Mnemosyne’s Scent: Planar Models

Hey there guise! :)))) This is a final write up on the entire process of our experimentation with modelling with planes as well as sculptures based on scents.

Here is some information on the deconstruction of a planar model:

Notes on Planar models – Niki Koh, 2017

Since our planar models were to be made out of three strips of paper with varying widths and lengths, the model, like all other exercises, had to contain dominant, subdominant and subordinate relationships. The voids created by the different strips had to also strive to differentiate themselves from one another. Apart from that, the interaction between the different strips should be done through piercing and wedging instead of laying flat against one another, such that the 3D aspect of the model is enhanced.

 

[ PLANAR SKETCH MODEL A ]

Planar Sketch Model A, Front View
Planar Sketch Model A, Side View 1
Planar Sketch Model A, Back View
Planar Sketch Model A, Side View 2
Planar Sketch Model A, Top View

For this model, I wanted to create a contrast in the space taken up by the model, so I concentrated much of the planar action in the upper portion of the board, whereas I simply extended the longest strip diagonally across the lower portion of the board. I also wanted the dominant strip to contain a sense of grace, so I curved it into a swooping/falling shape similar to a circle. I tried to carry on the sense of curves by using curving for both the subdominant and subordinate as well. However, I feel now that I should’ve incorporated more bending and complex curves to bring a sense of interest into the piece. Overall, the feedback that I got back was that the diagonal motion of the dominant strip across the paper was interesting, but the voids created by the dominant and subdominant were fairly similar. Furthermore, the interaction of wedging and piercing between the strips was absent (I didn’t know I swear :{ ).

[ PLANAR SKETCH MODEL B ]

Planar Sketch Model B, Front View
Planar Sketch Model B, Side View 1
Planar Sketch Model B, Side View 2
Planar Sketch Model B, Back View
Planar Sketch Model B, Top View

For the second sketch model, I decided I wanted to use a diagonal direction again, but instead of looping the paper, I decided to create a curved structure with two humps (hehe camel) for the dominant strip. The subdominant was looped as a sort-of interaction with the dominant, while the subordinate connected the two. However, again, interaction in the form of wedging and piercing was lacking, and the strips should have been pierced through the board. Also, there was still a lack of bending and variety in the types of shapes.

 

[ FINAL PLANAR MODEL ]

Final Planar Model, Front View
Final Planar Model, Left Side View
Final Planar Model, Right Side View
Final Planar Model, Back View
Final Planar Model, Top View

For the final model, I decided to retain the diagonal shape from my first sketch model (A), but added a literal extra twist to it. I also wanted to incorporate the ideas of piercing and wedging into the piece, so I pierced the subdominant with the long dominant strip, and wedged the subordinate into the subdominant strip. I also decided to go with a bending motion for the subdominant as I liked the idea and my previous models lacked strips that were bent. General feedback was that my lines were interesting, but there was some confusion between which strip was the dominant and which strip was the subdominant. I was really focused on supplementing the elements that were lacking in the previous models in this model that I forgot to pay close attention to basic dominant, subdominant and subordinate relationships. 🙁 However, I still do like the contrast between the twisting and bending of the different strips, and how they interact. 🙂

See you next post about the scent sculpture!!

  • Niki

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