PROJECT 1: SELF PORTRAIT TOOL BOX
Research
When we were first asked to complete this project I had no idea what I wanted to represent about myself. I was prompted to do some research into other wood sculptors and I chose to look into Barbara Hepworth. She was an Avante Garde artist, meaning she did nontraditional forms and used nontraditional techniques. Many of her sculptures include a linear element and rounded organic shapes. This use of another material and linear element really appealed to me so I looked at ways to incorporate it into my works.
Process
The design and structure for this project that I decided upon required me to make all the components separately and then attach them together at the end. The most difficult challenge was carving into the wood panels evenly without chipping deeper into the wood or drilling through the wood completely. I used a variety f tools to attack this problem including hand chisels, die grinders, dremels, and finally a router. The router was a major help to keeping it even across the surface of my wood and I then went back in with a sanding bit on a die grinder to refine the surface. Meanwhile, I had also found some scrap wood to use as the top laminate to create this eye form and I cut out the negative space using a scroll saw. I then made sure the spaces lined up and got to work on the wire. I knew I wanted to contrast the dark wood stain with some light so I chose copper wire to complement the natural wood colors. The wire is held into the form by superglue. After the handle dowels were sanded and measured to fit I began staining the pieces I wanted dark, including the small support handles, the outer side panel, and the side walls. After this, I fully assembled and clamped the pieces together to create the final form.
Reflection
I am pleased with the final product but maybe not for practical use since the walls are so tall. They do create some problems with getting items in and out effectively. The wire and the way it bulges out to fit into the round form creates a round three-dimensional feeling similar to that of an eyeball adding to the emphasis on sight. I really realized what this piece says about my personality of being more of an observer but not creating a two-way street due to the tall and solid side panels. I was originally going to drill through the entire wood but I didn't want to reveal the inner contents to the viewer. I illustrate that I share an interest in others but maybe not so much myself. I made the choice to leave the bottom and inner wood panels natural and unfinished to represent that I am me, no finishes or filters and what you see is what you get. It represents an honesty to myself and to others and that I try my best to not lie to myself or others.