Architecture of Objects: Clock

Task 3:

Design a clock-

I designed 2. Shaun presented an early foam-core clock he designed and successfully marketed to MOMA (Museum Of Modern Art) immediately after assigning this task. Though my initial design utilized a white plastic as its primary material, I chose to also pursue a low-cost lasercut FoamCore iteration. Both designs were fairly comparable in cost, the primary design cost roughly $20, and the FoamCore iteration $15. Mass production and bulk material purchasing would easily cut cost down to roughly half, or $10 each.

Primary Design

Materials: White polystyrene, Polished Stainless Steel, (Supplied) Clock Mechanism

FoamCore Iteration

Materials: FoamCore, Clear Acrylic, Aluminum Sheet, (Supplied) Clock Mechanism

Architecture of Object: Ikebana

Task #2

Design an ikebana vase that utilizes 2 different materials in a novel way.

We observed an ikebana artist for an entire class to inform our knowledge of the history and practice of ikebana. The experience was essential when it came to the critique because shaun not only wanted a well designed and constructed vase, but a corresponding and equally beautiful arrangement. In my experience, the latter was much more difficult-

Sketchbook notes

Early Rhino Model

Dim: 3"x3"x9"

First Iteration: Rockite and Mahogany

Variation 1: Rockite and Basswood

Variation 2: Rockite with Iron Oxide, Clear Acrylic

Variation 3: Rockite with black mason stain, White Acrylic

Wood project #1: conceptual tool

We were were asked to create a tool of sorts with the following parameters:

• Was not functional in a utilitarian sense
• Had no physical reference to an already existing thing
• Explored the concept of "tool"
• Considered human interaction as essential in the understanding of "Tool"

I chose to focus on an object that inspires meditative thought and actions, not only by the end user, but my the act of making as well. For me these spheres are noumenon objects, known only in the mind and independent of the senses. As the creator of these objects I wanted to explore the concept of "the absolute" without directly or metaphorically referencing it visually. For me these objects are an exploration of perception; singularity and duality, scale, and time. The lack of direct visual references creates an external/physical interaction while intrinsically functioning as a microcasm of the universe from a human perspective.

Watching classmates interact with these objects was extremely rewarding. During critique, several individuals fell silent for the majority of the discussion,and simply turned one of the spheres over and over, losing themselves in thought and exploration.

Materials: Oak, Cast Resin, lemon oil and Beeswax finish

The blur

Having not updated my blog for the better part of the semester, I was surprised to hear from my folks that they had been checking my blog; regular enough in fact to complain that I wasnt posting anything new. So the next several entries are simply going to be my semester in retrospect, a blur of images that hopefully convey just how insanely busy this semester has been.

Supposedly classes ended yesterday, yet here I am not paying attention in class, making blog entries instead-