Layers- Deep Space: Process

| rancitelli.5

Concept Statement

The idea for this project is to focus on the ominous, darkness of a cave through a series of layers made out of Bristol paper. To represent deep space, this composition focuses on harmony and movement. As the layers increase, the deeper and darker the cave will become. The increased number of layers allows the cave to darken naturally due to an increased number of shadows in the composition. To control the darkness within the composition, the wooden box frame will not allow light to peak into the layers from the sides. One of the main elements of this project is the incorporation of a surprise element and the use of light. The surprise element chosen for this project was a bear cut-out attached to the back of the last layer and can only be seen once a light source shines through the back end of the composition. The importance of the cut-out bear is to have a surprise effect, allowing the viewers to feel as if they are in the cave, unknown as to what will come next.

 

Ideation

For this project, we were introduced on how to use the laser cutter in Hopkins Hall. For our first laser cutting experience, we were instructed to cut out a basic shape and follow the correct directions to laser cut with Bristol paper.
For Exercise 1, we were instructed to use a letter from our name and use the original spaces in the letter to add an object/objects that represent our personality in some way. I chose the letter, ‘R’ for my last name and I cut out a purse and a wedged heel because I love fashion and shopping.
In the first image, we picked a random object and shined our phone light on it to cast a shadow and create a drawing based on the outline of the shadow. The item I chose was a hand sanitizer bottle and I created a koala from the bottle’s shadow. In the second image, we worked on hand cutting a quick replica of our deep space composition.

 

Iteration and Production

These images display my first draft of my deep space composition. My first draft didn’t represent my concept statement in a positive way. It didn’t represent a ‘deep, dark cave’ because there were only 5 layers and the composition was boring without the hidden element.
These three images show the evolution of my Adobe Illustrator files for my deep space composition. I started off with a plain cave, then added a few layers with stalagmites and a boulder, and a bigger bear, and my final online file added more stalagmites and a standing up bear to create a more ‘scary’ scene.
Final composition: with and without light reveal.

Number of Layers: 7

Paper Size: 9″ x 5 7/8″

 

Reflection

This project brought a great number of successes and a handful of difficulties. Throughout this project, I learned how to use the laser cutter for the first time and how a light source can truly transform your composition in a positive way. For this project, the design principles I chose to prioritize was harmony and movement. My biggest struggle with this project was accurately creating a cave that was both deep and dark, and making my layers the correct size. Unfortunately, I made my paper layer sizing the size of the opening from the frame box, not the size of the insert which made me have to redo my layers again. To make my cave “deeper” and “darker”, I made sure to add more layers which also gave it a more defined shadow to enhance the darkness of the composition. I think my biggest achievement for this project was thinking of a concept and sticking with it, because usually I choose an idea and change it multiple times before I come to a final conclusion. I do however wish I added more layers of stalagmites on my final composition to add more depth. I really enjoyed learning how to use the laser cutter rather than using the Cricut because the laser cutter is much more efficient and fast compared to the Cricut. In conclusion, I loved learning how to use new tools and techniques with the project and learning how to create depth with 2D shapes.