Diramu
Diramu is a candle cover designed as part of a research project: Objects with Meaningful Associations. In this project, I interviewed individuals and designed personalised products inspired by their life stories. These products contain meaningful associations to significant aspects of the user's past, present and anticipated future.
“I have these really vivid memories of trees, full trees being on fire”
Louise's rich experiences of growing up in rural Australia "surrounded by bush" were a central theme of the stories she shared. I drew inspiration from her rich recount of a childhood experience with bushfires approaching her family home before being doused by her parents and the local fire department. I used the scent of burning eucalyptus leaves (an Australian native) in conjunction with silhouettes of native Australian trees to create a sensorial experience reminiscent of Louise's vivid childhood memories.
Experimenting with scents and transparent finish.
Louise's life Story
Louise is a 48-year-old mother of two working in human resources. She grew up in a rural town on the east coast of Australia, accustomed to being out in the surrounding native bushland with her older brother. Louise eventually left home to attend university in another rural town 400 kilometres away, giving her a strong sense of freedom. She has since lived and worked in Australian cities and enjoys travelling with her husband and two children. Looking forward into the future, Louise hopes to return to living in a rural area to "live a more simple life".