Cuisine and conversation: the ritual of dining

My research and creative practice is centered on the above themes; namely the development of products that are connected with the dining experience. The research and creative practice I am currently undertaking it is a progression from the practical outcome of my Masters study. The study has resulted in a design concept for a dining table – this has been developed into a full sized prototype. The activity brings together the areas of my professional experience; firstly in the cutlery industry and secondly in graphic design. A further extension of my creative output has been added in the form of the design for a table that is intended as a piece of ‘couture’ furniture. The table has been prototyped in DuPont Corian. It has a unique built in storage case for a place setting, napkin and napkin ring. The monolithic, Donald Judd like quality of the form combined with the storage case, Corian material, surface textures and highlights of colour provide a catalyst for conversation at the table. A longer term intention, beyond the Masters study, is to develop designs for printed surface patterns and texts along with specially designed place settings (i.e. cutlery) and textile designs for the napkin. Designs for matching chairs may also be investigated. With further development it is hoped that ultimately, the design will go into commercial production. The full sized prototype was successfully exhibited in April 2011 in the Salone Satellite section of the Salone Internazionale Del Mobile in Milan which is the worlds premier furniture fair