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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I can import this into a drawing application on my computer, and create some template paper, which I then print out and draw on.
The example here shows the template paper in a drawing application on my computer, ready to print out, and is used above.
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.
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.
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