The objective of this class is to turn a 2D drawing into a 3D object using different leaner materials and texture. In this assignment, we used yarn, wire, and rolls of chipboard/cardboard in experiments to better understand which material works well in the given moment.
Phase #1 – Part #1 – Line Drawing & Yarn
The first part of the project was to create a contour line drawing (a line drawing that requires the artist to keep their pen in contact with the paper the entire time they were sketching.
As you can see, I went through two iterations, and I found that more space was needed to be filled in the parameters of the page, so I decided to create another drawing as the basis for the project.
These photos highlight my experimentation with yarn and a large “darning needle” or yarn needle.
My assessment of the results led to the conclusion that the embroidery on cardboard did not work because it left holes that were too big. Once the tracing paper was completed, I traced the image onto another 8.5″ x 11″ piece of cardboard and decided to use a technique I gathered from an example of last semester’s class. This technique includes using an ordinary needle and thread to create little knots to secure the area.
One interesting finding was that because the yarn was very fibrous (meaning there was fuzz on the yarn), I was able to stick the yarn together in some places to make it easier to keep its shape.
Phase #1 – Part #2 – Wire
In the second part of the project, we needed to use 18 to 28 Gauge wire in order to have a better understanding of how to work with wire material. I have worked slightly with metal before but not on such a large scale. At first, it was quite difficult to manipulate the wire as I was doing it by hand and trying to create sharp details (like the ears). This is why I used a pair of pliers. With their grip, the pliers are able to give a very sharp rounded or flat edge depending on how fast you bend the wire.
Moreover, the wire had a mind of its own, so it was essential to strap it down to prevent it from moving and altering the original shape of the piece. I used washi tape (any masking tape would do) to strap it down, and this helped me control the shape of the wire.
This was like the easier of the last two options. At first, it was difficult as I had to learn how to use the wire in such a way that I didn’t ever use it before. However, it was challenging in a good sense as I see myself using wire or some form of metal in my design for Project #1 due to its strength, durability, and ability to manipulate freely in comparison to the other two forms explored in this assignment.
Phase #1 – Part #3 – Cardboard
The last form of 3D we needed to complete was the Cardboard version of the original sketch. There were a few ways that someone could approach this such as sewing the cardboard in or cutting slits into the base and placing pieces of cardboard inside; I did the latter. I wish I did not.
At first, it was fine. You can see in the first photo that I would cut strips of cardboard (with the lines on the cardboard going North/South in order get a curve) and then trim to fit my needs. The issue was that I did not realize until it was too late that cutting all around the drawing would cause it to pop out. To remedy this, I tried not to cut entirely around the line. I broke it up into chunks so that there would be at least one tiny space that connected the centerpiece and the background.
The way I executed the project has created a very fragile piece and, therefore, I recommend that others use different methods when they complete a similar project. In the future, if I encounter a similar project, I will decide to either sew or use another technique. One such technique would be to cut out a small yet long piece from a strip piece of cardboard and then stick it into a slit cut on the base and therefore have a much wider and stronger connection between the inside and the background. Here is an example below.
Overall, I believe this to be the worst outcome of the three 3D materials as it looks quite ratty. I did use a fresh blade when cutting all my pieces, however, with the constant popping out of the parts, it caused them to be worn out. I do not plan on using this for Project #1.
Phase #1 – Final Works
Overall, the use of the different materials was quite intriguing in that it was a controlled experiment. Using three different materials for the same design in efforts to find out not only how to use them but if they will suit the concepts we have for Project #1.
Regarding aesthetics, the three versions have wildly different impacts. Firstly, the wire version is very sleek and clean. Very few if not any rigid areas. Since most of it is curved, the wire version has this sense of flexibility and organic shape that is present in the other two versions. As for the yarn version, it looks quite rigid as the knots that hold them in place are very tight, therefore, pulling on the yarn and straightening it out. However, I do like the overall appearance of the yarn due to its strong pink color; I believe it lessens the seriousness of the tone and makes it look more fun. Lastly, the cardboard version of the assignment has a different aesthetic as well. Similar to the rigidity of the yarn version, the cardboard has this very linear direction and although there are curves they are not as complete nor “complex” as that of the wire and yarn version; this makes it look more rigid than the others.
Concerning the transition between 2D to 3D, the assignment has pushed us to look at tour two drawing in a very different manner. Instead of how it appears on paper, by using materials like the yarn and wire and determining which wire or string goes on top of the other can change the perspective of the piece by making the ears, for example, look closer or farther. As for the cardboard piece, if one looks closely, I added to eyebrows and lashes by cutting them slightly and disrupting them with my fingers to make them appear shaggy, mimicking hair. This would not be possible while on 2D as it would not capture the textural satisfaction that it has quite as well. The fact that these elements are 3D makes them more inter-actable.
