced by a limited selection of stains, from white to black, or they can be subdued by a painting process available in any colour.

November

Featured in this photo is the dining table set from my latest range of tables that i have developed. The range is inspired by jetliners and retro prototype cars from the 1970s. They are constructed to be of a minimum weight, yet the tables are strong enough to support myself when i sit on them. The tables are available in a selection of finishes and can be made to any size.

October

This month I will show a preview of my work that was included in a recent photo shoot. It is for the soon to be published catalogue of the Graduate show at Unitec. These are not the final images in the catalogue, or the photos of the furniture that will be appearing in the show. But they are a teaser for what will be comming.