TRANSLATE LANDSCAPE
DESIGNER-IN-RESIDENCE
EGILSSTAÐIR, EAST ICELAND
THE PROJECT
In the summer of 2015 I received a rejection letter from the Fulbright Grant Committee to complete a year of collaborative design work in East Iceland. Six months of a rigorous application process helped me connect with an incredible creative community in the region. With the support of my project sponsor, Lára Vilbergsdóttir, (and a remote design position) I took myself to East Iceland in the fall of 2015 to be a designer-in-residence for three months.
THE LANDSCAPE
CULTURAL RESEARCH
Working with the East Icelandic Heritage Museum, I documented key artifacts in the museum's permanent collection. These objects reflected the rich history and traditions of the region. The prevalent materials and tools conveyed the resourcefulness of early settlers. Each of these objects convey an artistic longevity I aimed to capture in my design process.
THE PROCESS
Working with the faculty at the East Icelandic Heritage Museum, members of the Sláturhúsið Cultural Center, and the local design shop, Hús Handanna, I was tasked with exploring an identity system for the region. This project needed to be indicative of local traditions and mythology, and engage the community through a design-led project. Inspired by the landscape, conversations with other creatives, and artifacts at the museum, I created a flexible icon system to provide a platform for a series of tangible projects. These manifested into print and pattern designs, branding and identity, and a colorful printmaking workshop.
SYMBOL SET
APPLIED SYMBOLS
This series of symbols became the basis for print and pattern designs, mythological illustrations featuring the infamous Lagarfljót Worm (an Icelandic serpentine creature living in the town's lake), and a printmaking workshop with the local school (middle - high school.)
PRINT AND PATTERN DESIGNS
LAGARFLJÓT WORM ILLUSTRATIONS
PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP
Process-oriented projects offer a sustainable way to build thoughtful narratives. The collaborative aspects of this residency enabled me to work with so many creative individuals and approach my work with new perspective. I hope to continue learning about and building projects around design and education. My work aims to create an open platform for new methods and practices where I can continue my own design education.