Beautiful Objects in this Tender Life
I am so excited to talk about functionality and aesthetics this month. This is a topic I discuss quite a bit in my art classes at school. But I came across something this month that takes the conversation to another level.
"An Offering" Sketchbook page using Water Soluble Color Wax Pastels. Trying to stay loose and not be so prescriptive when the color hits the page. I drew the face first then added the hand on the left side.
Functionality and Aesthetics
It all started when I saw this photo on the internet….
The newest KitchenAid Mixer that has sold out, yet bakers are not the ones buying.
Isn’t it gorgeous? Yet, somehow this beautiful object caused a mini controversy and I had to dig deeper into the discussion.
It all begins with the walnut bowl. A thing of beauty, but the practicality of using a wooden bowl to mix certain ingredients together is where the controversy lay.
I am not here for the details of best uses for a wooden bowl versus a metal bowl when baking or mixing ingredients, but rather the discussion of aesthetic objects in our lives. Do you consider this mixer a sculpture? If you are a baker would the aesthetics of this bowl completely have you smitten? Or would you feel the functionality has been taken away somewhat because of the wooden bowl restrictions?
Where do functionality and aesthetics come together in your life?
I have never owned a KitchenAid, but this had my attention for weeks. I love the mixer! The wooden bowl, so warm and inviting. The green color is so vintage yet modern.
What a beautiful sculpture that serves a function in my opinion! Naturally, I had to draw it next!
The 2024 Evergreen Design Series Stand Mixer
My acrylic gouache painting to celebrate the KitchenAid Mixer discussion (a scan of the painting)
As I did a little digging on the KitchenAid website, I found their Design Team focused on a few things with this Design Series:
Biophilic Design - a way to bring natural elements indoors like the warmth of the walnut bowl.
Using Warm Neutrals - Or more earthy tones instead of gray tones, like the Evergreen color.
Textures and Sense of Touch - It’s all about warmth and different textural surfaces for a more soothing effect.
All about the Color - Sparking happiness and joy with just the right color.
I love this list and believe they are artists in their field putting together their own work of art! Think about the composition, elements of art and principles of design they use to make this come together. Also, the craftsmanship and all the beautiful details right down to the brass accents and debossed leaf motif.
What a fun object to draw by the way!
A digital sketching page of the KitchenAid Evergreen Stand Mixer I did in Procreate.
My little Venn diagram referencing tasks and beauty.
Cards of the Month
In other meanderings this month…a few thank you cards, Mark Rothko inspired Artist Trading Card, Word play cards and some red leaf inspired gel stick drawings.
21 years ago this month I did not know the adventure I was beginning with my oldest daughter being born. Lots of wonderful memories running through my mind and heart as I decorated and sewed her card.
Recent Sketchbook Pages
I included a few beautiful objects in some of the pages. Who doesn’t love the wooden mannequins. Also, I am trying to practice drawing more fun faces and being loose with the rules of portrait drawing. (Some art school rules are hard to break!)
Such another fun and full month where I tried to draw something everyday. It did not always work, but I am thrilled I have some sketchbook pages to share with you. So what do you think about beautiful objects and functionality? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
I love to see beautifully designed objects as a way to make life richer and more enjoyable!
May beauty surround you~
Hannah