based upon

Greenwich, London 09/11/2008 05:37pm

based upon Composed specialises in creating large artworks, often into complex interior spaces. The images below show a naturescape extending over 50m2 of the multi-award winning yacht, Celestial Hope. A natural leaf canopy is composed into an eight sided staircase over 3 floors and flows into all of its landings and corridors. We composed the artwork on the boat after the panels had been dry-fit. The panels

were brought back to the based upon studio where we carved the artwork onto the panels and applied layers of based upon antique platinum.

We also compose and then create artworks working directly from plans and elevations if the space is more simple or if time or budget dictate.

Integrated into Space

Celestial Hope / Superyacht

PaletteAt based upon we have created our own signature palette of textured liquid metals, semi-precious resins and lacquering techniques. based upon Composed builds upon the palette of based upon Surface adding intricate techniques and complex layering processes within composed works. All of the work is made by hand in the based upon London studio and the works

are created using a variety of processes that based upon has developed to manipulate the unique materials we work with. Hand carving, pouring, the insetting of found objects and casts of natural textures moulded from the landscape are layered over many weeks, and then ground back to reveal hidden textures and fading colours that break between layers.

Development ProcessCommissioning a bespoke artwork is an enjoyable experience but there is an element of uncertainty, not knowing exactly how the work will look until it is complete. We operate a design development process to allow the client to understand where the artwork is headed. We begin with imagery that indicates the direction of the piece. This is followed by sketches, 3D renderings, a sampling and prototyping phase and a proof of concept production for larger works.

Each stage invites client feedback allowing the inevitable tailoring and adjustments of the bespoke journey before sign off.

The images shown represent a plum blossom artwork that we developed for a landmark project in China. We began with cherry blossom photographs that we captured in a London park accompanied by a study of traditional Japanese and Chinese cherry blossom works. Our own sketching and sampling

phase followed, defining composition, metal tones and resin colours. A 3D rendering of the work in the space is accompanied by a handmade sample showing a crop of the work at 1:1 scale in the signed off colours and tones. The final works, shown, were 3 no. panels at 6 metres high each.

Plum Blossom

NaturescapesMuch of our work is inspired by nature. The idea of nature the creator, man the editor flows through our work and our development approach. We try to use nature to compose our artworks and natural processes to determine the outcome of a piece, where possible. Our tones are inspired by nature from the natural pigments we use in our resin work to the subtle alloys and blends of metals that we have developed which fade and transition effortlessly across the work.

Reception Artwork / Langham Hotel, London / 5m x 3m

MapsMuch of our work begins with a location: a single cast within a landscape or a response to a space or its surroundings. In our early textural studies, we looked at the earth from the air using the emerging mapping technologies available via the internet. Suddenly it was possible to look at our earth from varying distances observing its repeating patterns that exist at different scales throughout the universe.

As an evolution of this we began to map our earth within our work. We have an entire label devoted to this practice, based upon Meaning, in which we map a landscape by going into it and doing a detailed research study. We also have a significant portfolio of maps we have created in our signature technique of textured metals and resins.

Shown here is an interpretation of the world and its timezones (right) and a highly detailed map of Hyde Park, London (left).

Left / Hyde Park Map / 6m x 3mRight / Timezone Map / 2m x 0.75m

SkylinesMaps led us to skylines. This image shows Dubai as it was when we photographed it in 2007; the Burj which went on to become the world’s tallest building is shown in its construction phase as a spike within the second panel. The artwork at 6 metres by 3 metres in tones of based upon platinum utilises layers of stingray and honeycomb texture in a palette of metals created by blending aluminium bronze and brass.This art deco inspired relief (below) functions as the doors of a unique wall

we created to house a clients wine collection. The Dubai skyline depicted in the image is visible from the balcony adjacent to the wall.

Also shown (right) is a silhouette of the Houses of Parliament created on a 4 metre by 3 metre curved wall for a private residence overlooking the River Thames.

Water

Observing the earth from the air, we studied the archetypal marks left by water as it carves its way through the earth, The movement of water and the layers revealed when one looks from the air has influenced a number of our artworks. The work, shown, in bronze (bottom), depicting the ocean currents, functions as sliding doors within a yacht. The fish in based upon platinum and resin (top right), are doors to a master suite for a private residence; the fish in tones of blue and silver (top left), set at various depths of resin, is a crop of a large 2m x 2m artwork for a yacht.

AbstractIn our abstract series, we begin with our location and nature studies and abstract again, to create more subtle patterns and designs – the idea of being ‘based upon’ something is taken a stage further

Left / Antique Bronze Stingray Deco Right / Abstract Flower / White Rattlesnake & Resin

How to work with usWe are happy to begin with a space, an im-age, a scheme, an inspiration or a hunch – something to base our work upon. We will then suggest initial ideas before our guided development process, including sketching, computer rendering, physical sampling and prototyping.

An InvitationTel +44 (0)20 83202122 / Fax +44 (0)20 81816380 Unit A121 / Faircharm / 8-12 Creekside / London / SE8 3DX surface@basedupon.com / www.basedupon.com

Based Upon Ltd is registered in England & Wales with the registered number 5425139.

‘based upon’ is a registered trademark of Based Upon Ltd.

Published by Based Upon Ltd. All photos by Based Upon Ltd. All designs by Based Upon Ltd.

© Based Upon Ltd. 2010 / All rights reserved.

We work in a very open collaborative way so we welcome all enquiries, ideas and suggestions. The best way to under-stand our work is to visit our studio and gallery, or we are very happy to send one of our team to visit you to discuss projects you are working on.

At based upon we are always developing. By the time we have printed a publication like this there are many new additions to our portfolio. All of our latest work features on our website: www.basedupon.com