Avant-Garde Playground (Work In Progress)

Assignment: create an avant-garde playground using an architect's approach to design.

Materials: Chipboard, glue, fishing line, acrylic paint, wood, foam board, M&M candies

After sketching about 4 initial concepts, I chose to create a playground based off an arrangement of a protein molecule. Obesity and inactivity are major issues facing children in newer generations. I feel as if playgrounds do not encourage development of body strength. My idea is multi-level platforms, connected by ropes that children are to climb across.

The basic layout, based upon a protein molecule in connections with strength.


WORK IN PROGRESS

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These images are in the very early stages. Final views will be posted up soon.

Deco Lighting

Assignment: Using an open variety of materials, create a piece that incorporates lighting and glass/plexiglass/plastic.

Materials: Wood, plexiglass, spray paint, electrical wires, hanging wire, rice paper, small light bulb, nails, wood glue

My original sketches suggested an idea for an Art-Nouveau inspired clock. The design would be rectangular and hung on a wall, supplied with a light, watercolor backdrop, and small black clock hands. This task proved to be too difficult (awkward placements of everything, drilling and cutting glass, etc.). I had to simplify my design greatly.

While retaining major concepts from the clock idea, I strove for a minimalist approach. My final outcome was a black Deco light, with a removable black stripe (on behalf to the viewer's personal preference of positioning it). A small nightlight (approx. 5 watts) was used over a stronger bulb. I wanted the soft, glowing feel to the simplistic design. My idea is for this light to be placed in a bathroom with matching interior design, but this choice is completely left to the one who wishes to own it.

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I was very happy with the outcome, and felt this idea was much stronger than the initial one, despite less composition. I plan on looking into lighting design in the near future thanks to this project.

Transforming Mold

Assignment: Create a mother mold out of an object. Create 4 copies of the mold and turn it into a series of transformations.

Materials: Apple, french plaster, latex

First experience with plaster and molding. Shortly before beginning this project I had visited New York City for spring break. I was inspired when I saw my friend eating an apple during lunch. It reminded me of the "Big Apple". My piece is the depiction of an apple turning into the "Big Apple".

(Note to tourists: you should never really use that nickname. It will make a New Yorker cringe.)

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My satisfaction with the final products were mediocre. This was my first time using plaster and molding. It was difficult, along with a steep learning curve to the molding process. However I feel as if I have learned valuable experience with this project.

Wooden Xylophone

Assignment: To find a piece of trashed furniture, and reconstruct it into something of use.

Materials: Wood, wood glue, nails, book board,

Finding a trashed piece of furniture was a difficult task. I didn't want to purchase one, being a poor college student and all haha. I visited nearby antique shops and was turned down by the high prices of old wooden furniture. I only had one day left until classwork would begin. A friend had tipped me on a construction site about a mile north. It was a cold day, and I had found the site. The only problem was the construction site was completely fenced off with barbed wire. It was a challenge to find a way in and out (lugging the large piece I had found). People were giving me funny looks on the bus ride back.

The original piece was a wooden headboard for a twin-sized bed. It was left in a dumpster. I couldn't take a picture of it in this phase.


About 2-3 weeks of reconstruction in the wood shop and this is my result: a fully-functional wooden toy xylophone.

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A very challenging and interesting assignment. One of the most interesting I've ever had. I felt as if this project challenge my problem-solving skills as an artist.