Integrative Studio/ Memory Made Visual: Final Project Proposal

Hi Everyone,

So in this post I will be covering my final strategy concerning how I plan to tackle the actual process of creating my memorial selected for my classes’ Memory Made Visual assignment….Let’s Begin.

final-project-proposal_page_1final-project-proposal_page_2Now in case for some reason, you cannot read my proposal I will go ahead and explain it to you here as well:

Concept: This memorial is made in honor of the twenty-one elephants who marched across the Brooklyn Bridge back in 1884 to prove safety of the structure. This was led by Showman: P.T. Barnum and made headlines when it occurred.

Description: Although it is an incredible and on the same token saddening picture to imagine, this spectacle and miracle of an event has zero memoria assigned to it. This would of course be situated in or on the Brooklyn Bridge. It is also a grim reminder of how society continues to use animals for their convenience- For example; at the time this idea was introduced to the city, the bridges’ safety was in serious question after an obscure woman fell on the side stairs of the bridge near Manhattan; which in turn killed twelve people as a result of the fall. However, I think that two revisions should be made concerning the making of my prototype- mostly concerning the actual sizing, and material of the memorial.

Initially, my idea was to create the Brooklyn Bridge out of wire and weave twenty-one elephants throughout it with wire as well. Except, after reading and researching extensively about my proposed idea at hand; I realized that I needed to also document in some way it’s meaning both literal and philosophical. In the final make I would form a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge using twelve gauge silver wire, fourteen gauge silver wire, and plywood with the dimensions of ten inches in height, one inch ply, and fourteen inches in width. The webbed wire netting would be at it’s highest six inches in height and a maximum of two elephants opposing one another on each side of the bridge (a total of four) weaved in and out of the netting at five inches in width a piece. The bridge will leave a gap of two inches on each side to cover the end of the bridge, with a width of ten inches being the center.

The base of the bridge that spans outward would have either chiseled or drilled across: “twenty-one elephants crossed this bridge for your safety-1884.” All of this would be duplicated (rendered on each side of the bridge); and the bridge would be held together with wood dowels and reinforced with wood glue where necessary. Wire would simply be slid into drilled holes and sandwiched in between wood pieces. I would also weave a thin silver chain around the elephants ankles to signify captivity and make the viewer subtly aware of cruelty towards circus animals. The installation will be permanent.

Site Analysis: The memorial would be situated inside and along the Brooklyn Bridges’ webbed steel cable truss. Four elephants (two on each side) would basically be woven through it. The audience whether they walk alongside, drive across, or sail underneath; in their sight they would be able to view a subtle yet daunting memorial in regards to the twenty-one elephants whose lives were risked in the making and safety ensurement of this structure.

Last but not least, below you can find a photo of my Site Study/ Evaluation Form, which I also have in physical form.

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Hello, My name is Megan Taylor, I am a returning student here at Parsons; my major is Fashion Design with a peaking interest in environmentalism and animal welfare; I hope to transform the industry someday...slowly but surely. My wish is to combine luxury and aesthetic appeal with the consciousness of how and where it is made along with the idea of what to do with it after use. I have been following my need to create and share with the world art and fashion since the tender age of eleven years old.

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