Grand Designs Live

When it comes to designing one of the most exciting parts for me is being able to create a story allowing the design to become so much more than something you look at, it’s something you discover, decipher and question not just at surface level but amongst the depths of the design layers.

‘The Bard’ revolves around William Shakespeare and his use of botanicals throughout his literary works. Used to not only give his words colour and seasonal meaning but as an exploration of symbolism. The body of the design is inspired by the ‘Tempest,’ a crashing of waves, thoughts and emotions. Whilst ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ inspires the colour palette. The wildness of the botanicals found within this design are all taken from Shakespeare’s words. With pencil drawings interspersed to depict how Shakespeare’s words were black and white before the botanicals brought them to life, given colour and meaning for the reader to unpick.

Upon further exploration within my research I found symbolically the botanicals so often written about follow the main themes of his sonnets and plays which gives his work a deeper meaning, allowing the reader and audience to form a deeper connection, Love, tragedy, friendship, betrayal are all emotions we can relate to and have/ had experienced. With Shakespeare’s well documented love of botany this symbolism begs the question ‘was this a beautiful coincidence or pure intention.’

If you have a story waiting be told to stamp your identity your way or want to learn more about the bespoke design process let’s chat, plot, plan and paint: