This project was one of the most interesting and challenging projects that I have done this year. I learned how to build a 3-dimensional, functional piece of furniture, how to work with cardboard, and how to draw in 2-point perspective, just to name a few.
One of the most challenging parts of this project was the first assignment. I did not think that my brain could wrap itself around the concept of making a sit-able seat out of one sheet of cardboard, yet I surprised myself. One of the most challenging parts was not being able to use adhesives and not being able to cut the cardboard apart. One thing I learned from that experience was that sometimes you have to let go of a notion, such as what makes a chair a chair, and try to consider other options.
Another challenging part of this assignment was getting familiar with the
material. Cardboard can be a difficult material to work with. I soon learned that the blade of my utility knife had to be changed multiple times in order to salvage my edges. I also came to find that I found it easier not working with adhesives. I used a slotting technique in order to secure the cardboard. I also used two sheets in the cross sections to make the seat sturdier.
Another aspect of this project that I found difficult was translating my
relationship with my sister into a tangible seat design. I did find that the brainstorming method of making word lists was extremely helpful. In the end, I was very content with the design of my chair and felt that it expressed my
relationship effectively. The hours of work put into the final design along with the sentimental meaning behind the chair made it a very satisfying final
product.
If I were to change something about my final design, I would make the chair slightly smaller and put more thought into the cut-out design on the chair. I felt that the chair was slightly too large for comfort. Also, I based my cut-out design loosely on the concept of my four sisters and our relationship. Although I was happy with the final look and aesthetic, I wish the symbols had a more specific meaning.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Kendall Buster
Kendall Buster is another artist who has an extremely unique aesthetic. I find her work to be most compelling because of the size and placement of the installations. The first few pieces of her work that I viewed were all transparent and appear to be very light in weight. These images gave me a feeling of an underwater environment or a cloud-like atmosphere. The reason my mind immediately was drawn to those
comparisons is because the installations are so unique. When I see something
completely new for the first time, my mind automatically seeks to find a comparison in order to comprehend it. Upon reading further about where these pieces were installed and what they symbolize, I began to understand there is a lot more than meets the eye. I liked her work more and more as I saw a variety of materials and forms. Her Untitled (Spy) piece as well as the armored hides stuck out to me because of their darkness and the contrast in feeling that you take away from the piece.
Another work I sought to explore the meaning of was called “New Growth”. When I first saw this piece I saw a light, airy, cityscape that was organic in shape. In my mind, these are contradicting features that combine to create a unique work of art. Upon further reading I saw that she meant to portray the union of architecture and biology, which made sense. I found her quote below to also be stimulating in my thoughts about building interiors and how they relate to our senses and emotions:
“I am also interested in exploring the tension between what is revealed and what is
concealed; how windows link interior space with exterior place to create shifting sightlines; how narrow entryways or low passages act in direct confrontation with the body; how space is compressed and movement directed; how one is at times hidden, and at times exposed. I like how in enclosed spaces there is a contradictory promise of
protection and trap, but how open spaces can evoke a peculiar mix of euphoria and vulnerability.”
The way I interpret Buster’s work is definitely affected by my own experiences and emotions. As I mentioned before, the size of the work makes the pieces that much more striking. I find that I relate the work to things unknown to me. I grew up in Kansas with a mostly flat terrain, small buildings and many driving hours from any ocean. However, when I view her work, I see tall buildings and underwater organisms. I find myself
floating in the clouds or swimming in the ocean to see the other side. Even though this may not have been the intention of her work, it provokes a feeling of adventure and awe in me that I may not have otherwise felt.
comparisons is because the installations are so unique. When I see something
completely new for the first time, my mind automatically seeks to find a comparison in order to comprehend it. Upon reading further about where these pieces were installed and what they symbolize, I began to understand there is a lot more than meets the eye. I liked her work more and more as I saw a variety of materials and forms. Her Untitled (Spy) piece as well as the armored hides stuck out to me because of their darkness and the contrast in feeling that you take away from the piece.
