Variations on Normal

In his practice, artist and designer Dominic Wilcox questions the world around us and responds to it in witty, thoughtful and always inventive ways.

Variations on Normal cover
Variations on Normal cover

His creations include the Binaudios, which allow people to hear sounds from miles away; a pair of GPS shoes that guide you to where you want to go; and gold-leafed ‘luxury’ skimming stones.

Wilcox’s new book Variations on Normal brings together a number of his sketches for improving day-to-day life.

There are concepts for a sideways trampoline, wristnets for the butterfingered and a family poncho.

Though often whimsical and amusing, Wilcox’s ideas are based on serious levels of lateral thinking.

Umbrella with plant pots
Umbrella with plant pots

As Thomas Heatherwick says of his work, ‘Wilcox’s drawings aren’t just witty and beautifully drawn, they are serious challenges to the real world to keep looking at itself with innocent eyes, wondering what else is possible.’

Paul Smith, meanwhile, takes the whole thing rather less seriously, ‘Really bad jokes… I love them! Really great illustrations… I love them!’

Reverse hearing device
Reverse hearing device

Variations on Normal, by Dominic Wilcox, is published on 21 August priced at £10.

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