For our first Inflatables assignment, I viewed this as an opportunity to experiment with creating different inflatable forms, and figuring out how to work with unexpected or unusual results. The materials I used to make these inflatables are colored plastic, tape, and a heat seal to stick certain pieces of plastic together. For my first inflatable, I mostly utilized the same colored plastic and tape, however I gradually used the heat seal more, and incorporated different color schemes to make more unique inflatables.
Inflatable # 1
For my first inflatable, I did not have a clear vision for the way it would take form, and thus decided to attach different shaped pieces of plastic together and see how the plastic would take form. I experimented with the heat sealer slightly, attempting to attach the plastic in certain ways and using the tape to make patterns, as well as to seal areas I was unable to use the heat sealer on. I did find that the tape often came loose, causing frequent holes that were difficult to seal entirely. Thus, this initial inflatable did not inflate well. I also experimented with opposing colors, gravitating towards red and green, with a tape color of purple to complement those colors.
Inflatable # 2
For my second inflatable, I wanted to experiment more with different colors. Specifically, I wanted to make a rainbow inflatable, utilizing every color of the rainbow through the color of the plastic and the color of the tape. Additionally, I was hoping to use the heat sealer more in order to attach as much of the inflatable as I could, in order to prevent the holes I experienced in the previous inflatable. Although I was attempting to make a more cubic shape, I did end up unintentionally heat sealing two large pieces of my inflatable together, which transformed the shape entirely. The end result was a more random shape than I intended, however this experience with the heat sealer helped me learn how to use the tool better, and how to work with an unusual form.
Inflatable #3
For my final inflatable, I wanted to use this as an opportunity to perfect my skills on the heat sealer, and choose a more intentional shape, so I chose to make a “house” shape, with a rectangular base and triangular top. I heat-sealed all of the portions of plastic for the rectangular base, then followed up with maroon tape to act as a border to define the sides. Although I was able to heat-seal most portions of the rectangular form, the triangular form was unable to stay on top of the base I had created, after trying to heat-seal and tape it together. Instead, I focused on my rectangular form, using tape to create patterns on the top and side of the inflatable. Additionally, since I used the heat-seal for the majority of this inflatable, I was able to prevent many holes from being formed.
