I’d been noticing how my eye has been drawn to organic and natural materials recently. Then later discovered that this is not a recent phenomenon. Natural and organic has been the core of my decision making around decor and product design but it sometimes got hidden. This is the story of the uncovering.
Recently I’d been playing with the idea of natural trimmings, naming it, my natural calling while trying to figure out what this means for future designs products and art.
Some of my recent inspirational pieces were the Samuel and Sons jute trimming collection. There is something quite ironic around having the basic and most ancient of materials used in contemporary and extravagantly decorative ways.
I also love the Designers Guild small crate that you’re supposed to use as planters. They very carefully give you instructions for keeping them water free. But I see them working well as great containers for shelf styling indoors particularly displaying dry flowers or faux versions.
Eureka Moment
While daydreaming about future shelf decor, with natural themes, I thought, I cannot wait to try those on my industrial shelf, which is the idea that surprised me. That was my aha moment. It was an eureka that started me thinking of what natural fabrics mean to me.
A Natural journey
Then I began to trace nods to the natural and organic in previous decor schemes. The natural fabric whether in texture, as background or colour is the constant in all of my design choices
But during my art practice and early making the natural and organic had been a very quiet voice taking more of a supporting role rather than being the main star of my decor show.
Collecting Evidence
Photos of my decor buying decisions over the years. Items were chosen because they showed natural organic elements. The oldest decision is the bow and arrow I purchased in Kenya in 1987. The pencil case is interesting as that is an image of the more recent buying decisions together with the Barnett and Lawson braid. Coincidentally Emma MT made a note of the natural pencil case when I did her class December 2023. At the time she said I can see a theme. To which I just shrugged my shoulders, didn’t know what she was on about.. But from reflecting today, I can also now very clearly see a theme. I do love the natural world and natural materials not because I pity the earth and fear for its future but more because the things it produces naturally are really beautiful. If I can show as much as the earths natural elements in my making the happier I might be. I think in some way the earth is like many of us saying. I am strong and I am beautiful.
After collecting more evidence of my natural tendencies in art, interior design and decor you can expect to see more emphasis on natural beauty of fabrics, the strength within our natural world and while the sustainability element will be kept to a minimum as I don’t like to preach because I do that in my 9 to 5. Instead any assertion will be about appreciating the organic, flowing evolving, instinctive, messy, mark making and patterning in my art and product design.
It is important to note that my previous collection cultured complexities does not at first glance nod to the natural world. It is not always possible to see this at first reading of a painting. But the calling of the natural world in the Cultured Complexities collection, see product showcase presents more of the organic and instinctive intuitive mark making, even though the colours might seem artificial and contrived with their, iridescent, fluorescent mixing and modifying.
What natural products, materials or fibre do you love? Or what about the natural world do you find beautiful? Insert a comment down below.
Since it is four weeks since my las post. Below is a list of the last three posts.
- How Bruce Springsteen Inspired My Creative Process
The author reflects on their experience watching the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me from No Where.” They express how the film resonated with their own feelings of solitude and creativity, despite not fitting the typical fan profile. Personal memories intertwine with themes of family, identity, and mental health, highlighting connections to Springsteen’s artistry. - Natural Shades: Stylish Burlap and Rattan Lampshades
Here are a couple of images I took while out shopping. They helped me realize I can offer a collection of natural shades made of burlap, hessian, and sinamay. This collection… Read more: Natural Shades: Stylish Burlap and Rattan Lampshades - Autumn reflections on the summer of Transforming Paint Skins into Unique Jewellery, Alcohol Ink art Experiments and asserting my statement
Balancing a busy schedule, I’ve explored new art forms and grappled with artistic expression.
Home Office Charm 