Shape of Thought
2014
160cm (width) × x 160cm (depth) x 120cm (height) - largest
160cm (width) × x 160cm (depth) x 120cm (height) - largest
Concept & Design
As I look through my inspirational images collections on computer and in books, I am particularly drawn to spherical objects. I want to make spherical form reminiscent of seeds, pollen, planktons. Form that evokes ideas of genesis, growth, evolution, potential for change.
i started researching geodesic domes.
The word geodesic refers to the shortest distance between two points on a curved surface, and it comes from a Greek geo-, earth, + daiesthai, to divide; thus we have "earth dividing" domes.
Simplest geodesic dome and sphere is based on icosahedron. Icosahedrons have 20 equilateral triangle faces that form very roughly a sphere.
They are called Frequency 1 or 1V domes. Frequency of a geodesic dome indicates how many times each side of the base triangle is subdivided. For example: frequency 3 means the base triangle is divided into 3 lengths, thus forming 9 triangles, and that is the one I am focusing on.
i started researching geodesic domes.
The word geodesic refers to the shortest distance between two points on a curved surface, and it comes from a Greek geo-, earth, + daiesthai, to divide; thus we have "earth dividing" domes.
Simplest geodesic dome and sphere is based on icosahedron. Icosahedrons have 20 equilateral triangle faces that form very roughly a sphere.
They are called Frequency 1 or 1V domes. Frequency of a geodesic dome indicates how many times each side of the base triangle is subdivided. For example: frequency 3 means the base triangle is divided into 3 lengths, thus forming 9 triangles, and that is the one I am focusing on.
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I have decided that radius of my sphere will be 80cm (diameter 160 cm). I am too cautious to make it any bigger on the first attempt. That way, if I make full sphere it will stand slightly shorter than an average human. |
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I want the object to be reminiscent of pollens, planktons, molecules and similar “building blocks” in nature, I definitely don’t want it to look mathematical and geometrical. I also don’t want it to look like clay shingles or ceramic tiles mounted on underlining structure. The sculpture has to have “biological” qualities...so I have to introduce randomness ...and holes. Holes are interesting... they make you aware of the thickness of the material, inner surfaces and even objects on the other side. They provide visual interest and rhythm.
Unfortunately they also complicate design as inner surfaces need to be visually as thought out as outer ones...and in this case they (holes, that is) eliminate the possibility of having struts structure underneath.
Unfortunately they also complicate design as inner surfaces need to be visually as thought out as outer ones...and in this case they (holes, that is) eliminate the possibility of having struts structure underneath.
Construction
Many chalenges of the construction proces: from marking the shapes to know how to position them when joining together ( triangles are almost equilateral, but not quite), to texturing, finding the right adhesive for bolts, figuring out the sizes for the brackets, and finaly, after months of work - puting it all together
Every nut and bolt is adjustable point. If it is too loose, the whole structure moves out of shape. If it is tightened, it becomes rigid. It is really difficult to find the "just right" position.
I am beginning to see the complexity of putting it all together, and this is when we notice that pieces are starting to break. You know how it goes...first you notice one ( oh no!) than you start looking and notice more. Too many.
The way that pieces broke is really interesting. I would of thought that they would break on the weakest point - narrowest part of the shape, following the construction (coils) line, but no, breaks are closer to the middle of the shape and do not follow the lines of coils. Well, at least I know I can't blame fractures on bad claywork.
I am questioning everything: materials, construction method, design.....
I don't think it is the weight of sculpture as I did not get very far with the assembly, and it was not the bottom pieces that were breaking.
I am beginning to see the complexity of putting it all together, and this is when we notice that pieces are starting to break. You know how it goes...first you notice one ( oh no!) than you start looking and notice more. Too many.
The way that pieces broke is really interesting. I would of thought that they would break on the weakest point - narrowest part of the shape, following the construction (coils) line, but no, breaks are closer to the middle of the shape and do not follow the lines of coils. Well, at least I know I can't blame fractures on bad claywork.
I am questioning everything: materials, construction method, design.....
I don't think it is the weight of sculpture as I did not get very far with the assembly, and it was not the bottom pieces that were breaking.
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Somebody familiar with the way the skeleton and human body works says that she is familiar with this type of fractures.
That is the way our bones break, apparently. I like the comparison to the skeleton and bones. It speaks of organic origins that intrigue me and inspire my work. |
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It is about tension and twist, I think.
During the assembly I was not very comfortable with the way the whole structure moves if the bolts are not tightened (hand tightened, not tool). Yet if it is tightened it becomes too rigid.
I have to come to terms that right now, sphere is not going to happen. So instead of a sphere, I am exhibiting 3 fragments. I am beginning to think that fragments of the sphere are just as interesting, if not more, than a full sphere.
Sphere has a certain poise, perfection of shape. It is balanced, symmetrical, accomplished....and static. It is hard to be curious about a sphere
The work still fits its original title: The Shape of Thought
Come to think of it, it probably fits it better than the planed sphere. Thoughts evolve, connect, disconnect and reconnect...
During the assembly I was not very comfortable with the way the whole structure moves if the bolts are not tightened (hand tightened, not tool). Yet if it is tightened it becomes too rigid.
I have to come to terms that right now, sphere is not going to happen. So instead of a sphere, I am exhibiting 3 fragments. I am beginning to think that fragments of the sphere are just as interesting, if not more, than a full sphere.
Sphere has a certain poise, perfection of shape. It is balanced, symmetrical, accomplished....and static. It is hard to be curious about a sphere
The work still fits its original title: The Shape of Thought
Come to think of it, it probably fits it better than the planed sphere. Thoughts evolve, connect, disconnect and reconnect...
“When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty........ but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.”
―Richard Buckminster Fuller