Behind the Scenes: Inspired by Nature

behind the scenes - inspired by nature

“IT’S HARD NOT TO STAND IN AWE AND ENCHANTMENT WITH THE BEAUTY IN WHICH NATURE EXPRESSES HERSELF.”

Steve Maraboli

The blue of the sky, the deep navy of the ocean, the green of the grass, the orange to yellow to red to pink to purple of the sun as it rises, shines, then sets. From the glittering sharp angles of an amethyst to the soft white sand of a tropical beach. The rage of a hurricane to the soft patter of Spring rain. From the rough texture of tree bark to the smooth velvety leaves of lamb’s-ear. Over 20,000 species of orchids and 90,000 species of bugs, all varying in color, shape, and size. The birth of a robin from a brilliant turquoise egg to the 24-hour lifespan of a mayfly. The iridescent beauty of a peacock’s feathers to the glow of a bioluminescent. From the bold and perfectly placed strips of a tiger to the artistry of butterflies’ wings.

Nature is the oldest and richest source of design inspiration.

Nature is the oldest and richest source of design inspiration. From the prehistoric cave paintings of animals and vegetation in Lascaux, France (estimated to be over 20,000 years old), to the plein air paintings of Romanticism and the curving, organic and natural motifs of Art Nouveau to the Environmental-activist art of today, and far beyond, humans have always been inspired by natural phenomena. Through direct translations, whimsical, innovative or stylized interpretations, whether designing a dress or a chandelier, creating a symphony, or inventing a cure for cancer—nature inspires.

behind the scenes inspired by nature

Tangible and a relative constant in our ever-changing lives, from birth, nature is there delighting us and providing endless sources of inspiration. Humans naturally respond to things that move them and so for those who choose to create it is impossible to imagine that nature would do anything but inspire.

From biophilia (a hypothesis that “suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.”) to biomimicry (“the design and production of materials, structures, and systems that are modeled on biological entities and processes.”)—as humans we have recognized that nature, thanks to evolution and natural selection, offers up highly efficient ways to solve all sorts of problems. However, while we may have uncovered and dissected some of nature’s magical ways to create things, such as shark-skin inspired swimwear, lotus leaf inspired textiles, and a jellyfish inspired cancer-cell capturing device. With over 391,000 plant species and 8.7 million animal species, there is most certainly a lot of bioinspiration left to discover.

From motifs to materials…nature inspires

It is not only nature’s motifs, forms and functions which inspire, the world also offers up natural materials for creation—pigments, marbles, gemstones, wood, silk, flowers, feathers, animal skins, and so on!

A source of stunning materials, magnanimous power, and endless inspiration, remember to pause, breath in and be thankful for this beautiful world around us. And do your best to preserve it so that it can continue to inspire future generations to come.


Inspired by Nature


From plants to animals and earth’s amazing formations these stunning creations have all been inspired by nature in all of its glory!

ANN ONG

nature inspired jewelry by ann ong
The Magical World of Ann Ong Jewelry, Photo by Mehdi Moussaoui
bracelet inspired by nature by ann ong
Ann Ong Bracelet, Photo by Sefi Curada

SOPHIA WEBSTER

General views of creations by Sophia Webster at the Sophia Webster SS17 Presentation during London Fashion Week at Elms Lesters Gallery on September 19, 2016 in London, England
Sophia Webster SS17 Presentation during London Fashion Week at Elms Lesters Gallery.
Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for Sophia Webster
Sophia Webster SS18 Design of a butterfly shoe inspired by nature
Sophia Webster SS18 Design, Photo by Tristan Fewings / Getty Images

CAMPANA BROTHER

Noah Wall Shelf by Campana Brothers, Photo Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Noah Wall Shelf by Campana Brothers, Photo Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery

BOCA DO LOBO

Eden Center Table by inspired by nature by Boca do Lobo
Eden Center Table by Boca do Lobo in front of KOKET’s Vamp Sofa
gold stump like nature inspired Eden Center Tables by Boca do Lobo
Eden Center Tables

RALPH & RUSSO

Ralph & Russo: Runway Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2016-2017
Ralph & Russo: Runway Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2016-2017.
Photo by Richard Bord / Getty Images
Ralph & Russo: Runway Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2016-2017
Ralph & Russo: Runway Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2016-2017.
Photo by Richard Bord / Getty Images

KOKET

serpentine 2 mirror by koket - inspired by nature
Serpentine 2 Mirror
detail of snake head on seprentine 2 mirror by koket
Detail of the Serpentine 2 Mirror by KOKET

CHRISTOPHER BOOTS

Diamond Ring rock crystal Chandelier by Christopher Boots
Diamond Ring Chandelier by Christopher Boots, Photo Courtesy of Christopher Boots
Diamond Ring rock crystal Chandelier by Christopher Boots
Detail of the Diamond Ring Chandelier by Christopher Boots, Photo Courtesy of Christopher Boots

Words by Anna Beck Bimba

Behind the Scenes: Inspired by Nature originally appeared in Love Happens Volume 4 in 2019/20.


Explore the full edition of Love Happens Volume 4 for more inspiring design and other intriguing content!