Another work I sought to explore the meaning of was called “New Growth”. When I first saw this piece I saw a light, airy, cityscape that was organic in shape. In my mind, these are contradicting features that combine to create a unique work of art. Upon further reading I saw that she meant to portray the union of architecture and biology, which made sense. I found her quote below to also be stimulating in my thoughts about building interiors and how they relate to our senses and emotions:
“I am also interested in exploring the tension between what is revealed and what is
concealed; how windows link interior space with exterior place to create shifting sightlines; how narrow entryways or low passages act in direct confrontation with the body; how space is compressed and movement directed; how one is at times hidden, and at times exposed. I like how in enclosed spaces there is a contradictory promise of
protection and trap, but how open spaces can evoke a peculiar mix of euphoria and vulnerability.”
The way I interpret Buster’s work is definitely affected by my own experiences and emotions. As I mentioned before, the size of the work makes the pieces that much more striking. I find that I relate the work to things unknown to me. I grew up in Kansas with a mostly flat terrain, small buildings and many driving hours from any ocean. However, when I view her work, I see tall buildings and underwater organisms. I find myself
floating in the clouds or swimming in the ocean to see the other side. Even though this may not have been the intention of her work, it provokes a feeling of adventure and awe in me that I may not have otherwise felt.
Martin Puryear
The work by Martin Puryear is unlike any I have seen before. The sheer
simplicity contradicted with a complexity in the materials and how each piece is made makes the work all the more intriguing. I was particularly struck by a few pieces of his work including Sanctuary, Greed’s Trophy, the Ladder for Booker T. Washington. These works are all very distinct, and if they were viewed separately, one might not know that they were done by the same artist.
One of my favorite pieces by Puryear is the Ladder for Booker T. Washington. I find it has a whimsical quality and the sheer sign of the ladder makes it something you cannot stop looking at. The texture appears very smooth and the design rather simple, however it seems to have many dimensions. I imagine the ladder resting on white sand and the smell of sea salt in the air. The ladder could be resting on the edge of a light tower, leading to a window that can only be accessed by this ladder.
My own experiences certainly affect how I view the work and how I interpret its meaning. For example, the piece titled “Sanctuary”. Without knowing the title, I might have gotten a completely different meaning that the one I understood.
Growing up with a religious background, I immediately related sanctuary to a religious interpretation or experience. Upon further analysis, I saw the term used on another level, as sort of an escape for reality. The cube being a “sanctuary” that was resting on a unicycle being peddled by a long pair of twigs. This part added a fun flair to the piece. As a creative person and one who likes to experience new things, I saw this as a reflection of my personality and my mindset at times. Another person would certainly see this differently based on their own experiences and thought process.
The artist uses a variety of materials in his work, including multiple different types of wood, tar, wire mesh, etc. He uses this in unique and different ways, combining all kinds of materials such as in his piece “Maroon”. This piece is an organic and
geometric shape making use of tar over wire mesh and incorporating a wood piece.
simplicity contradicted with a complexity in the materials and how each piece is made makes the work all the more intriguing. I was particularly struck by a few pieces of his work including Sanctuary, Greed’s Trophy, the Ladder for Booker T. Washington. These works are all very distinct, and if they were viewed separately, one might not know that they were done by the same artist.
One of my favorite pieces by Puryear is the Ladder for Booker T. Washington. I find it has a whimsical quality and the sheer sign of the ladder makes it something you cannot stop looking at. The texture appears very smooth and the design rather simple, however it seems to have many dimensions. I imagine the ladder resting on white sand and the smell of sea salt in the air. The ladder could be resting on the edge of a light tower, leading to a window that can only be accessed by this ladder.
My own experiences certainly affect how I view the work and how I interpret its meaning. For example, the piece titled “Sanctuary”. Without knowing the title, I might have gotten a completely different meaning that the one I understood.
Growing up with a religious background, I immediately related sanctuary to a religious interpretation or experience. Upon further analysis, I saw the term used on another level, as sort of an escape for reality. The cube being a “sanctuary” that was resting on a unicycle being peddled by a long pair of twigs. This part added a fun flair to the piece. As a creative person and one who likes to experience new things, I saw this as a reflection of my personality and my mindset at times. Another person would certainly see this differently based on their own experiences and thought process.
The artist uses a variety of materials in his work, including multiple different types of wood, tar, wire mesh, etc. He uses this in unique and different ways, combining all kinds of materials such as in his piece “Maroon”. This piece is an organic and
geometric shape making use of tar over wire mesh and incorporating a wood piece.
Monday, March 5, 2012
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