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Meet the Maker: Libby Day

Your work encompasses a wide range of objects, from delicate jewellery to large lighting structures. Do you need to get into a different mindset to work at such opposite ends of the design scale?

 I am extremely interested in architecture and in particular the act of model making. Once I have made maquettes or mini sculptures based from my research and inspiration, I decide about scale - not every design works from macro to micro. I also like to photograph my maquettes: the perspective and context can be dealt with playfully in this way.

My background career in visual merchandising and retail design has undoubtedly influenced my sense of scale and space. Certain projects or commissions have pre-set constraints, though I feel it's very important in the early stages of the design process to play before getting down to exact measurements. Many ideas can be generated from one initial concept.

Are there any artists you particularly admire, and who inspire or influence your work?

 I draw inspiration from natural structures, manmade architectures and maps. I admire the work of architects Hadid and liebskin, amoung others: Brooklyn based artist Nina Katchadouria, the photography of Kazuhiko Kawahara and designwork by Tord Boontje and Richard Cooper.

Tell us about the collection you’re presenting in Meet Your Maker.

 The collection is a body of work that I have been working on since 2007, which comprises of three series. I have been making new work that builds on my current research theme. The collection  of works featured explores scale and diversity, making reference to culture within the landscape of natural and built environments.

What are your plans for the future?

I am keen to continue exploring scale and would like to push ideas further. I have recently developed a portion of my work in acrylics and wood. I am working on some geometric patterns and would like to apply these to organic forms.