RHHH STUDIOS
A declaration to oneself
SOooo!... That's ME! to your left. A rare moment of my digital imprint captured for the world to see.
A fascination of mine is to understand the fundamental mechanics of footwear, the key sequence of operations which take place before a shoe comes into existence. Charged with the desire to investigate sustainable practices whilst exploring alternative disciplines of Sculpture, Engineering, Bio Design and Performance Art.
Unafraid to fail I will attempt to execute key principles: of transference of space / inviting new perspectives. The multiple uses of in contrast to how far can a concept evolve / As an idea progresses can we assign new purpose.
To explore without boundaries is an ambitious task to say the least, I understand there is a level of naivety as I explore the unknown as my practice takes shape. The challenges I’m faced with may alter the outcome of the question or the practicality of executing the task in hand.
However to overcome potential dis-course, I will need to be reactional and adaptive in submitting my will to the process.
SUSTAINABLE FORMS
ITERATIONS 001
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Sustainable forms Art: 001
Sustainable forms, a concept driven by the exploration of both form & aesthetic using sustainable materials. In this case canvas made from recycled fibres.
My intention is to develop a construction deemed unconventional compared to industrial operations and considered economical unviable when using conventional raw materials.
This approach Is my attempt to make an argument for the uses of sustainable materials. Although canvas is no longer considered a revolutionary material, industrialized in the footwear industry for the manufacture of athletic shoes, little exploration has occurred since regarding its potential
materiality.
My argument being that of affordance, the aesthetic of excessiveness can have an overwhelming dramatic appeal often associated with luxury at high cost. But what if I where able to reduce the cost whilst achieving a luxurious / desirable aesthetic using a sustainable material.
For example, the average cow hide is 40sqft sold at an average cost of £110 compared to a recycled canvas of the same size the cost is £29 a %75 reduction price. Understanding the difference in cost and margins I can now explore alternative applications for the recycled canvas which would be
affordable yet desirable for the consumer. The design language for article 001 is predicated on understanding the values of affordance.
SUSTAINABLE FORMS
ITERATIONS 002
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INDELIBLE MARKS
ITERATIONS 001
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Sustainable forms Art: 002
The intention when developing article 002 was to explore an augmented 3D materiality. To develop an aesthetic which would be a practice base led process. I use the term augmented as the pattern was constructed as a true fit to the last. Without the aid of using 3D digital programs the next step was to explore a process which would enable me to explore form within the Z axis thus augmenting my pattern from the X-Y plane.
A key element for me during this project was exploring sustainability, understanding the need to be sustainable would also mean allowing for a practice led by this ethos. Inspired by closed loop manufacturing systems the product development of article 002 was to follow a circular economy
recycling the waste material from the pattern cutting process.
Challenged with finding practical ways to recycle, I developed a process which involved shredding the waste product using it fill 3D structures. These structures were then integrated as part of the footwear construction between the upper and lining. Once stitched and secured the upper pattern
would appear to be augmented.
The visual language of this current work has been led by sustainable processes. No sketches were
produced before the first iteration only after the pattern was finalised to further understand what
this product could look like.
INDELIBLE MARKS
Indelible Marks Art: 001
Exploring materiality through creating indelible marks.
The wearer is able to customise their sneaker via mediums of choice: Burn, Paint, Sand, Cut if you will. Each alteration remains indelible til the next iteration. Granting the consumer with the opportunity of only moving forward. The upper consist of 4 layers with a final layer of leather.