Deep Space: Process

Research:


When approaching this project where we had to use the prompt of deep space and using layers to create a composition, I started off with mind mapping. I brainstormed off deep space and wrote a bunch of aspects that came to mind. This helped me narrow down what direction I wanted to go towards for my concept.
After I was mind mapping of deep space, the concept that was really catching my eye was the mind. I then mind mapped about the mind to see based of that, all the possibilities I could dive deeper into. I was fascinated with the concept of brains and love and the connection that happens between the two.


As I explored more into the concept of brains and love, I did research on brain mapping done by research. What I found was that two spots seem to light up in the brain, a spot in the back and a smaller spot in the front. I also was inspired by the line work and compositional elements of the above photo of the silhouette.

Exercises:


This exercise was designed to provide practice using vectors, exploring positive and negative shapes and introduce the laser cutting or vinyl cutting technologies. Using my initials, I picked a font that provides an opportunity to use the negative space to “hide” an image in its negative space that communicates something about yourself. I designed the form using vectors with the intention of cutting on the laser cutter. This exercise made me foe comfortable with the idea of negative and positive space. It also acted as a good introduction into the process it takes to use the laser cutter which was newly introduced as a resource. 

Iterations:


When it came to writing my first concept statement for this project I was a little lost at first. It took me several drafts and multiple changes to have a statement about my concept that was understandable and truly described my composition. After creating my first diagram of elements and principles, function and meaning, and material and tools along with my first statement draft; I knew it wasn’t 100% correct but I knew I was on the right path. I then went back and made a new diagram of the three aspects, using that to draft a new statement. Again, I was making progress but still missing the mark. I took a step back and really thought about about all the elements and principles I wanted to include in my final composition. Once I listed all those under the right column in a new diagram, I thought of why I wanted to include those and what it was bring to my composition. I really focused on each piece of my desired composition, why I was doing it, and if it was improving or making my concept stronger and more clear. After doing all that, I was finally able to make a final version of my concept statement.

As I started to create a visual of what was described in my concept statement. I chose two elements or principles and began to just sketch random images that related to my concept using those two things. This allowed me to narrow down to three visuals that I wanted to explore more. I started with the idea of having one individual; however in my concept its the love between two individuals. I used Bothe images and merged them into one. I finally got to single image that represented my concept clearly (last photo).

I took the image and sketched it out on paper. I like doing so because for me it is easier to tweak certain elements and visualize it more. I took it into illustrator so that I could explore more of the layering process and add clear gray scale values to different layers. This allowed me to manipulate each layer individually while still having the option to view all the layers as a whole.

I played around with different line weights of the connecting line and face lines so that when taken to the laser cutter or circuit, they would be easily visible. As I was playing with the curvilinear think top line one time, I made it in a way that almost looked as if the word ‘love’ was spelled out in cursive. I did not really intend for that to be so directly visible in my composition, but it was so subtle while still adding a whole new layer to the composition so I decided to keep the line as is.

Production:


To approach actually making my composition. I started off with a list of all my layers, the order in which they needed to be assembled, etc.. This acted as my ‘cheatsheet’ to how I needed to set my file up to have all my layers cut out and put together.

I decided to use the Circuit as my way to cut out each layer so I took my illustrator file and uploaded it into the Circuit app. In this app, I was able to separate all my layers into what was needed and as I had on my cheatsheet. Once I had all my layers separated, I made one last ‘cheatsheet’ to ensure all the layers were correct and that the Circuit cutting process would go by smoothly.

When all my layers were finally cut out on separate pieces of card stock, I went through the layers that I knew I wanted to have flat/flush with no spacers in between and glued those together.

I used cardboard to create space between certain layers, so I went through and glued cut out strips of cardboard on the back of those layers to give even more depth.

I proceeded to glue the layers together, starting with the bottom layer to the top.

Final:


Final composition- full overview and two detailed images.

Concept Statement

With research done by multiple professionals, brain scans have shown the waves and mapping that occurs when in love. No matter what one is in love with, when looking, thinking, or feeling it is what they love, the brain mappings are the same. Despite individual difference on the outside as well as there perspectives; love is within us all and gives us all an aspect in common. Love has an open mind; therefore, the lines that travel through the composition have a curvilinear movement that supports the idea that love flows through all of us. The two figures shown in this composition can be seen to have a connection through the organic line that connects each others love brain mapping. However, everyone lives their own lives and develops their own idea of love. This confinement and personal thoughts are represented with thick frames around the separated figures. Yet love still looks the same in both figure and finds away to connect the two.

Portfolio Project

View final project at Deep Space Project

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *