Inflatables and Soft Sculpture https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a 99-361 - Spring 2018 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 14:12:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.21 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cropped-CMU-inflatables-S18-web-image2-5-32x32.jpg Inflatables and Soft Sculpture https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a 32 32 John independent project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/698-2/ Fri, 18 May 2018 02:39:52 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=698 My initial idea was to create a puppet similar to that of the muppets but quickly after I started sewing I decided to switch to created stuffed ‘animals’ instead. This way I felt comfortable in creating more than one item and I could focus more on the sewing aspects of the project.

Here are a bunch of sketches of ideas:

Here are the rough final sketches:

Part of the process:

The final result:

 

For the bluemonster, soon after I began I recognized similarities between it and ugly dolls which I remember being popular as a child. For the nose, I first used tape to create a shape, then pinned on to that a striped fabric I made then hand sewed it shut. All facial feature like the mouth eyes and nose were also hand sewed on. If I could change anything  about it  now I would add filling to the limbs and maybe add weights or magnets to them. I was very happy my strategy with the teeth sewn onto the mouth looked cute.

I think that the duck came out looking more professional than the first one. I though it looked very tim burton like. The look was cleaner and played with more things rather than the monster which was somewhat simpler. It came out a lot different than the sketch of it looked because when I made the head circular originally I was upset with the look. I decided to separate the body I had made into two to get the fun cylindrical shape for the head and body. The neck process was similar to the nose for the monster, but longer, I sewed tubes together to make a long cloth and then brought the sides together, this was machine sewn. I added wire in the neck and  the wings to let the duck be posable but with more time and thought I would have added something for the wire to attack to inside the ducks body so that it wasn’t freely moving. I was very happy with the final result though and plan on doing projects like these again.

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Curated Experiments — David Perry https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/curated-experiments-david-perry/ Thu, 17 May 2018 05:28:51 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=682 The goal of this project was to find a way to take fabric samples and present them in a finalized way. I decided to do this by creating a set of fabric panels, each of which would be inset with a fabric panel. The fabric panels acted to frame each work, while also bringing a cohesiveness to the larger curated form because each panel was standardized.

The original proposal included 6 panels, 3 of which would explore unique techniques of actuating, constraining, or presenting inflatables, and 3 of which would delve into different methods of cutting, layering, or exposing texture. Because of limitations on time the project was reduced to 3 panels. One which focussed on layering, one which experimented with flaps, and finally a panel which used vacuum forming to expose a texture.

Each Panel was labeled to distinguish from Vacuum or Textured.

 

Many Samples were produced before making the final panels.

 

 

 

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Independent Project – Rachel Kim https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/independent-project-rachel-kim/ Thu, 17 May 2018 04:54:24 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=662 Because I consider studying basic as the best way to develop our skills and check the improvements, I wanted to explore basic forms for this independent project. Like all the basic aspects for products was geometric shapes, I also believed that geometric shapes could be the basic step for making soft sculptures and inflatables. Therefore, for this independent project, my goal was to create a series of three-dimensional, geometric shapes in soft forms in order to explore various forms from the repetition of simple patterns.

Since there was no such an opportunity for checking our improvements through this whole semester during class, this independent project was a great chance to see what I have learned from each assignment for me.

The image above is the selection of  geometric shapes that I created for the project. I wanted to create them as the warm-up activity before heading to complicated forms. However, the endless repetition of geometric shapes was really challenging for fabric. Since every corner and edge should be sewed perfectly for the complicated forms, I kept failing to complete forms that have more than 10 sides. Therefore, I changed the goal of this independent project for exploring simple three dimensional geometric forms with different types of fabric.

With many differences, I did enjoy the experience of making geometric shapes with different types of fabric that we have used in class. I really liked how all the geometric shapes in soft forms feel like a sphere ball without any sharp edges and corners. I would love to explore the simple geometric forms in various types of fabric such as cotton, silk, velvet, canvas, denim, and hard paper. For hard paper and canvas, I would like to challenge some complicated forms that I failed for this project, since they have hard surfaces to easily create sharp edges and corners.

