Glow
Reflection
Transcendence
Obsolescence
Perfection
Flawless
Disconnection
Distortion
Overshadow
The inspiration
for this final design project began with a new years resolution I set myself to
meditate every day. I found myself feeling most centered whilst meditating when
listening to ambient music that resembled the humming glow of digital screens.
In addition to this, I realized that I felt most peaceful when I am alone with
technology, constantly drawing from its energy, which made me question the
personal relationship I have with the devices I use and ultimately trust.
I considered the
relationship technology and nature share, both forces affect moods and
atmospheres in our lives and both can be represented as metaphors for how we
treat ourselves and the environment around us. Mankind continuously attempts to
marry nature and technology in to a harmonious state, which has become
hazardous and problematic for all living things. A constant use of glowing lights
has become a 21st century comfort that possesses no temperature, for
younger generations. We are more likely to look at a screen’s light than the
moon’s, we prefer experiencing an image of cut grass instead of the real
experience of walking on it.
I was also very
interested in a term Hans Geser had used which I referenced in my dissertation,
calling mobile devices “symbolic bodyguards”, the idea of them being protective
signaling devices that constantly remind us that we are omni-present, and
virtually somewhere else. Similarly a screen’s reflective potential represents
a modern Narcissus gazing at his own reflection. The environmental context of my
research focuses on the issues of the polar corners of the earth, using melting
glaciers as a metaphor for how we treat the planet. I want to continue the
theme of lighting throughout my project from observational work to the final
exhibition piece, using an abstracted glow on the final printed fabrics and
maintaining a grounded reality through the light’s industrious references. I
want to continue the theme of contrasts between the fabrics and the lighting,
ultimately turning something stark and ugly in to something beautiful.
