Emily Snadden and Peta Riddell
'Quirky'
2008
Our aim has been to develop a stylised typeface that is essentially frivolous in its appearance and its purpose. The piece is realised through the combination of illustration, print, object and wearable forms. The three dimensionality of the work enables the viewer to engage with the piece and the space it exists in. The typeface lends itself to unreadability, the oversaturation of visual imagery within the layout means that its success relies on the viewer deciphering the image. It requires the viewer to implement memory triggers to locate the icons within the mass of imagery and graphic styling. The characters and their associated imagery relate to thought processes and the evolution of ideas. Ultimately this imagery references fundamental childhood thought patterns, mind maps and the subconscious. Selected pieces from the installation may be removed and worn as brooches – their original context now removed/irrelevant as they become part of the wearer’s personal space. The wearables aim to highlight the shapes created within the design (rather than the letterforms) through the utilisation of a variety of materials and finishes. They aim to add a level of ‘quirk’, rather than distract from the visual imagery behind them. The three dimensionality of the forms transforms something quite generic like a letterform character into a precious, wearable item with its own personality.
…our shared appreciation of all things cute, strange and quirky generated a simple idea that has since taken on a life of its own and has evolved into a playful combination of shapes, symbols, objects and language. The distance (myself in Hobart, Emily in Wagga) has forced us to communicate primarily via email and phone to convey our thoughts and ideas. Without the luxury of facial expressions and hand gestures, words and images scribbled on paper have done the majority of the talking.
Peta Riddell
…a mutual desire to develop something primarily light and ‘quirky’ is really what has driven our collaboration. After many eclectic (often illegible) sketches and wordy ramblings sent via email we have arrived at something which has remained true to our initial idea. We wanted to combine the fields of Jewellery and Graphic design in an unpretentious manner – utilising fundamental elements from our respective ‘trades’ to create a work that unashamedly aims for frivolity.
Emily Snadden
Quirky
Emily Snadden and Peta Riddell
