In a hole in a ground there lived a Hobbit. Form and function of fantasy.

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."

The Hobbit has been for many years one of my favorite books, growing up with the tale of a Hobbit named Bilbo traveling with a band of Dwarfs out to reclaim their homeland through the magical land of Middle Earth. Written by J.R.R.Tolkien he describes the life of a Hobbit as a quiet and homely one, stating they have no desire for anything unexpected. Peter Jackson's adaptation focused on the Hobbits love for home and created a fitting set. Alexander Farm was the fist to scout the Hobbiton location saying it was "like a slice of ancient England". The design was also similar to old English buildings; rustic in colour using many yellows and oranges to connotate warmth as well as many small homely objects such as pots of tea and bread on table. Every aspect of Bilbo's home oozes comfort, even the music by Howard Shore is calming and sweet, simplistic in notes but soothing to hear. Throughout the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings tales the concept of home is a strong theme, especially that in the Hobbit as it is also the Dwarfs searching for their homeland. As an audience we see all the new Middle Earth locations with the characters and

each has a different personality. From the Elven villages to the Dwarven towns each is unique in style, location and build. Elves show great elegance with their structures woven into the landscape as if working as one to create their home. The Dwarves work against nature by cutting into mountains and to create their forts deep within the stone.

Not only does this give every race character is also highlights their lifestyle. The Dwarfs are miners and find wealth from the stone they dig, the location has a purpose. Same to the Elves who work as hunters, some even using moonlight as power. Each location has a reason, be that of form or function. I think having a fantasy element in my work could help me better question as to why the objects are there and why this design is as it is. it will allow me to work with the world around me whilst changing elements to create something unusual or obscene.