For our final project in Intermediate Sculpture, we remixed one of our previous pieces this semester. I decided to remix both of mine. I used the composition of my first piece, 5 hexagons receding in size connected at the top two corners and bottom two corners. I used the same metal as I did in my second piece, drilled holes an inch apart again, and ran string through the form. I also made it more similar in size to my second piece. This piece was the most difficult one to make throughout the entire semester. After welding the hexagons, I had to take two apart because the angles were not perfect and it looked weird. Next time I plan on making a little model of the angle and using that to ensure perfection the first time. It took a few hours to drill all the holes and at some points I regretted not using the drill press, but I had fun using the cordless drill anyway. This one was the most difficult to run the string through by far. This is the most controlled piece I've ever made with string. Each of the six sides going all the way back is symmetrical. The more string I added, the harder it got to remember and figure out how I ran the string through each time. Though it was a time consuming process, I really enjoyed it and I like how it's come so far. I plan on buying more of the same yarn and adding more around the sides. I'm excited to see where this one leads my sculpture to evolve!
0 Comments
I enjoyed creating the mold for my "cube" that didn't end up being a cube. My initial idea was to make a hollow cube and put it inside a cube structure with string running through to suspend it. The action verbs from Richard Serra's list I had in mind were "to suspend," "to stretch," and "of tension." I made a three part mold to make it hollow, which was a cool experience because I had never tried to make a hollow mold before. Once we realized the cube would not end up that way, I decided to have fun with it and add some cool texture to the outside of the form. I had a lot of fun experimenting with the tools and adding textural elements to the cube. I was really excited to pour aluminum in and see the final form. I loved the outcome, but didn't realize how long it would take to get the sand out from inside the cube. I spent almost four hours heating it up and breaking it out, but I was successful. I cut off the excess added a second hole to work on getting the sand out. Once I was finished, I worked on making the base. I changed my plan to a different geometric form and made a 2 foot tall pyramid to suspend the cube in. I cut all the edges for my pyramid and cut each to a 30 degree angle. I welded the base together then welded the rest. I welded the edges thick enough to be able to create the points at the ends. The next step was to grind the pyramid. It took a while to bring the tips to a point, but I enjoyed the process. Then I had to drill holes throughout the base. I realized I should have drilled the holes before welding everything together, but at least now I know that for my next project. Once I drilled all the holes, I grinded the form again then used the drill to make sure the holes didn't have any excess metal in them. The next step was to take my metal home and run yarn through it to suspend the cube within the pyramid. This took a long time, but it was worth it. I was heavily inspired by the architecture in the Performing Arts Center. I designed my sculpture to be vertical on a heavy base, rising out of the ground similar to the PAC. I didn't know what angle to make my sculpture, so I went to the PAC and recorded the angles from different parts of the building. I took a lot of notes on the architecture and figured out the math for my piece. I wanted it to be about 6 feet tall so it would be the same height or taller than the viewer. I used the chopsaw to cut each side at a 60 degree angle. After they were all cut, I welded them together, grinded them, then laid each hexagon on the ground with the smallest one in the center. When I saw them laying like that, I realized the original composition wasn't what I wanted to do. I liked the idea of the hexagons radiating out horizontally instead of vertically. I used the small l beams to connect the 5 hexagons. I started by welding the biggest hexagon and the smallest one to the l beams then measuring the distance between those two and figuring out the distance between each so they would be spaced evenly. Once they were all welded on the bottom, I welded on the top two beams. This was much more difficult than I had planned because I had to hold the hexagons at a 90 degree angle from the ground as well as holding the beams to the edge of the hexagon. Once it was all connected, I had to spray paint them. I used a copper colour that I thought would complement the architecture in the PAC. I used every can they had at Michael's so the back of the sculpture is still a bit patchy, but that's a very easy fix. Vortex I - 54 x 54 x 72
I am very happy with the finished product. I am inspired to create more sculptures like this in different compositions to make a series. I love the composition I ended up using for my piece. This is the largest sculpture I have made and it's made me a lot more passionate about creating metal work. I have mostly used wood in my pieces so using metal was a great change. Something I achieved during this project was the realization that things can change during the process of creation even when I start with a solid plan. Sometimes when you least expect it, a new realization can smack you in the face, even just by laying hexagons on the ground to store them. Walking through the PAC and documenting different aspects of the architecture was really helpful and inspiring. I have always loved architecture, so being able to hear from the architect made me notice things I never had before and informed new choices I made for my sculpture. My only intention is for the viewer to enjoy the piece and want to continue looking at it. My sculpture is both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional. I hope to add string to the piece so it can be more colourful. I want to try different methods of running the string through, twisting it, creating patterns, and maybe making a version with chaotic string application. Making Vortex I was a great experience. It challenged me in ways I didn't think about and I was introduced to a new method of creating sculpture. I realized I enjoy welding and working with metal, creating large pieces. Branching out from the 2x2 boxes I've been using was a great change of pace. I responded to the architecture, but let the sculpture react to itself as the process of creating was happening. I feel as though doing this project has given me a fresh outlook on creating sculpture and I am excited to create more pieces, expand on the one I have made so far, and possibly continue this as an entire series. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2018
Categories |