The task set was to go and research surface and texture...initial reaction ahhhhh! Where to start? What to look at? Where to go? What to take down? The world...well Rochester and the surrounding area was my oyster!
Two of us decided to head off into the scenic high street of Rochester, full of authentic buildings and history; therefore I thought it would be easy to gather a mass amount of research in a short period of time. So wrong I was, once in the centre of it all my head just spun as I didn’t know where to look and what to record. I mean surface what could that mean...ok so it means everything. Floors, walls, ceilings...surface is everywhere. But what is the surface? Material, colour, texture, background source. So much to consider than I initially realised when this task was set. So I decided to give myself a purpose to focus my mind on one ‘genre’. And to link into the scenic art class for the afternoon, I decided to narrow my research into looking at various styles of wood grain. This kind of worked despite the distraction of tiled floors which kept entering my mind after the other night’s research into Vermeer’s paintings and his repeated floor tiles!!
Two of us decided to head off into the scenic high street of Rochester, full of authentic buildings and history; therefore I thought it would be easy to gather a mass amount of research in a short period of time. So wrong I was, once in the centre of it all my head just spun as I didn’t know where to look and what to record. I mean surface what could that mean...ok so it means everything. Floors, walls, ceilings...surface is everywhere. But what is the surface? Material, colour, texture, background source. So much to consider than I initially realised when this task was set. So I decided to give myself a purpose to focus my mind on one ‘genre’. And to link into the scenic art class for the afternoon, I decided to narrow my research into looking at various styles of wood grain. This kind of worked despite the distraction of tiled floors which kept entering my mind after the other night’s research into Vermeer’s paintings and his repeated floor tiles!!
So after all the 'head spin', I did manage to get some valid research done :)
SURFACE: WOOD
- Dark grained wood
Large rustic swirls /worn look - 150cm x 12cm horizontal window
The Eastgate House in Rochester High Street was built in 1590 and is steeped in history. It was originally owned by Sir Peter Buck, Alderman and Mayor of Rochester. During the late 1700s and well into the 1800s it was used as a young ladies' boarding school.
‘The splendid oak-panelled ceremony room has a feature fireplace and offers a true sense of occasion. The room is on the first floor and provides seating for 40 people with additional standing space.’
The oak panelling on the exterior of the building surrounds the diamond framed glass windows beautifully.
‘The splendid oak-panelled ceremony room has a feature fireplace and offers a true sense of occasion. The room is on the first floor and provides seating for 40 people with additional standing space.’
The oak panelling on the exterior of the building surrounds the diamond framed glass windows beautifully.
Window ledge of estate agents shop 
Location: Rochester high street
Shop established in 1891
Location: Rochester high street
Shop established in 1891
Surface: Colour: White
Carved, engraved rectangular pattern
Black sprinkles of ‘muck’ shows that it’s not protected from the elements.
Rotting wood reflects age and surrounding environment.
Carved, engraved rectangular pattern
Black sprinkles of ‘muck’ shows that it’s not protected from the elements.
Rotting wood reflects age and surrounding environment.
Location background: Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest, having been founded in 604AD by Bishop Justus. The present building dates back to the work of the French monk, Gundulf, in 1080. The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England, make this an inspirational place to visit.Within the cathedral’s interiors there were many surfaces to look at.
Location of surface: The vault
This 3x3in diagonal flooring forms a contemporary setting for such an ancient building. Obviously it wasn’t around at the time of this building being erected. But the shapes and forms within this floor gives an interesting combination for a wood grain texture.
This 3x3in diagonal flooring forms a contemporary setting for such an ancient building. Obviously it wasn’t around at the time of this building being erected. But the shapes and forms within this floor gives an interesting combination for a wood grain texture.
Example of work to go into research book somewhere!
