Preliminary Research
The only experience I had with shadows was a paper Chinese lantern I made in my freshman year. Then, I was inspired by a documentary called ‘The Cave of Forgotten Dreams,’ which demonstrated how our ancestors used shadows to create motion for their cave paintings. Thus, I believe the concept of shadows can be traced back to ancient times. Shadow boxes have been employed in various cultures and have evolved over the centuries.
Art and Shadow Boxes: Many artists incorporate shadow boxes into their work. These artists use shadow boxes to create three-dimensional art pieces, often combining various materials, objects, and images to convey a specific theme or message.
Preservation and Protection: Shadow boxes are used to protect and preserve delicate or valuable items. The glass or acrylic cover helps shield the objects from dust, humidity, and physical damage.
Depth and Layering: Shadow boxes allow for depth and layering, creating a sense of dimension within a limited space. This can make the objects within more visually interesting and engaging.
Concept & Inspirations
The concept revolves around a young girl who, while standing on a hill, has her hair flowing upward, gradually transitioning into a starry night sky. In this transformation, constellations and celestial objects are seamlessly integrated. This artistic portrayal serves as a metaphor, implying that the night sky is an extension of her being, symbolizing her dreams, imagination, and profound connection to the cosmos. The girl’s facial expression is poised to convey a sense of wonder and awe.
I was inspired by my grandmother, who used to sit on the balcony and gaze into the sky, sharing stories of her past. Each time, she would begin with, ‘If I could go back to that time…’ which always conveyed a sense of unfulfilled wishes. As a result, I created this shadowbox as a heartfelt gift for my grandmother
Sketches and Planning
- Photo documentation of the process, especially one behind the scenes: step back from where you’re shooting so we can see where and how you are set up to shoot.
- 3-5 photos of your shadowbox with different lighting treatments + one detail (close up) shot.
- Include a description of the inspiration behind your shadowbox scene, and how the different lighting changes the mood.
Process Documentations
Challenge and Limitations
Adequate Lighting: Achieving the right balance of lighting can be quite challenging. Ensuring that the objects within the box cast interesting and evocative shadows without overexposure or underexposure is essential.
Material Selection: The choice of materials is crucial. Given the delicate patterns I designed, I initially opted for thinner paper, which is easy to carve into shape. However, they proved too flimsy, prompting a switch to thicker paper. While this provided more stability, it also required considerably more effort to carve and left me with a sore arm.
Spatial Constraints: The limited depth of a shadow box can pose challenges when including multiple layers or three-dimensional objects. A thoughtful arrangement is necessary to create depth and dimension effectively.
Gluing and Mounting: Securing objects in a shadow box can be a complex task. It demands the use of adhesives that are both effective in bonding and safe for the materials involved.
Limitations:
Limited Depth: As mentioned earlier, shadow boxes have constrained depth. This necessitates the careful selection of objects that comfortably fit within these limitations.
Fragile Items: Delicate or irreplaceable objects may be susceptible to damage during the mounting process within the shadow box.
Display Angle: Shadow boxes are designed to be viewed from a specific angle, potentially limiting their visibility in certain settings.
Lighting: Depending on the lighting conditions in the display area, controlling the lighting within the shadow box to achieve desired effects may prove challenging.
Lighting Scenarios and Mood Changes
Soft, Warm Lighting: When illuminated by soft, warm lighting, the shadowbox exudes a sense of comfort and serenity. It evokes the feeling of a peaceful night, where the girl’s connection to the stars is a source of solace and tranquility.
Cool Blue Lighting: Using cool blue lighting creates a sense of mystery and magic. The shadowbox takes on an otherworldly atmosphere, making it feel as if the girl is on a celestial journey. The stars in her hair shimmer with a calming, ethereal glow.
Dynamic, Color-Changing Lighting: Incorporating dynamic, color-changing LED lights allows for different moods and atmospheres to be achieved. For instance, transitioning from warm colors to cool blues can symbolize a transition from a quiet night to an adventurous dream.
Dim, Muted Lighting: A dim, muted lighting setup creates a sense of introspection and nostalgia. It’s as if the girl is reminiscing about her connection to the stars, invoking a touch of melancholy.
The beauty of this shadowbox concept lies in its ability to adapt to various lighting scenarios, each of which imparts a distinct mood and emotional resonance. It can serve as a reminder of the wonder and magic that exists within the night sky and the boundless possibilities of the human imagination.
Final Presentation
