In our Inspiration + Paper series we search for various sources and topics that can act as a source for your inspiration when working with design papers. With such a simple yet protean medium such as paper it can be easily forgotten how much power it can behold. A single paper, or a collection, can imitate a feeling or a mood, it can signal values and thoughts, and can definitely have a direct impact on its viewer or holder, both consciously and subconsciously.
This time, in the 40th edition of the series, I wanted to take a closer look – both figuratively and literally – on the surface and texture of things that have a strong haptic presense. Go up close to the surface with both the object of inspiration as well as the design paper I match it with. This little investication lead me to a world of macro photography, as I researched the surface patterns of various materials. And what I learned was surprising.
The closer you get to the object, the more detailed the surface becomes. Something that often gets overlooked, or simply, not looked at at in such detail, provides the strongest and most vital part of its haptic experience. Is it the small fibres that tingle on your finger tips, or the smooth surface tension that feels cool to the touch, or maybe its the small fluting or furrows that werent visible to the naked eye that created a strong engram experience.
Matching beautiful photography of various surfaces and textures with richly textured papers from Europapier’s Design Papers Collection
The eight photographs below with matching design papers are all inspired equally by the macro photography of interesting surfaces and textures, as well as the ever-so-inspiring Design Papers Collection. My aim was not to simply match the colors of the photographs with the papers of similar shades, but to capture the touch, feel, or engram both subjects communicate.
Putting special emphasis on trying to convey the sensation of touch – I matched cool and fluid-like stone surfaces with elegant Elefantenhaut paper, while the velvety Twill paper found its match in the railed surface pattern.
Gmund Canvas Chalky White