Maxine Snowden

Jewellery & Metal Design BDes (Hons)

Exploring how the interaction of the natural and built environments can result in a sense of harmony and balance by bringing two incompatible elements together.

About

Profile photo of Maxine Snowden

I am inspired by our ever-changing landscape and the relationship between our natural and man-made environments. I create bespoke lighting inspired by the surroundings I observe around me. I find beauty in temporary structures such as oil rigs and scaffolding, and I investigate the relationships these man-made structures have with the natural environment. concentrating on how natural sunlight interacts with these massive structures and how these opposing sides come together to create something beautiful. This is reflected in my work through the use of colour and pattern. The colours in my lighting are inspired by the natural landscape in and around Dundee, and the patterns I create are inspired by the shapes I see within the oil rig. When these elements combine, they create a sense of harmony and rhythm, emphasizing the beauty created when these opposing sides are combined. Modern technology has had a significant impact on my work and is critical to my practice. I create my complex designs using equipment such as laser cutters and software such as Illustrator, which allows me to achieve the desired level of accuracy. In my lighting, I use materials such as epoxy resin and wood, which allows me to capture the vibrant colours found in and around Dundee's landscape while also creating interesting projections when light shines through. Wood provides stability to my lighting and allows me to incorporate a natural material alongside the synthetic resin in my work.

Large geometric ceiling light

Large asymmetric suspended light piece measuring 70cm in height and 30cm in width. Made from laser cut 2mm MDF which has been painted Black. The light has a mixture of intricate and large triangular cutouts which have been filled with coloured epoxy resin. This lighting has been supported using a red rope flex fitting.

This large asymmetric lamp has been inspired by the oil rigs in Dundee and the harmonious interaction between this man-made structure and the natural sunlight shining through. When lit, the radiant colours of the resin projects onto near by walls creating bold interesting refractions of colour. My work captures the vibrant colours of the surrounding landscapes and the complex patterns and shapes within the oil rig. The lighting piece has a mixture of intricate triangular cut-outs, and each face has a different composition. Using both natural and synthetic materials such as wood and epoxy resin which symbolizes the combination of these two opposing sides, the natural and man-made. This large lamp is designed to be suspended from the ceiling and be a focal point within a room due to its bold colours and patterns.

Asymmetric suspended light

Asymmetric wall lamp 35cm height and 18cm in width. Made from laser cut 2mm MDF which has been painted Black and filled with colourful epoxy resin. Suspended using a blue rope flex light fitting.

This wall lamp is designed to catch your eye through the use of vibrant colours and bold geometric patterns The asymmetric design of this piece makes it a focal point in room along side the intricate triangular cutouts. My light is designed to be suspend from a ceiling which allows the light to shine through the coloured resin projecting luminescent refractions upon the walls.

Intricate pendant light

Asymmetric wall lamp measuring 45cm in height and 30cm in width. Made from laser cut 2mm MDF which has been painted Black and filled with colorful epoxy resin. The lamp is placed on its side on the floor alongside its green flex fitting.

This unique wall light is asymmetric in design with overlapping intricate triangular cutouts. Inspired by the relationship between our natural and man-made landscape, i wanted to represent these two opposing side through use geometric pattern and bold colour. Through using black MDF and vivid coloured epoxy resin this light has both contrast and harmony, highlighting when two opposite side come together they can create something beautiful.

Viewers will be able to purchase my work during and after the degrees show in person and online via getting in contact with my through email or speaking to me.

My work will also be available to buy at New Designers in London from 26 to 30 June 2023 at the Business Design Centre London.

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