Research
The research I did for this project was to learn what the Gestalt Principles were. I learned what was figure/ground, closure, similarity, proximity, continuity, and symmetry. I also did research on the internet and found examples of layering and got some ideas about what I could do for my final project. I looked at different ways to layer the paper using different methods such as stacking them or accordion fold layering. I learned how to use the laser cutter and Cricut machine, to help get straight lines, and clean cuts for my project.
Exercises/Activities
I created a vector image using my initial using a specific font and image in the negative space that represents me. In this exercise, I explored different positive and negatives versions using fonts and pictures. I created a negative version and a positive version in black and white on Adobe illustrator. I chose the letter T for my last name, and I chose a bull which is the animal that represents the zodiac sign, Taurus.
Iterations
I created my ideas on the app Sketchbook. My first idea was to do a spring-themed layering space project. At first, the idea was to make the entire thing in a butterfly silhouette, and have trees, grass, and little animals that you see in the springtime, like birds and bunnies. I felt it represented me because my birthday is in the springtime, and I wanted to show that through my project. I created my first iteration with the Cricut and tested out how it would look with my first idea. I tried showing the branches and having a ring of butterflies in a circle, but I decided to change it because you couldn’t see the circles. I went into the Cricut design space on my computer and made the circle thicker to show the layers, and also made another circle with only two butterflies.
Concept Statement
My concept for this project was to create a layering space project that would create a story only using the images that are in the project. I wanted to show the life cycle of a butterfly using vector images and color. I wanted to use the Cricut machine and design space so my vector images have clean lines and cuts. My concept was to use color to give depth, using the darkest colors in the back, and the top layer being the lightest color. I used balance in my project, using only the butterflies which tell a better story. I also created movement in my project, you can look at the cycle of a butterfly and the butterflies that take your eye in a circular motion giving it a sense of movement. I think the best way to capture spring and still keep movement in mind is by showing a butterflies life cycle through different layers and silhouettes that can tell the story of the butterfly. I also used the different color layering to give depth and used the colors to show past to present with the past being the darkest and the future being the lightest color.
Production
In my final production, I chose to do the life cycle of a butterfly, the bottom layer is black to create depth, and the next layer is the darkest grey, and it is cut out to represent the eggs on the leaf. The next layer is a dark grey but lighter than the last layer, and that is cut out as a caterpillar on a branch showing the next stage of life. The second to last layer is a lighter grey showing the chrysalis hanging from the tree before it turns into a butterfly. The very top layer is a white circle that is showing butterflies flying away showing the last cycle of a butterfly as an adult.
Link to Portfolio Project: Layering Space