P H A S E 1
Objectives:
- Building a 3D abstract form using plane materials (3 or more)
- Using methods of joining planes (cut, pierce, score, notch, folding, weave, pleat, wrap, etc.)
- Explore 3D texture and pattern making
Quick Research and Preparation:
Firstly what is a planer material? A planer material can be defined as a material that is a solid sheet (or plane), for example, wood is a planer material used for the creation of anything from desks to wardrobes to homes. In respect to 3D design,
One artist that uses planer materials as her main medium is Monir Farmanfarmaian. Farmanfarmaian chiefly uses mirrors, inspired by traditional techniques from her home country, Iran. Mirrors are planer materials as they come in sheets, and to assemble her 3D pieces Farmanfarmaian cuts the planer material apart into smaller shapes such as triangles, rectangles, and even more organic shapes and then assembles them together in a pattern like structure.
Some of her work can be seen below.
Decagon (Third Family), 2011.
Untitled (Muqarnas), 2012.
Untitled (Heplogon), 2016.
Monir Farmamaian exclusively works with mirrors and some of her work can be seen below. She has stated that her work is “something new, something old, all swirling together in a dazzle of light and color and unpredictable angles.” This is very inspiring to me as I too want to take what I learn from my culture and adapt it into a method of explaining my thoughts and feelings.
Citations:
https://www.newschool.edu/public-engagement/story-profile/?id=17179872887
https://www.vice.com/en_au/article/aenn7z/take-a-studio-tour-with-mirror-artist-monir-shahroudy-farmanfarmaian
https://www.commercialinteriordesign.com/thoughts/first-museum-dedicated-to-iranian-female-artist-opens-in-tehran
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/5b32ac4dcb4c271f75292851
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/patterns-of-light-and-colour-that-bear-endless-repeating-1.3598420
P H A S E 2
Process of Piece:
The Concept behind the piece I wanted to create was largely inspired by Monir Farmanfarmaian. In particular, I was interested in the artist’s use of geometrical shapes, a common motif in Middle Eastern and Islamic design. I decided to create a diamond-like structure that had utilized a patterned texture that contributes to its geometric and angular shape. However, I started off in a different direction until I realized that it would be unrealistic. The initial idea can be seen below.
Initial Concept
Originally, I wanted to create two diamond shapes that would connect together and be held up with a stand. After I started, however, I realized that this was unrealistic so I decided to condense the idea to make sure that the quality of the work would stay at a maximum.
Scoring of Top Cardboard Layer of Front Plane
Cutting of 1/2 inch Tabs
To give the piece a more professional look I thought of adding some element of color where I ended up choosing black as it looks very sophisticated and sleek. I was not sure of where to place, but after re-reading the assignment’s brief I realized that if the joints (tabs in this case) were black it would create a more defined border along the edges of the piece. I really liked this idea and ended up using a sharpie to carry it out
Application of the Black Ink to the Tabs (Front Plane)
Final Piece:
Completed Front Plane
Inner Box Constructed Through Slot Joints.
The Inner Box’s Side Planes Connect to the Front Plane Through Tabs.
Closer Shot of Constructed Inner Box and Front Plane
Top Plane With Piercing
Right Side Plane
Left Side Plane
Bottom Plane
As you can see the rest of the planes are all triangular but attached to a rectangle. This would make attaching difficult without a joint. When trying to find a sheet of cardboard I could only find smaller boxes which ended up being a blessing as I was able to utilize their pre-existing folds in the construct of my piece.
Fully Constructed Piece
Reflection:
In reflection, I was confronted with a few realizations. The first was my relationship with improvisation and the fact that it could produce good results, the second was that I am interested in looking into packaging design
Firstly, after realizing that my first design was unattainable I had to change course where the rest of the design was improvised. This was interesting as I did not feel overwhelmed but excited with the prospect of no restrictions. I typically have a plan before completing a project, this makes me focused and able to tackle the project. However, I found that this may not always be the case and so it’s important to nurture and develop skill in improv.
Secondly, I found that playing with this medium allowed me to think in a different way; one that I did not think of until recently. More specifically, packaging design. Its something that I have found an interest in and since I am going into Communication Design, it only makes sense that I try and delve into.