 

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Eli King – Final Project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/eli-king-final-project/ Thu, 17 May 2018 04:20:52 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=668 For my 99-361 Independent Project I created a clothing collection for a world where gender isn’t represented through what we wear. This was done through simplifying each garment down to its most essential form. In addition to the purposeful lack of ornamentation, the clothing has minimal human interaction. Each piece was designed in the 3D modeling software Rhino, then sent to be cut by a laser cutter. The only time the wool was touched by man was during the sewing process. The collection was inspired by the works of Vetements and Gosha Rubchinskiy. I designed and constructed 8 pieces in total, all but two out of black boiled Italian wool.

(1) Scarf

(2) Shirt

(2) Sweatshirt

(1) Belt

(1) Dress

(1) Pants

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Patrick Gao – Individual Project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/patrick-gao-individual-project/ Wed, 16 May 2018 20:37:17 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=651 After our tour of the costume creation studio in Purnell, I was inspired to create an animal mask stylized with low-poly geometries after seeing a rabbit and fox mask with the same design. I chose to create a deer mask, since I had wanted to add color and the antlers of a deer give a majestic presence that I wanted to enhance with color.

This is when I ran into problems, as I couldn’t find a deer template with the low-poly geometries that I had wanted to create a mask, and therefore I attempted to create my own pattern. I used plasticine and a wireframe to model a deer head. I then would try to create facets by cutting off faces on the model, but I soon realized that the faces I created were not precise and it was difficult to maintain clean edges between faces. I opted for another approach, to cut out pieces in paper and then impose them onto the model, but I realized that this was very tedious since the pieces needed to be exact, and the plasticine model needed to be adjusted every time.

Hence, I scrapped the idea to use plasticine, and instead explored 3D modeling. I taught myself how to create low-poly models from higher resolution models, and then export them to a papercraft program to unfold and transform into templates. However, I ran into further trouble when I couldn’t find any deer head models that fit my needs. I also did not have any 3D modeling experience.

From my exploration of deer head models, I did find a model of a deer skull that I thought would make an impressive model, although not a mask. Therefore, I went ahead and made the deer skull. Starting with the digital template, I scaled the model up to the size I had wanted, and printed them on 11 x 17 inch construction paper I had cut out.

  

I then began constructing my model, carefully cutting out each piece and gluing them together. I first made one half of the head, then the other, and then piecing them together down the middle. I then made the antlers, leaving one slightly unfinished. After our critique, I actually preferred the unfinished look to what I had originally planned. I remember a comment during my critique mentioned that the raw look of the model is what made it unique, and differentiated it from something that could have been bought premade. I also ended up making a display stand from wire so that it could be put up on a wall.

 

From this project, I learned a lot about how to approach papercraft, about techniques to gluing that would ensure a proper hold between pieces, about ways to create straight and clean folds, and a little about 3D modeling as well. If I were to make the project again, I would definitely look more into 3D modeling, and perhaps use a faster drying glue to speed the construction process.

 

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Jules Przybylska – Individual Project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/jules-przybylska-individual-project/ Tue, 15 May 2018 22:22:14 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=638 The goal I set for myself in this project was to learn more about using more conventional fabrics when making clothing. I went to a fabric store ans bought several different materials.

I decided to use a silky creme colored material for one outfit and canvas for another.

Overall, the process of creating these outfits proved to be more difficult than I initially thought it would be. I was used to making clothes out of plastic which is something that usually comes after learning basic pattern making with conventional materials.

I had learned to sew by making outfits out of PVC, a material that has different qualities than regular clothing materials, especially when I comes to being stretchy/wearable. The next step for me was to learn how to make clothing that could be worn everyday, comfortably.

The problems I encountered were mainly about sizing and patterning. As individual pieces, the clothes could work, however as an outfit the silk pieces did not look as put together as they should have.

