Assignments Interflora World Cup - Yvonne Roth, Switzerland
The first event, Designers Choice is themed "Flowers on the Orient". Contestants will complete a design up to 1.2 metres deep and wide and 2.25 metres high within 2 hours.
On the same day they will have their artistic flair tested again with a "Surprise Item" which they will complete in just over an hour. This is an exciting test of how spontaneous these designers from around the world can be with only 15 minutes to view the various items presented to them and create something amazing.
Flowers on the Orient
A so-called bi-disc is a disc of jade with a hole in the middle. The bi-disc has already been used for ceremonial purposes in 5000 B.C. The disc symbolizes the sky, the hole the gate to the next world, and the surface refers to the earth. The discs close apparently insurmountable cultural cleavages, protect against forces of the evil and give a merciful life. The precise meaning varies from dynasty to dynasty. Very few details are known today. Bi-discs were e.g. found as burial objects, and scientist believe that they were meant to show the way to heaven. Small bi-discs under the pillow served to provide a good and quiet sleep. Large bi-discs served as “energy gate” for rooms and large surfaces. Their careful and accurate manufacturing is an impressive testimony of antique Chinese tradition.
Design concept
This meaningful Chinese disc of jade influences the object in shape and materials. Instead of jade, floral materials are used and the shape appears in oversize. The contrast between the two sides is enhanced by using different materials, colours and designs. To illustrate the course of time, a turning mechanism is added.
Colour concept
White has been chosen for one side of the disc as governing colour theme. Not using bright colours increases perception and clarity. The colour spectrum reaching from white via cream and pink to different shades of green requires a multitude of blossoms and green parts, in opposition to the other side which uses only one material in one colour: green. Green symbolizes a new beginning and growth, it balances out and helps finding the middle. Green gives hope and confidence for the mind. Green is life. White, however, symbolizes light, faith, the ideal, the good, modesty, truth, neutrality, intelligence, science, accuracy. In China, herons and ibises are birds of immortality; white is the colour of grief and death, in contrast to the western world, where white is the colour of the bride. This choice of colours reflects the meanings of the Chinese bi-disc.
For me, orchids are a typical oriental flower. All the different varieties..... Similarly Anthurium are on this topic. Yes, i like it!
Flowers On the Orient
Each work comes from a long thought process. A clear concept runs trough all the work.
Shanghai Tang
Assignment: Create within the time allowed an in store display for the famous Shanghai Tang Clothing and Accessories Store. Your design should reflect the vibrancy and contemporary ambience of this retail outlet. You do not have to use all of the materials provided, you may decide not to use some of the items at all.
