Lepidoptera Chair
Lepidoptera, chair 2008
stainless steel, foam, polyester
110H x 85W x 70D cm
Private collection
© Simone LeAmon
Titled Lepidoptera after the insect species of moths and butterflies, my concept draws on the anatomy of a butterfly’s wing to bring purpose to the formal equation of structure, colour and pattern. Translated from Greek to mean ‘scale’ and ‘wing’, Lepidoptera are powerful signifiers of evolutionary process, providing new perspectives on issues as diverse as climate change, technology, structure and aesthetics. Present in Lepidoptera is my long-held fascination for the equation between mobility and freedom and the machismo of moto culture. Central to my practice as both designer and artist are the transference of desire and passion for products that tell a story through process and material. Referencing the automotive interior and low orientation of the driver’s seat in my Tom Matano designed sports coupé, I designed Lepidoptera while exploring the concept of the ‘power-seat’.
A key feature of Lepidoptera is the use of textile remnants and R&D spillage from Australia’s leading automotive textile manufacturer Autofab. One intriguing aspect is the textile component, which shares linkages to the automotive interiors of Holden, Ford and Mitsubishi vehicles manufactured in Victoria over the past decade.
