We began this project by deciding on the inflatable we want to develop further. Like the others, we had a total of eight options to choose from. The eight options included seven hand-drawn inflatables and one rhino-based inflatable. After reviewing the structure and process of the eight inflatables, we figured that landing on the rhino-based inflatable would help a lot with precision when trying to create an enormous inflatable that none of us had made before. Although the primary reason for choosing the rhino inflatable was for precision, the shape of the inflatable was very interesting.

The couch was made out of four ellipsoids connected to one another. Each ellipsoid consisted of four symmetric fragments. Furthermore, what had made the symmetric pattern stand out was the bold binary color patchwork. The color patchwork required a lot more work than just assigning random colors to segments. We had to fully understand the structure in order to figure out how the colors intersect with one another. 

Before cutting out the pattern, we had to decide the color scheme of the inflatable. The options were rather limiting with a simplistic palette of white,
Before cutting out the pattern, we had to decide the color scheme of the inflatable. The options were rather limited, with a simplistic palette of white, yellow, red, dyed green, and black. We tried out several mix match color choices; however, we landed on the black and white checkerboard match. It would give a special boldness to the inflatable.

We had initially planned to use the projector. However, considering the simple segment shapes of the pattern, we decided to do a precise drawing of the pattern by using our own skills of measuring and enlarging the original pattern. It took a while but was successful. 

After we sewed together the four main ellipsoids of our inflatable, we sparked with a new idea of morphing Jules’ couch into a different form that could also After we sewed together the four main ellipsoids of our inflatable, we sparked with a new idea of morphing Jules’ couch into a different form that could also implement Heejin’s cherry motif in her previous assignment. The four-component of the couch could be easily rearranged to resemble a cherry. From that point, we planned out how to successfully make the change. We created two tubes that would connect the two large ellipsoids(the cherry) and the two small ellipsoids(the leaf).

When we first inflated our final piece, we were surprised by the scale and the effect it had in transforming the feeling of the entire space where it was installed. At the same time, we were surprised by how difficult it was to install the inflatable the way we wanted. We had to hand the leaf part to the ceiling. However, due to its large size and limiting options to hand onto, it was very difficult to install the inflatable in just the right place, facing just the right angle. Eventually, we figured out the best spot and presented it to the class. 

The critique was helpful to reflect on our project and learn how things can improve in the future. We were very happy to see how people were interested in the form and color choice of our inflatable. Some people interacted with the inflatable by touching the floppy leaves. Furthermore, it was interesting to know how people interpret the cherry structure. Some understood it as an undefined structure, some had their own interpretations (music note), and some viewed it as a cherry. Although we were satisfied with the varied responses since we also enjoyed the mysteriousness of our structure while making it, we also learned that there have to be more defining qualities of a certain object if we intend to create the object. For instance, if we want the audience to view our structure as a cherry at first glance, we might use a different color scheme of red and green instead of black and white. 

The first inflatable inspired from a felted Christmas tree figure that I had made in the past. However, I distorted the shape so that the spikes of the trees would The first inflatable was inspired by a felted Christmas tree figure that I had made in the past. However, I distorted the shape so that the spikes of the trees would be smaller in size. I drew the distorted shape on hardwood, split the shape in half, and cut the two symmetrical pieces. Each piece was then replicated five times, ending up with ten spiky shapes. As it was my first inflatable with many pieces, it was challenging to figure out which part of the fleece to sew together or to leave open. As I was sewing together the spikes, I realized that the spikes had gotten way smaller than expected. Furthermore, the spikes were pulled inwards.

After receiving feedback from my classmates, I realized that the tension between the fabric remaining behind the seemliness had cased the inner contortion of the spikes. One comment that I remember is that the inflatable looks like five dinosaurs cuddling together.

The second inflatable was inspired by the lovely notes that were sent to each other during Valentine’s Day. The lovely notes reminded me of a personal diary that I used to keep as a child. I decided to create a heart-shaped diary that can open and close with the use of a button. I wanted to experiment with the quilting technique – where the fabric goes through the sewing machine with fluffy fillings inside. It was a huge struggle to push the inflated heart shapes through the small space between the stopper and the sewing machine. I find the color contrast between the pink outer and white inner layers interesting as it accentuates the form.

The third inflatable was inspired by the second inflatable. I wanted to create a book-shaped inflatable where the two sides of the book can be pulled together to be folded. I used a playful color palette of purple, pink, blue, and yellow. I added a cherry symbol that is from the game Animal Crossing. How I created the two sides of the book is sewing the all fabric together into an empty box shape, then going once more through the middle of the box through the sewing machine.

The final inflatable is a lock and key. The lock can be pushed through to reveal a heart shape. I wanted the reveal of the heart shape to have an element of surprise to it. So, I used blue fabric for contrast to the sides of the heart shape. After filling the inflatable with polyfill, the lock looked more like a portable bag with a handle. To give more identity to the object, I created two keys that be connected to the handle.

The critique was helpful in understanding and reviewing the pieces that I made. I discovered that my pieces resembled childhood toys where you could interact with the toys. I believe it is because of the interactive aspect of the pieces, the color scheme, the shapes, and the resemblance to real-life objects. I was also very happy that the class could understand my attempt for each object. Maybe the directness of my objects can be open for more exploration and personal narration to the objects. One more thing to mention is my developed sewing skills and my understanding of 3d forms throughout this project.

Michael Rees: Synthetic Cells is an inflatable installation artwork intended to question the boundaries of object, perception, and reality. Michael Rees is an American artist who is recognized as one of the pioneers of digital media art. Rees constantly pushes the traditional methods of creating sculptural art by questioning the interaction between art and the audience. 

‘Synthetic Cells’ was an exploration of the semiotic relationality of various materials and technology. The artist created seven 10-foot cube sculptures made out of vinyl plastic which was inflated into plumpy shapes. Then, on certain parts of the vinyl, projections were installed to depict augmented reality. 

This project was eye-catching both visually and conceptually. The colorful hues and interesting shapes were visually captivating. At the same time, the augmented reality projections were a thoughtful push for the audience to reflect on the multilayer complexities of our cognitive understanding. 

The first inflatable that I made was inspired by many packages that I get delivered since the covid era. I wanted the inflatable to resemble a package yet hold a more interesting shape. To do this, I randomly cut plastic bags and taped them together as if making a 3D collage.

The second inflatable was an attempt to make a round spherical shape. The most basic form of rounded shape that I could think of was a donut-shaped inflatable. I struggled a bit to hold together the plastic around the curvy edges. In the end, I decided to fold the inflatable to make the shape more solid and stay in place.

The third inflatable was initially intended to be a flower. However, due to the lack of plastic that I had with me, I could only make four simple petals. I feel that this inflatable is the least successful due to both design and the ability to inflate.