Insect Texture Research

I have started to gather some further research into the textures and surfaces of the 4 popular Spring and Summer insects that my candle designs will be inspired by.

The brief mentions that the SS20 Tierra collection 'sees nature-inspired textures, organic irregular surfaces, and effortless forms to create an artisanal look'. Instead of just focusing on the shapes and forms of the insects, I am focusing more on the details of their bodies and features, specifically the textures and patterns that can be found within them which is more relevant towards the Oliver Bonas Tierra collection aims.

1. Asian lady beetle:

• Pattern of the outer shell which can be either red or tan orange with irregular black spots. The irregular shape of the spots and jagged lines could be something to focus more closely on.
• Tan orange will be more suited to the Oliver Bonas colour palette than red (image 1)- the designs should focus on warm and soothing colours/aesthetic
• Focus on the textures and patterns within the leaves that the lady beetle lives and eats from (image 2). Interesting patterns could be created from the lines.
• The texture of the wings when they open up their shell (the wings are hidden under unless they are flying, see image 3)
• Interesting texture found in inner shell/body (image 3) when the shell opens up- this could be interesting to look at as people don't tend to know when they look like under their shells

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2. Monarch Butterfly:

• The texture and pattern of the wings is extremely beautiful, textures could be created following these patterns and lines (image 1 and 3) when looking closely at the patterns, texture and small dots can be seen
• Create textures and patterns from their surroundings and where they collect their pollen from (image 2) research into the specific flowers they are attracted to
• Follow the pattern of the wings- how it goes from more oval shapes to more circular shapes and how the colours change from red to orange to white
• Create stencils and outlines of the wings pattern
• Print blocks/screen printed patterns could achieve a similar texture to the closeups of the wings in image 1 and 3
• Warm colours

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3. Mayfly:

• Transparency of the wings is quite interesting and the colours that are reflected through it: blues, purples, pastels
• Transparent/shiny aesthetic could be achieved through foiling (silver, bluey hues)
• Focus mainly on the wings and the patterns and textures within it- the small square shapes that can be found when looking closer at the wings (image 4)
• Could look at the pattern of the actual body of the mayfly (image 3)

4. Dragonfly:

• Similar to the mayfly, look closer into and focus on the textures and patterns found within the transparent wings and small square shapes within them
• Focus on blue/turquoise colours within the design for the dragonfly candle, go through the Oliver Bonas colour palette in more depth
• The furry texture of the body and legs of the dragonfly, small hairs that can be seen (image 1)
• Really interesting pattern on the body of the dragonfly similar to the mayfly again (image 2). The blue and brown pattern colours create a nice contrast and give a warm aesthetic