By definition, Platonic solids are regular, convex polyhedrons that are constructed by identical polygonal faces and same numbers of sides meeting at each vertex. In theory, there only exists 5 types of Platonic solids (shown in the featured image). However, nothing man-made can possibly achieve the perfection of the Platonic solids. Hence, a study of the Platonic solid will help me better understand the human limitation in the design and creative process, but also challenge myself in aiming for the ultimate perfection.
The first step of the making process was to identify the structure of the solid I desired to produce. I have a favor of keeping my work simple and straightforward, thus I determined to make a tetrahedron. Carefully considering the construction of a tetrahedron, I found that tetrahedron is only constructed by a total of four triangular faces, instead of the false perception of five faces (4 triangles and 1 square) that actually made up a pyramid. I then counted the total number of sides I would make, which was 6. Keeping these numbers in mind while working helps me to make the correct Platonic solid.
I chose the 40143 #20 Gauge Dark Annealed wire as my material. It was a very fine and thin wire with good malleability, however, the disadvantage of this is that it is also very easy to be bent when shaping. Thus, I ‘folded’ the wires about 4 times and tied around the two ends of the group of folded wires to stabilize the structure. At the connection of the two grouped wires, I left it with only the single wire so it was easy for me to bend an angle. The layering of wires also gives the piece a stronger and more distinct outline. I avoided cutting the wires to prevent messy connections that lead to imprecision and inaccuracy of side lengths. Therefore, my Platonic solid was made with one single string of wire. The sides were flat on ground, stable and similar in length. The measurement of each side indicate that 4 of the 6 sides have a length of 12.4cm and the 2 left have a length of 12.5cm. Overall, I am satisfied with this work.
