A Box for 12 Twigs

For this project we had to make a "box" for 12 twigs using only paper and a binding agent. My goal from the beginning was to create a system out of my twigs. My first sketches and iterations:


I decided on the model with the twigs bound in the corners. This way they were working together to hold the box together. Some more sketches of this idea:

Next I had to figure out what to use as the binding agent. First I just used glue, but the binding agent had to be implemented into the design. I decided to try using thread, possibly in a contrasting color to the twigs and the blue paper.

After this iteration I realized I needed stronger paper. I made the next model out of thicker bristol board. I wanted to see what my model looked like just using neutral colors (white paper and black thread). This way I could focus on the twigs and basic structure of my project.

I really liked the white paper in contrast to the twigs. It made them pop. To enhance this even more I decided to use a dark gray thread. From far away it made the twigs look like they were floating. Up close the gray both contrasted with some colors of the twigs but also blended in.
My precedent was a log cabin, specifically how they build the corners. They cut slots in the logs so that they fit better. I used this technique in the final iteration so that the twigs would stay together better and make the whole structure stronger.


This is the final iteration:



One aspect of the project I really wanted to enhance was the negative space created in the corners. That way when you look inside the box it's not empty because you can still see the twigs in the corners. You can also see the shadow of the twigs which is very interesting.

This project taught me a lot about negative space and craft. And most importantly, make sure you have plenty of time to finish something before it's due because something is going to go wrong!

Drawing class work

*Lettering homework using parallel board
*Dogwoods
*boots on a rainy day
*drawing whoever was sitting in front of me. Obviously I didn't judge space very well in this drawing.

Commentary: Critique and Theory Hour

Today we had an interim critique of our “Box for 12 twigs” project. The critique helped me understand how to progress my project to the next stage. An important lesson we have been learning is that we need to simplify ideas. Find out what your project is really about, it’s story, and draw attention to that. Maybe there is a defining quality about your twigs that you want to showcase. In that case, too many extra things in one project can be distracting.

There are a few different ways to draw the focus to a certain aspect. First, contrasting elements can point out a certain color or shape of the twigs. You can use a contrasting color paper or a contrasting texture to play off the element of the twigs.

Scale is also important when creating something. The actual size of the project needs to work with the size of the twigs. This is all about proportion. How do the twigs relate to the rest of the structure?

Its also necessary to have many iterations of your idea. If you have a new thought of how to make it, make a new one. Keep making new models because you’ll have the best project you can possibly make at the end.

Also today we had a guest speaker during theory hour. An architect named John Lynn discussed sustainability and the Architecture 2030 challenge. His view is that global warming is taking place and if humans aren’t causing it, we certainly are helping it. He compared the human race to a storm that isn’t going away. He is not the only architect that is concerned about sustainability.

Architecture 2030 is an organization created by architect Edward Mazria. Its goal is to enlighten all designers and builders about the global warming crisis, and that by 2030 we need to end the use of carbon products completely. So much energy is used to create carbon products, so we need to figure out how to build without wasting our resources.

It’s important to have the future in mind whenever we are building. Will people still be able to use this structure efficiently in 100 years? We can’t just build things to the standards of today.

There are even LEED certified buildings in Greensboro. The Proximity Hotel and the Weaver Cooke headquarters were built using sustainable techniques. It’s great that this cause is spreading so rapidly around the country. More and more people are becoming aware of how they affect the environment. Now people are discovering how they can take better care of planet.

Blind contour portraits

Blind contour portraits of Kurt, Megan, and Jessica.

Negative space

Negative space sketches from class last week.

Lettering: Song lyrics

Favorite song lyrics.

Ambidextrous hand drawing

Left hand drawing with my right hand, right hand drawn with my left hand.

Precedent

Without even realizing it, the box I've created for my twigs is reminiscent of a log cabin. The twigs and ledges stick out on the corners like in a log cabin.

From observing this image of how the corners of log cabins are put together, its helped me understand my project better. Maybe I can implement the way the logs are carved out to create a slot for the log on top of it.

Image source: Donaldson Log Homes

A Place for a Leaf

Our first project in Studio was to create a place for a leaf using only paper. I wanted to create something that would surround and protect the leaf on all four sides. I also wanted to include the theme of sustainability. Therefore, the structure supports itself with the legs. That way it doesn't require a base or need to lay flat on the ground.


I've included scans of my first sketches and drawings for the project. You can see how my idea progressed into the finished product.


Also, this photo shows some of my earlier models. They show how my project evolved and how it changed from my first idea.

Lettering Exercise

3 Messes

Piles of laundry, various things on my vanity, and all of the cords and cables next to my TV stand.

5 Things

These are five random things I pulled from my bag.

Upside Down Drawing

Lettering Exercise