Process II

Once the models have been built and the surfaces unrolled and defined as developable two dimensional shapes, the transition into reality is ready to begin. The first step in going from Ideas to reality is transforming files for the shapes of the surface from a file in 3 dimensions to a two dimensional vector based doccument. this is usually done using either architectual programs such as Auto CAD or Adobe Illustrator. Both programs allow for maintaining the scale of the drawings done life size with the 3-d programs. Illustrator is generally easier to use, and allows for the combination of patterns for economical printing. The advantage to keeping a file in Auto CAD is that it allows for real dimension resizing, that is to say that in CAD, As i resize one element of a sculpture, the program feeds me information about how the changes affect the remaining elements in the piece. In either case, the files are then sent to a large format plotter style printer and printed out as actual scale templates.
These templates, are cut out and marked to label the shape, section and dimentions of the shape they are a part of. For the sake of consistancy, and durability, the shapes are traced onto a heavy board such as masonite, MDF, Luan plywood, or OSB. The added weight of these panels offer consistant shape and durability to function as a multiple use template, but also forces the material to remain flat while the shape is copied from the template. These templates are cut and traced according to the size and number of sections in the shapes.

Thesis I (process) DIGTAL BABY!

The process for these pieces, involves sveral mediums and practices from modern 3d modeling through processes thousands of years old. Working to make a consistant body of work, I often start with drawings. As is the style with much of my work these drawings are done using Scrap materials, construction paper, paint, the works.

From there, the drawings go into a 3d modeling program to be built virtually. the programs i am currently using are Google sketchup, and Rhinoceros 3D this is an image of one potential shape done in Rhino at a half render.


This file is created by creating and adjusting curves in the program. then creating a developable surface over the two curves. the developable surface is important. The main Idea for using modeling programs is to allow the computer to do most of the math for us. In the early stages of this project, the shapes of the curves were done longhand using a combination of calculus, algebra, simple trigonometry and a several conic equations.

it is impossible to define a round shape from flat surfaces without distortion. A true round shape is comprised of what we call complex curves, or curves with multiple orientations. in the surface of a typical ellipsoid, there are curves which theoretically can run in an infinate directions, but for the sake of simplicity, we consider the three directions of x,y, and z, respective to a cartesian space. even though three sounds relatively simple compared to the prospects of infinity, Because the material we are using is essentially Two dimensional, we have to make our shapes comprised of a two dimensional shape as well.

This method is applied to common materials such athletic equipment, the soccerball is based on a formula laid out by mathematician Buckmeiseter Fuller, A baseball cap is composed of six triangular sections, to the slightly less Common fabric patterns in sails, hot air balloons, parachutes. and even the steel patterns used in the construction of water towers, containers, bouys, the hulls of ships etc etc.

From here, once the shape is created using simple curves (defined by a grid pattern flexed in one dimension. in the case of this example longitudialy.) the patterns are created by unrolling the remaining curve. creating a shape like this from our first image.

The Meat Market

So here is a brief overview of the 2008 CAA conference in Dallas. There is no Bohemia. everyone gets dressed up and applies for jobs, the world of academia is as cold and stiff as everyone described. There are good eggs and bad eggs though, It is fun to differentiate between the folks who are obligated to be here and the ones who came for the party. At times i find myself being part of the sea of dazed graduate students, flowing in and out of the interview tables, finding out that there are thousands of people exactly like them, and that their MFA is almost as useless as their BFA.

Although this was somewhat what i had expected, actually it is exactly what i had expected it to be, the element is still daunting. Good news for the week, I have received a fellowship with the hamiltonian gallery in DC, and will get two years of representation and some cash and hopefully a little guidance. just nice to get a little light in what otherwise could be a dark tunnel.

more to come.

advances in society

I am writing this from a free internet terminal in the dallas fort worth airport. I think it is pretty ccool that this exists.

The stainless steel keyboards are pretty cool too.

Thesis

So, this is my new plan: Pending approval, I am going to compose the written part of my thesis for MFA on this site. The various issues i feel I am dealing with will be addressed in a sort Of public Forumn, Open for comment and critique. The vast majority of the thesis will be represented, as you can guess by the actual work tangible artworks, which will be on display sometime in mid april in the University of Maryland Art Gallery. As I go along, Hopefully you will be updated as far as my progress is concerned, with both philosophicals as well as technical concerns, adjustments and breakthroughs. Images, diagrams and process information all should be included in this process. As a part of my community, I ask that you respond accordingly to the writings. be mindful however that things you say might make it into a final publication.

Why blog this thesis? I began this page three years ago as a means of writing Reviews of DC area exhibitions for Jack Livingston, as a means of fufilling the requirements for graduate colloquium. Over the past three years I have used it to promote events, review exhibitions, communicate thoughts and ideas, document work, and transmit information about myself To The U.S. while studying in Estonia. The long and short of it is that incidentally, this website has served as a loose record of my graduate research.
In general, I feel that the work I am currently making is a changing and evolving product. While I am working two new pieces to complement the existing ones, the launching points are as much in a state of fluxus as the pieces themselves.

What runs though the mind?

I feel as though these pieces have a very taoist Passive/aggressive feel to them more than anything. The Idea of wind supporting the material, and material conquering the air.

The viewer is an active, even if unwilling participant in the sculpture, the piece exixts without them, but potential is only recieved through thier prescence.

As we forage into the age of the Iphone, unlimited suvailance, Google, photoshop, Auto cad, and hybrid synergy drive, has the value of handmade work evaporated? where is the videotape? where are the sculptors chisels? what happened to all of the darkrooms? Is our reliance on technology ruining our curiosity? Why should I make anything by hand anymore?

There is something undeniably sexual about these works. Why would this continue to come, Is it something inherent in the forms, or vise versa? or... which came first, the taboo or the desire?

what else?

to be continues and spell checked at a later date.