Design
Design, using traditional art making tools, and a framework of classical root proportions and division of 3rds/5ths with contrast/harmony/repetition etc., is fundamental to my working practice, resulting in a more balanced and cohesive set of objects.
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It's easy to try out a design idea on paper and see if it works - if it doesn't then it's easy to try another - in a few minutes I can try a number of designs. Had I tried to design whilst working on my lathe, that would have taken much longer, and used up valuable timber, and be harder to fit within my root proportions etc. framework.
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Designs start off in a simple notebook using pens (sometimes just one profile), without any attempt at measurements - doddles if you like. The ones I like are then drawn up as on this page, either with my template paper, or with pen and wash outline as shown here - showing outside view on left, inner view on right.
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Designs are then tried out on scrap wood if unsure. I also use scrap wood to try out ideas, such as textures, like a sketch book.
Proportion Matters
I believe that the proportional dimensions of an item I turn are important. This may sound obvious, but in wood turning it's easy to get a blank piece of wood, and make something that fits the outer dimensions of the wood, without regard to the overall proportions of the final item.
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Taking my most recent work (my lidded containers), I use root proportions to get an overall proportion, then split the sides/top into 1/3s or 1/5s to mark out important elements such as the lid etc. Then I balance contrast and harmony along with repetition to get a balanced overall look. For example, I might place a number of same sized beads along the body (repetition), contrasting that with a plainer lid and/or I might use contrasting coloured woods which, although different, create a sense of balance. Doing this I hope creates a more pleasing set of coherent objects.
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To create drawing paper for these design principles, I've created a little Python computer code that takes the root proportions and creates simple printable drawing paper, with sides split into either 1/3s or 1/5s, so I can then design out my ideas more using a fountain pen.
Template Paper
So I can easily try out my designs, I've created a little Python Computer Code that generates a grid framework based on root proportions, which is then sub divided into 3rds and 5ths.
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I can import this into a drawing application on my computer, and create some template paper, which I then print out and draw on.
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The example here shows the template paper in a drawing application on my computer, ready to print out, and is used above.
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I then draw on the this paper using traditional pens.
Drawing Materials
I use traditional drawing materials to create my designs - pen and paper, using just computers to create my own drawing paper.
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I'm old enough to have been taught technical drawing at CDT lessons at school, before CAD on computers came into being, and enjoyed it. Whilst my drawings aren't technial drawings, I still enough the process, and am happy to use it.
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My materials include:
Paper: Cartridge, Watercolour, my own created templates and Newspaper print paper
Pens: Muji and Micron
Watercolour: Schmincke Horadam and Faber Castell Watercolour pens