Terrestrial traces

In the past few months, David Trubridge's already impressive portfolio has grown immensely; first, when he designed his own workshop/showroom and now with the release of his new range of fabrics.

When asked about the reasoning behind his switch to fabrics, Trubridge doesn't bat an eyelid. "It's all just part of being creative. It gave me an opportunity to do more 2D work, rather than 3D," he says, pointing to some prints in his showroom as evidence of previous 2D endeavours.

Dangling near the prints are his well-known range of bamboo and aluminium light shades and, below them, a beautiful rug with a swirling pattern, which he says is similar to his second upholstery range that is still to come.

The official opening night for his Flow Traces collection took place in Auckland.

The design is a hand-drawn pattern, he says, coming from pencil "drawings and doodles" in his notebook.

"What I try to do is draw from nature. But nature does coral pretty damn well so there is not much you can do with that.

"[The design] is abstract enough for you to find your own connection in it."

The design comes in six colours, with each based on a landscape Trubridge has encountered in his travels, such as that of Antarctica, Sierra Nevada, Iceland, Australia and New Zealand's own Catlins.

The colours also play a big part in the feel of the upholsteries, which vary through earthly shades of white, green, blue and red.

The title, Flow Traces, refers to photos as the only pieces of those landscapes he has kept from his travels.

"These are essentially traces of the time I spent in these landscapes.

"When you go to these places, you take nothing and leave nothing, so these are the only traces I have."

The circular rings vary slightly in their size and shape, as does the spread of the lines within them. When hung like the sample in Trubridge's showroom, the random dots look like falling snowflakes.

The award-winning designer's latest project sees him working with Hemptech, an Australasian interior-design wholesaler which uses only natural and sustainable materials. The connection between the two was made earlier this year when Trubridge was seeking some materials. Hemptech later approached him with the proposal to work together.

Staying true to his environmentally friendly ethos, the range is made of eco-friendly material featuring no plastics or synthetics.

So, what's next for Trubridge?

His previous work has had plenty of success internationally, but perhaps it is a bit premature to ask if the Flow Traces range has yet made its way across Europe, considering its official launch was only last month. Luckily, Trubridge shares the enthusiasm, saying he is "definitely" looking at taking it further afield. In the meantime, admirers can expect a second range of upholstery soon, as well as the possibility of David Trubridge jewellery.

Visit www.hemptech.co.nz for more details.