I am proud of what I have accomplished and I plan to continue making clothes this summer.

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Gabe Bamforth – Final Project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/gabe-bamforth-final-project/ Sat, 12 May 2018 03:16:48 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=630 Though it turned out much different than I had originally intended, this project gave me a chance to apply many of the skills we learned in class over the semester. My original inflatable element was going to be reused newspaper bags, using the “cut and tape” method from our first project, but it ended up being far too floppy and would not have responded as well to constraints.

The “cloud” seemed both simpler and more attractive: I liked the combination of sky blue soft fabric and the industrial-looking nylon inflatable. I didn’t pay much attention to color in my past projects but this one gave me a distinctly calm feeling. I adapted a pattern for a sphere to produce the cloud’s football shape, and pre-cut a hole in one side for the umbilical.

I wanted to keep the “constraints” idea present in the piece, so I added the black and brown strings for aesthetics. I was hoping they’d distract people’s eyes from the actual constraining string (the white one) and they accomplished exactly that, which felt like a success.

I think the piece would benefit from a bigger scale and perhaps more “clouds.” It would be fun to experiment with inflatables that are closer to the size of people and cars (like Nancy Davidson’s bigger work) and see how the string constraints change the way we interact with them. If I had started earlier, these iterations would have been more possible.

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Sommer Schneller Individual Project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/sommer-schneller-individual-project/ Thu, 10 May 2018 21:09:12 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=624

The final project was an opportunity to truly explore an interest of mine. I chose to look at the form and qualities of air dancers, the inflatable tubes found typically outside car stores. Initially, I thought the form was simple: air entered a tube and the weight of the top made it fall over and reassert itself once pressure rebuilt. However, I came to learn how complicated this form was, and all the factors involved in replicating the motion. After much trial and error, I decided to downscale the project to make fabrication and testing much easier. Once I did this, there was already a different quality to the inflatables. At the size, the tubes were much more sporadic, flailing, and agitated which lends to a very different experience than the large ones. I then explored several ways to modify the original shape. I tried making a round base, splitting the top, and splitting the bottom. Each one had very different behaviors reflected by the air flows. Overall, I learned a lot of about the material, air, and the relationship between that material and air.

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ChloeKim_Individual Project https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/chloekim_individual-project/ Thu, 10 May 2018 15:54:06 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=619

For this assignment, I started with broad ideas of media arts to incorporate into inflatables as the medium. At first, it was challenging to find a way to narrow down what kind of inflatable shape I want to focus. However, it was easier when I simply thought about what I want to convey through this project to my classmates who are my audience.

Recently, I have been missing a lot of times when I had time to enjoy what I have and a few hidden joys that are hidden under the simple routinary life. Thus I decided to go for option 2 and create television inflatables that are in shape of old television which we used to have back in the days. The video editing process was enjoyable to me especially because of I recently learned how to use video editing programs. Also, to visualize two videos on two separate screens, I got help from Olivia to learn how to use madmapper. It was a great experience to learn various programs while working on a project I’m passionate. Creating a nostalgic mood through video was challenging and after the critique, I now have few more editing changes I wish to make.

Since it was my first time to combine video media and inflatable, I think it took some time to figure out how they interact and what synergy they create by existing as a whole. This project left me opened up the potential area to research more on media arts and artists who are involved in the field.

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Sat., 4/28 – Event Schedule https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/saturday-april-28-schedule/ Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:48:18 +0000 https://courses.ideate.cmu.edu/99-361/s2018a/?p=594 We will have a busy day on April 28 setting up for SNOOZEFEST.  Here is the schedule:

Schedule Saturday Night:
3:00-7:00pm – Install at ACH
We will provide dinner!
Break
9:45-11:30pm – Finish install
11:30pm – Doors open for ticketed guests

Schedule Sunday Morning:
8:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – De-Install SNOOZEFEST (clean-up and return items to our classroom)

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