Merging Graphic Design, Photography, and Ceramics into Kinetic Art
At Gilliland Design Works, we believe that transformation is at the heart of everything we do! What began as a design studio focused on graphic design and photography has evolved into an extraordinary journey, exploring visual storytelling across various media. Now, we’re excited to pivot once more, this time towards something that’s tactile, immersive, and truly alive: kinetic art!
Why the Shift?
Design is all about motion, while photography captures the essence of time, and clay gives us shape and form. Over the years, we’ve immersed ourselves in these art forms individually, creating strong identities with vibrant typography, sharing stories through our camera lenses, and molding clay into beautiful, static pieces. But now, we’re embracing the excitement of blurred boundaries between these media! We can’t help but wonder: What magic unfolds when these disciplines come together? Imagine if our design could move not just in a metaphorical sense, but also physically and visually through both space and time!
This intriguing question has opened up an exciting new avenue: fusing graphic design, photography, and ceramics to craft dynamic artwork pieces that embrace motion, projection, interaction, and transformation.
What Is Kinetic Art (to Us)?
Kinetic art is so much more than just things that spin or move; it’s a wonderful journey of change! It’s all about a work of art that unfolds beautifully over time and interacts with its surroundings. We’re excited to explore how ceramic forms can transform into living canvases, brought to life by light, projection, sound, and even the participation of our wonderful audience!
Picture a stunning wall installation where beautiful clay structures come to life with vibrant, video-mapped light. Envision a sculptural form that evolves its identity as you explore it from various angles, enhanced by layered photography or captivating animated graphics. Think of materials that are deeply rooted in the earth, yet narrate enchanting stories that transcend into the digital realm.
This is the future we’re building at Gilliland Design Works in collaboration with Chester River Pottery.
Bridging the Digital and the Handmade
This new phase grows from our belief that digital and handmade work can beautifully complement each other rather than oppose one another. With our backgrounds in branding, visual storytelling, and photography, we have a unique foundation for this exciting hybrid approach. Plus, ceramics bring a wonderful contrast and texture that modern design truly needs, embracing the beauty of the slow and imperfect.
By blending these disciplines, we’re not just crafting objects; we’re weaving together amazing experiences.
A Work in Progress
We may not have all the answers just yet, and that’s what makes this so exciting! This is our experimental phase, filled with discovery. We’re prototyping, documenting, and learning how to create things that move us in both literal and emotional ways.
We’re really excited about the project we’re working on, “Kinetic Becoming,” as it marks our first big leap into this fascinating space! It’s a wonderful exploration of identity and transformation, focusing on how materials can change meaning through motion. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
Stay Connected
We’re excited to share updates, behind-the-scenes process videos, and our reflections as this work evolves! If you’re curious about the fascinating intersection of art and design, and how design begins to come alive, we invite you to join us on this journey.
If you’re a curator, collaborator, or collector on the lookout for artwork that beautifully bridges different mediums and tells a story that resonates with both feelings and visuals, we would love to connect and chat about it!
This is just the beginning.
Your Vision, Our Expertise
We specialize in translating your vision into dynamic, impactful designs. Whether you’re looking for a new brand identity, packaging, or any creative project, we’re here to bring it to life with energy and sophistication.
Ready to bring motion and vitality to your brand? Let’s create something extraordinary together. To continue the journey, subscribe to our newsletter or arrange a Virtual Visit. Let us tell your story.
