Overview
This segment of this project explores two areas; planar and plastic models. Constructing planar models is an outlet for us to experiment with planes while the plastic models are a lead-up to our final product involving the pleasant and unpleasant memories associated with certain scents.
Final Products
Concept & Approach
I. Planar Model
The planar model pictured above is a result of experimenting with the idea of contrast. Strips of different lengths and widths were used, focusing on altering their physical structures to create swirls and rigidness, and varying heights from its horizontal base.
II. Plastic Model
The plastic model pictured above is a sculptural representation of both a pleasant and unpleasant scent that evokes an accompanying memory.
Structuring the sculpture based on height – where the main elements are found on the top and bottom – is representative of the idea of achievement VS failure.
The top half of the sculpture represents the pleasant memory (i.e. Daler Rowney acrylic paint), whose accompanying memory gives me a sense of achievement and familiarity. In addition to elevating it to represent a ‘high point’ in my life, I also used swirls of plastic to surround a ball in the centre to represent the sense of familiarity and comfort the scent evokes. The transparency of the plastic also reinforces it as a ‘refreshing’ scent, something paint is typically associated with.
The bottom half of the sculpture, on the other hand, represents the unpleasant memory (i.e. coffee beans). It is based on the notion where despite it being my favourite blend of coffee, it still evokes unpleasant memories; this was done through creating a flower-like structure encompassing a smaller structure punctured with holes. The smoky, lingering smell of the beans is shown through the upwards-flow of the flower-like elements, translucency of the plastic, and strips of plastic bags stuffed into the centre, masking the punctured plastic within.
Techniques Applied
| Planar Model | Principal axis, broken planes, use of voids
Hierarchy Contrast Rule of thirds Dynamic compositions (wedging) |
| Plastic Model | Contrast
Melting and soldering |
I. Planar Techniques
The planar model has a vertical principal axis, with the use of broken planes as demonstrated by swirls from the SD plane, where it does not fit in a box when elevated. The structure of the planes also managed to create symmetrical circular voids.
II. Hierarchy
The planar model also uses hierarchy, evident in the use of Dominant (D), Subdominant (SD), and Subordinate (SO) planes. The D plane is reinforced through its thick width, the SD plane shown by its thinner width, and the SO plane portrayed by its short length and width.
III. Contrast
Contrast is demonstrated in the planar model in its physical structure; the planes vary in rigidness (displayed in the SO plane) and swirls (displayed in the D and SD planes).
Similarly, the plastic model uses contrast in its varying segments; straight and upright elements (the connecting straw and circular plate), and swirls created by the flower-like structure and the bottom and the wrapping strips of plastic at the top. Contrast is also emphasised through varying opacities where transparent plastics were used at the top, along with translucent plastics at the bottom (strips of plastic bags and sanded plastics).
IV. Rule of Thirds
The planar model also makes use of the Rule of Thirds. This is evident in grouping the majority of the model (D, some of the SD, and SO planes) at 1/3 of the base, with the remaining 2/3 of the SD plane extending outwards. The Rule of Thirds is also shown in the SO plane where 1/3 of its length is wedged.
V. Application Techniques
The planar model is structured using wedging as opposed to pasting. In addition to creating more visually-appealing models, it also helps in creating dynamic compositions where the planes use various angles of dependent balance to hold one another up.
The plastic model’s structure is created using methods such as heating and soldering. Heating melted and moulded the plastic (shown in the flower-like structure), while soldering formed patterns (shown in the punctured structure).
Research & Process
Scents
The scent I chose that reminds me of a pleasant memory is a particular brand of acrylic paint, namely Daler Rowney paint. Coming from the exact same tube of paint, the scent takes me back to my first wall mural art project that I took part in with some friends a year ago, which gives me a sense of familiarity and achievement as well as the fun memories that went along with it (e.g. climbing an extremely tall, rickety ladder when we were all terrified). The scent that evokes an unpleasant memory, on the other hand, is a particular brand of coffee beans that my workplace serves. Even though it remains as my favourite coffee, the smell emitted reminds me of busy days, rude customers, messed up orders, and the trouble I’d get into for not doing a good job with making coffee.
Plastic & Design
Veronika Richterova’s Recycled PET Bottles
Based in Czech Republic, Veronica Richterova is a designer/artist most notable for her works involving recycled PET bottles.
Considered a guru in ‘up cycling plastic bottles to create nature-inspired and cartoonish sculptures’, the artist has gained recognition for ‘cutting, heating, twisting, melting’ and ‘transforming plastic materials’ in a number of ways. Her fascination with plastic bottle extends further when she writes extensively about the usage of plastic bottles and its history of mass-production.
Learning Points
- Methods of melting plastic
- Interesting structures to sculpt plastic
Process
| Positive | Improvements | |
| Model 1 | Interesting composition | Refrain from pasting
Extend length of SD Move composition to 1/3 of the base Reduce length of SO |
Link to Fashion Accessory final product and process:
https://oss.adm.ntu.edu.sg/vwong005/fashion-accessor…mnemosynes-scent/
References
http://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/plastic-bottle-artworks-veronika-richterová
