Phase One – Research:
The culture/movement/event of inspiration that my group decided on was the hippie/counterculture movement in the 1960s, with a specific focus on Woodstock Music Festival. We selected it because we were originally inspired by the furniture that was popular around this time. After researching further into it, we realized that the movement also reflected our end goals for the connection created by our furniture, so we decided it was a perfect choice of societal inspiration.
“Hippies” were the people in the counterculture movement in the 1960s and 70s, they opposed the war in Vietnam, societal/cultural norms, and commercialism. The word hippie was derived from the word ‘hip’ a term applied to the “beats” of the 1950s, a group of people who rejected and spoke out against the norms of society. They focused on connecting to the earth and to each other, finding a harmony within themselves and the people around them.
I researched artists during this period and realized artists with resources attributed to counterculture by making things that people without resources wanted to make. They furthered ideas within the movement by publicizing them and creating media, which was really important to the movement because it was how the movement was spread and shared with others. A prime example of this is the Haus-Rucker-Co, a Vietnamese group founded in the late 1960s. One of their projects was a “a giant balloon for two designed to connect the two people: Our balloons will help you to discover an unknown feeling of tranquility, of security, of relaxation. And love. We want to heighten your sensitivity. You will take a journey. Together with someone you love. Into inner space. Like Astronauts. Only an inward trip. You will attain a higher level of thinking and loving…” (Haus-Rucker-Co). We were inspired by this ‘trip of togetherness’, and wanted our chairs to emit a similar feeling.
To further our connection to this culture, as students and artists, we contribute to the cultures we are a part of by creating work that reflects and furthers the movements we connect with. We learn about past movements/cultures that inspire us and take that deep knowledge and love for learning/creating into creating work that fits into today’s day. We want to play music in the space of our chairs that was popular then and will move viewers to a higher level of connection and relaxation.
Sources:
https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/counterculture
https://www.britannica.com/topic/hippie/Be-ins-music-festivals-and-other-public-gatherings
https://www.history.com/news/vietnam-war-hippies-counter-culture
https://walkerart.org/magazine/the-edible-playable-and-wearable-architecture-of-haus-rucker-co
Timeline:
Fri 11/18/2022—Phase 1—Mood board, research, design proposal
Tue 11/22/2022—Solidify ideas + start sketch model
Wed 11/23/2022—Phase 2—3D sketch-model + start building
Thu 12/1/2022—80% progress on building
Fri 12/2/2022—Phase 3—Presentation draft
Sun 12/4/2022 or Tue 12/6/2022—Photoshoot
Fri 12/9/2022—Presentation
Mood Board:
Design Proposal:
We selected the 1960’s hippie/counterculture movement to base our project on for multiple reasons, the main ones being the style of furniture/art and the calm and connected mindset that was relevant during this time. This would contextualize the bizarre designs that our furniture will attribute. Taking on the hippie mantras of calling for unity and peace, we want to twist this idea and unite through disconnection. Each chair would have a different design, though it will be built using the same material. This is meant to spark conversation among the audience by building a common interest among them. This would speak truth to the hippie mindset of breaking boundaries and refusing to conform to society’s standards and creating unity. All three of us will be using the same type of wood, stain, and connectors to create three individual pieces that are meant to stand alongside each other. In order to incorporate a sustainable material, we will make our own wood stain using organic materials like berries. We also want to conceptualize a space for these chairs to be in; a place that would allow for an escape from the outside world and put them in a relaxing, connective environment.
Phase Two – Design Finalizing
Phase Three – Draft
Here is where the journey began to change. The group began with an excitement and drive that didn’t match the circumstances, but that drive did not remain for very long. Our first all-group meeting became our last, and then the final two of us working on our project became the final one: me. I had to change my mindset surrounding the project; think of it as an exciting prospect of design, not as much a project that will be evaluated within a speedy timeline. I slowed down my work and made room for other things in my life, which is something I really enjoyed. I looked forward to my wood shop mornings and maker center evenings. I think I have formed lifelong bonds with the wood shop workers.
Phase Four – Final Piece
