Inspiration and Cultural Relations
Perusing marketplaces, visiting the weaving centre and traveling to
Batang Ai, I noticed the use of repetitious, geometrical patterns in the local
arts and crafts. I was drawn in particular to the creeping vine motif. Sarawak
is blanketed by these vines that cover even tall trees and some buildings. They
are present everywhere we go, city or jungle, so if I were to pick one thing
that symbolises all of Sarawak,
the creeping vine would have to be it. Vine motifs are also common in the
Western tradition, making this simple pattern a bridge between two cultures. Traditional
motifs used in arts and craft are typically inspired by the natural
environment, and in Sarawak this still seems appropriate today, however I have
abstracted and simplified the design to create a more contemporary aesthetic
with a broader appeal.
Concept
The motif is used in a versatile system consisting of separate ceramic
pieces in the shape of a tapered leaf that can be stacked, suspended, or stood
on end to form the building blocks of furniture, lighting, partitions, and
other decorative applications. The system can be scaled up to create large wall
partitions, or made smaller to form the basis for lighting or decorative
objects. Elements built using the ‘leaves’ vary in size according to the number
of leaves used, making the system adaptable to the environment in which it is
used. The leaves can be assembled in various patterns and arrangements
according to the application.
Songket weaving - in the form of traditional Songket, or using metallic
wires such as copper - is incorporated and attached through the means of small
holes in the edges of the leaf. The leaves are attached to one another in the
same manner. The weaving can be placed towards the front or back of the leaves,
and can differ in each individual leaf, creating a dynamic system. Woven copper
threads can be used in between leaves if the system is suspended. Ideally
traditional songket motifs could be cut away from the ceramic leaves to create
intricate patterns that allow light to filter through the layers, making it
particularly well adapted to use in lighting.
Methods
The ceramic leaves can be formed by extrusion, with holes and decorative
motifs cut away by hand. The woven elements are handmade on a loom from
traditional fabrics or from copper wire. Further research is necessary to
refine the joining system and method of suspension.
Market
The system is intended for a global market aimed at interior designers
and design retailers. As the pieces stack together, empty spaces are reduced in
packing and freight costs are kept relatively low. The system is simple to
assemble and versatile.
Justine Daverio
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| Sketch of proposed system |
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Woven basket featuring the creeping vine
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