Research
Exercises
Exercise 1
For exercise one, we had to use one of our initials and use the negative space to form a picture (Gestalt Principles).
Gestalt PowerPoint used in class Gestalt Principles
I began researching different fonts that could work for my composition.
I tried Zapfino, Courier New, Copperplate and American Typewriter.
I also had to decide what I wanted to fit into the negative space of the “R.” I made a list about some of the most prominent parts of my life/things that I enjoy.
I decided on American Typewriter because I felt the square shape and relaxed look would pair well with the coffee theme
In Illustrator, I continued with the idea of the coffee cup and manipulated the font to better fit the outline of the mug. This meant that I had increase the width of the whole letter.
I used the laser cutter to get the “R” into a physical form.
To get an idea of what “deep space” was, my group and I created a list of words that made us think of depth.
I used a mind-map to visualize what deep space actually means. I thought of more physical ways like mountains, caves, but also more metaphorical like the process or deeper meaning of something.
When I was choosing the concept of my project, I was quarantined. Being unable to go to class and be around others left me feeling very isolated from the outside world. Therefore, the concept of “isolation” became very real to me and inspired my project.
Later research I did was on the two figures in my composition. I do not have much experience drawing people, so I needed a guide.
View guide photos/ research at Figures & Hands
After the project was complete, we practiced more with color theory and hue/saturation.
Concept Statement
In 2021, more people are familiar with the meaning of isolation than ever before and are seemingly disconnected from the outside world. In this project, through layers of card stock and the use of contrast and scale, isolation is portrayed in a more tangible, visible way to connect to the world’s current state. Two figures are placed at a great distance from each other. They are noticeably a stark white in comparison with the landscape separating them to highlight their connection and desire to be together. The contrasting sizes between the figures and the outstretched hand emphasize the vast distance and isolation between them and creates a deep sense of longing. The inside of the house is left noticeably bare to show that the large figure is completely alone in addition to being disconnected from the other. Through the layers of the cave, waves, and the house, the hope of contact is out of reach.
Iterations
During class, I created a few iterations that I felt represented that strong feeling of loneliness/isolation. I used aspects of nature like trees and mountains along with forms of people. I was drawn to the use of scale and contrast, so I continued to build off of those principles moving forward.
View more iterations at Project Iterations
Production
I began changing the settings in my illustrator file to make the layers suitable for the laser cutter and Cricut.
When I used the Cricut for the first time, I realized that for my project, the Cricut would be the most effective in that I had a few small cuts, and there was no risk of burning my paper.
I cut out waves using the Cricut and began to experiment with how I wanted to put my whole layers together. I tried the accordion method.
For my cave, I planned on using the Cricut, but due to limited available time, I decided to cut them by hand. I then used a nail file to smooth the edges.
My figures were cut with Cricut as well, and I made sure to that the difference in scale was drastic.
After I cut-out smaller pieces, I used the Cricut again to cut my back piece. I cut out stars and a moon so the composition was lit on the inside.
I tried another way of layering my pieces with cardboard, which made the layers closer together and offered more stability. This is the method I ultimately decided to move forward with.
I drew a rough sketch to create a game plan for how I was going to finish the assembly.
For the front of the composition, I made a couple versions of a wall with windows with the Cricut. I went with the second one because there was less obstruction, and I added tabs. I was not original going to include a house, but it added a much needed layer to enhance the feeling of isolation
I then hand cut a front piece to attach my large figure to and used tacky glue to connect them.
I then attached the waves, cave, and the back panel to the front of the house with glue.
After I had the inside complete, I began to work on the outside. I cut everything on the outside (roof, walls, side pieces) by hand.
I wanted to clean up the edges like I did with the front panel, so I made a lining for each side of the front.
I wanted to make the sides and back cohesive to the inside, so I cut out more mountains to glue on them.
Final Outcome
See previous pictures for back and side view
Overall, this project was a great way to become familiar with new tools like the Cricut and laser cutter and also improve my hand skills. Due to the long period of time we had to work on it, I was able to develop my concept even further and explore new ideas. In the future, I would love to be even more ambitious with both my concept and craft.
View Project Portfolio Page at Deep Space