Week 4 – Artist Influence Model Making Workshop

After choosing an artist model to analyse we moved onto a model making workshop drawing on elements used by our chosen artist. I chose an artist – Liz West – who uses colour and light as her main two mediums. I tried to source some materials that were similar to what she uses, or that would give a similar effect. Using mirror board, coloured cellophane, paper straws and clear perspex I was able to create a series of three models that I think relate well to my artist models work. Our three models were to follow a simple outline:
1- The first model will intersect colour volumes and light
2- The second model will explore surface textures and shadow 
3- The third model will connect the first and second model, producing a series of thresholds or transitions between. Consider how you might modify the first and second model to achieve the desired connection (eg cut, fold, join)
I find that during exercises like this I find it easier to create models that I can imagine in a space or as an installation instead of something more abstract. Sometimes thinking of it more literally can create a bit of confusion when trying to relate to the task but I found for this one it helped me generate some really good ideas that I could further develop for my design.

Model 1

For my first model I was imaging a series of coloured structures that could be moved through. Potentially they would be fairly flexible, something that could be pushed aside as someone passes. I thought the use of mirror would be interesting in that it would extend these structures in the opposite direction creating an illusion of depth. After making the model and spinning it around to look at different perspectives I realised that it could also be flipped upside down or sideways and be a series of structures coming down from a ceiling or out from a wall. I thought it was interesting that the one design could be used in several different ways depending on the orientation of it.

Model 2

For my second model, looking at surface texture and shadow, I wanted to try and create something that could be a texture in itself whilst also creating other textures around it. Initially I started with two white perspex pieces and began adding scrunched cellophane onto it. As I worked I realised that if this was backlit it would create some interesting shadows onto the area where people would be passing (imagining this as some kind of textured room surface). I then changed one of the white pieces of perspex for a clear piece to allow light through. Once all the cellophane pieces were attached I was able to play around with the lighting and see the colours/patterns thrown from the scrunched material. I really like the outcome of this model and think its an idea I can try and take further, It’s also interesting to note how some colours come out much bolder than others.

Model 3

My third model was to connect the first two designs into one. I basically recreated both of the first two models with some slight variations to combine them. I envisioned the ceiling being the scrunched cellophane , backlit and the colours/shadows being thrown down onto the mirrored floor. The flexible structures coming out from the mirrored floor were also supposed to created coloured shadows themselves. Once completed I decided that I’m not actually happy with the final product despite really liking both the first and second models. I think it could be changed in a few ways to be more effective and create a more cohesive design.