Project 1: Rebeccas

Introduction:

We were able to make our final project come to life with so many unique details. Once we were able to finalize our motion we had more room to play with the muslin, dye, and the final output. Our concept was to create a telematic device that would react according to a partners light and sound environment, specifically their silence. This would allow us to be aware of someones else movement and change of light throughout the day. These sensory inputs are key aspects of a day, wether you are moving your chair in, setting down a cup of tea, or even opening up your blinds on a sunny day. These changes in ones environment are subtle but monumental in terms of realizing what someone else is going through.

Timeline:

In terms of our timeline we started from a large idea that we couldn’t quite understand what it would look like. We configured diagrams of how we would want it to be but the biggest issue was the set up of the motor and the drawing instrument. However through much needed guidance we were able to pinpoint the exact motion we wanted out of the program and how to successfully achieve it. Once we settled on a bobbing motion we delved deeper into the textile aspect of the design and thought about how far we can push the abstractness of the fabric and the unique materials we can use. We both settled for spices, Turmeric [Kim] and Curry and Ginger [Jean-Louis]. We both wanted these vibrant colors to really pop and transform the muslin, while also being able to control how the fabric was being dyed. We used folding methods to achieve a tie dye effect. Then tested with oil pastels which we didn’t quite like. Through these tests and reworking we were able to create final pieces that look beautiful and are well pigmented.

Conclusion:

The best part of this project was being able to try new methods and test out if we liked the outcome or if we need a subtle change. This looked like changing our silence threshold or simply the colors that flashed on the Bluefruit. We wanted to be intentional about every aspect. From creatively trying new things with our set ups, we were able to get an accidental output of an idea we thought we couldn’t create. Since [J-L] used colored pencils to extend the motor radius and hold the muslin up, through a video I could see the pencils scrapping a painting I had on the floor, which made me think to put in a piece of paper and see how the movement would create a drawing. From this one move two creations were able to be made, the drawing along with the dyed fabric, in times like this it is incredible to know that a lack of resources could propel your idea forward.