amberlthompson@virginmedia.com I linkedin.com/in/amberlouisethompson I 07872186274 I
about .
Concept and narrative provide a strong foundation for all my design work, promoting product longevity through emotional attachment. My projects are led by exploration of materials and processes, providing striking visuals that encourage both physical and visual interaction. My curiosity towards materials stems from a keen desire to tell a story and educate through my work. I approach design with a clear purpose - focusing on the details that make a product not just functional, but memorable.
T. for Magis
Shortlisted for:
Habitat Future Designer Award
New Designers, 2022
The Conran Shop Award New Designers, 2022
John Lewis & Partners Design Innovation Award New Designers, 2022
Brief: Develop a conceptual generational product for Magis within the circular economy principles, to be everlasting and passed on from generation to generation.
Reframed Brief: Design a product that encourages physical communication after the coronavirus pandemic.
DEVELOPMENT
Iterative sketching and model making, in different mediums, was key to reach my final outcome. I was able to test the stacking element and assess how this would function when in use.
Clay allowed me to quickly manipulate varying forms to see which shapes would function best as individual objects, I .e., a milk jug.
“ lockdown shrunk all of our worlds ”. (Janelle, 2021) communication;
ISSUE
The coronavirus pandemic left many people isolated from their companions, as a result, 56.2% of adults aged 18-24 and 48.9% of 25–49-year-olds reported feelings of anxiety and depressive disorder during lockdown (Household Pulse Survey, 2020); isolation and lack of physical interaction were a contributing factor.
MATERIAL
With the circular economy in mind, Oak was chosen due to its durability, acting as a sustainable alternative to ceramic which is typically used for tableware.
The timber’s insulating properties advance the functionality of T. by prolonging the amount of time the drink remains hot for.
MANUFACTURE
Each component was turned by hand in solid oak. The pieces were then sandblasted to elevate the grain of the timber and increase the tangibility of the vessels.
A black stain was applied to enhance the timbers natural grain while creating a graphic look which prompted users to question the material and create discussion.
SOCIAL DESIGN
Recognised as a largely social activity, T. re-thinks the ritual drinking, T. adds a theatrical element to the typically mundane everyday activity.
The aim of the set was to reestablish physical communication between friends after the Coronavirus pandemic, by acting a conversation aid to those who be anxious about socialising again.
The stacking ability allows the and its contents to be carried table as one, turning the ritual a performance. The users must de-construct the totemic structure together to achieve the common goal; a cup of tea.
social of tea element everyday communication acting as who may again. the set to the ritual into must then structure common
FINAL OUTCOME
Inspired by totemic structures, their simple forms and their visual representation of relationship between individuals, the set also presents a sculptural aesthetic when not in use, further adding value. The set is designed to lead conversation and aid memory creation, thus increasing product longevity through emotional durability.
TEMP
Brief: Design and make a household tool. The tool should be created using a singular material or a combination of materials.
THE ISSUE
In a world where consumerism is evergrowing, belongings are replaced more often and valued less, how can we shift our mindset to appreciate the items that we have?
How do we allow for people to experience the novelty of something new without generating waste in the process?
TRADITIONS
Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies were the focal point of this project, as they are typically conducted on the floor, this means there is no need for chairs and tables. As a result of this, the consumable good becomes the main focus of the room.
INSPIRATION
Temp explores the potential of using edible material to create household tools.
The project was inspired by the work of both Crème and Joseph Marr. Crème uses home-grown vegetables to create 100% biodegradable vessels, grown in 3D printed moulds, whilst Marr uses sugar to create sculptures.
The Gourd Project by Crème
Sugar Sculptures by Joseph Marr
EXPERIMENTATION
Experimentation began with using ephemeral items to create lasting artwork.
MATERIALS
Food stuffs such as; sugar, seaweed, and bread were manipulated into vessel forms.
The idea was to challenge the notion that household items, such as bowls, have to be everlasting, and instead can be consumed along with the users meal.
Temp prompts users to interact with the vessels that are typically a purely functional object.
SOLUTION
Temp challenges the idea of human connections to objects. By creating ephemeral tableware, users are prompted to value the object more as they are aware its life-cycle is finite.
The ephemeral aspect of these objects encourages the user to savour and enjoy the act of eating and drinking, something we are often guilty of overlooking.
FLOC
Shortlisted for:
Design London Award
New Designers, 2022
Hallmark Connection Award
New Designers, 2022
Anglepoise Abandon Darkness Award
New Designers, 2022
Brief: Design a piece of instillation lighting which highlights the key benefits of wool, to raise its perceived value and promote (re) use of the fibre.
THE PROBLEM
Wool has been heralded as one of the world’s most sustainable fibres. So why aren’t we using it?
In Ireland, the value of wool has dropped by almost 93% (The AngloCelt, Seamus Enright, 2020). This has come about because of increased dependency on synthetics across all industries where wool could be used.
The return on wool once paid farm rent for a whole year. Now, the financial return is less than the cost of shearing. Many farmers are burning their fleeces out of frustration.
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency was a fundamental driver behind this project, to allow for full traceability of materials and processing to further add value. Wool was sourced from flock UK260474 - a flock of Romney sheep in Romney Marsh, Kent, and processed by a local hand-spinner from Sheffield.
Floc presses pause halfway through the processing of wool, to demonstrate the beauty that the fibre can present before being spun into yarn. We are so used to seeing wool as a woven or knitted material; are we fully aware of its versatile potential?
MATERIAL EXPLORATION
Floc is the result of a material exploration project which explored the process of yarn spinning. The aim of the project was to raise the perceived value of wool by presenting it in an innovative way and highlighting its many key advantages that can contribute to a healthier planet and society.
CONTEXT
Floc aims to educate the wider public on the benefits of wool and how they can utilise it in their everyday life to increase its value and better the planet.
Alongside the final product, visual aids prompt viewers of the fibres following benefits: compostable, fire retardent, absorbs and repels liquid, recyclable, insulating, noise cancelling and durable.
Colour variation, as seen in the finished outcome, was created naturally using dried hibiscus leaves, exploiting another of wools inherent qualities- colour absorbency.
EDUCATIONAL DESIGN
Inspired by the intangible nature of clouds, Floc is intended as an installation piece for public spaces such as galleries, shopping centres, museums, and visitors’ centres. The intention of this is to expose the benefits of wool to the broadest audience and create maximum impact by enticing and educating maximum individuals.
There is an overarching need for increased utilisation of this amazing fibre to better both the planet and the wool industry. Floc aims to raise awareness of this.
Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes at Grand Designs Live Green Grads X Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
Kevin McCloud’s Green Heroes at Grand Designs Live Green Grads X Grand Designs Live
