Creative Practice Research

I have been looking at other things for inspiration to create something in 3D. Below are photographs of buildings and other forms that interest me. Where this is going to lead me to I’m afraid its very hard to tell at the moment.

I feel inspired by the egg-lamps which were the creations of a French designer, Michel Froment who exhibited at the TENT in September 2011. He had melted waste that he had collected, and according to him; “cooked” it in a large pan, done the yolk in the same way and molded it before assembling them together. I think its a beautiful way to up-cycle waste materials.

Also, there are other designs that are based on sustainability such as the table lamp made from hair rollers on show at the 100% design, and right next to this is the Chandelier made from empty wine bottles exhibited at the TENT, finally, the last one in the group which is also a lampshade (red) made from waste plastics as well, melted and the cast to create the shade.

However, the two pictures of what looks like a cluster of moons, I found there is something both aesthetically pleasant and eerie at the same time. Especially with the silhouette of the dead tree. I think it reminds me of every child’s innate fear of the dark and anything unfamiliar, as well as count Dracula movies. Its as though one should expect him to appear any minute. On the other hand, I think it is a stark reminder that we don’t tend to see or notice the moon anymore because there are lights everywhere that eclipse that of the moon and our cities are all built up so there is never an opportunity to have an uninterrupted view of the moon.

The other lightings are ones I took on the ferry whilst crossing over to Woolwich in South London. I think what I like about them is the retro feel that they give off. Somewhere in my memory, I do remember seeing these sorts of lighting as a child, but today, there are ultra modern, hi-tech and energy efficient ones that have taken it’s place.

Now, just looking at these collection of photographs, one thing is clear and that is the fact that like an insect, I am drawn to lights to a very disturbing degree of even calling it an obsession. I used to watch insects as a kid being attracted from the street and whizzing around the security lights on our veranda like they were hypnotized. What does this say about me? I am probably the only one who notices that we don’t see the moon as much now, with the fields, country lanes and houses awash in its blanket of silver which is why there is something nostalgic about the cluster of lamps. What is it about lights? This is what I need to find out.