GEMMA

Rorschach 

Form my final major project I look at rorschach art and use it to influence 3D pieces. I like to look at forms and influential object or themes to inspire design work so I will create my own rorschach designs by manipulating materials and using photoshop.

Week 1 

After writing a statement on intent and a time table of how to use my time throughout the project. This will help me keep up to date with my project and help me keep a diary.

I did some initial research for my project. Rorschach designs were developed by Hermann Rorschach, who was a psychiatrist in the 1880's. They were used as a test to reflect parts of the personality. People were shown images made up of ink blots and asked what objects or figures they could see in them.

I looked at different types or Rorschach to see how I could create my own. 

Lawrence Lek used Rorschach designs to influence his work, but looked at spaces and pavilions.

Week 2

I had a tutorial with graduate student Joe Hartley, and we discussed possible materials I could use after looking at my ideas. He suggested Polypropylene and wood veneer. 

After Wood veneer had been suggested, I continued my research and looked at lighting made from veneer. I looked at LZF Lamps and was inspired by the flexibility of the material. I was also inspired by the forms the veneer could create. 

The veneer is also very sheer so gave a subtle glow when lit.

Paula Arntzen's polypropylene lighting was also inspiring as the flexibility allows many forms to be constructed. 

Week 3

The rorschach forms were made from soaked tissue paper, which were layered up. After photographing the were put into photoshop and transformed into Rorschach designs.  

The tissue paper was cut using the magnetic lasso too and duplicated. The second duplication was flipped so it mirrored the other image. 

The images were then. merged together. Edit > Auto-blend layers

More Rorschach Designs 

Creating Templates
Using Adobe Illustrator, I created templates by tracing over the symmetrical forms that are found in the rorschach designs. 

The templates will be used to form the basis of the 3D design work. 

                                

                 

Week 4 

I started making small models using the templates from the rorschach designs. I made many of these small models and they were used as a way of drawing. After making a few models I would test them on larger scales to see how they would work and the go back to smaller models. 

Week 5 - Easter 

To expand my research, I visited Lawrence Lek's 'Unlimited Edition' exhibition at the Design Museum. I was able to see exactly how the models and pavilion was constructed and the scale of the objects.

Working with Polypropylene  

After testing with paper, I started making models out the material I intended on using for the final piece. 

As the material was quite thick, it was hard to cut it out by hand. 

I used laser cutting as a way of cutting out through the thick material. I found that the material burnt and smelted the edges of the material and could not be removed. 

After the material burnt I had to find a way to cut it out without burning or another method of cutting. I tried covering the material in masking tape, so the laser would burn the tape instead of the material. I tested this on a scrap piece of polypropylene, which worked well. 

Joinings 

When constructing models out of paper I used staples to join them together, which I cannot use with polypropylene. I first tested pop rivets, but they were not strong enough and could not withstand the pressure when bending the material into shape.

I then looked at other joinings.

   

Final models

After making lots of models, I refined the designs down to three to display in my exhibition to show experimental work. I used silver nuts ad bolts to join them together so the construction method and experimentation could be seen.

Week 7

After choosing the final design, I booked the templates into the laser cutter so they could be cut. I was working with A1 polypropylene, and had to include holes for the joinings. The material also had to be covered in masking tape on both sides to avoid it burning. 

When the material was in the laser room, I purchased all the components to construct the lighting piece.

 I decided to go with the clear pop rivet, as it is subtle and not a design feature so is intended to blend in. 

I also had to get a light fitting. I used the light bulb wire and wired it up to a separate plug socket, and inserted a 3Amp fuse. 

Week 8 

When I collected the templates from the laser cutting suit, I realised the holes for the joinings were too big, which played to an advantage. I got some washers cut out of the same material, wider than the holed but small enough so the pop rivets could be secure. 

     

                                                            

Week 9

Finalised the making process and joined the pieces together. 

 

Out of the same material, I made a housing unit for the light fitting to be placed. During the process, I had to cut away at the inside of the piece so the light bulb would not burn the material. This made no difference to the look or finish of the design. 

Setting the Exhibition 

For my piece I required a corner space, so the piece could be attached onto the wall. It was also shaped and made to fit specially into a corner. 

To attach the installation piece to the wall, I used clear hooks, which hook onto the piece from the back. 

I also required a shelf to be in my space, so I could display other models and forms I experimented with.