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.
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December 2018
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