reflections
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KoJe40Zh3xpBdgxsVxhuR9ZWi0yD_OvN/view?usp=sharing
My project is meant to show the arising of the many things that all come from the original source. It is meant to show the one divine thing bringing the one thousand little things into existence. Every reflection embodies every being of light and their perception as a separation from the main source, even though they are simply a reflection of it. I want to show the game of light that is the universe and how every being’s reflection in our world is their own version of the source (light). 道生一，一生二，二生三，三生万物.
I had originally planned to design a pyramid structure using plexiglass aluminum sheets cut to specific dimensions, however once this material had arrived, I realized I needed to create different box supports with the laser cutter. Untimely, the laser cutter was down so I worked with a combination of my original plexiglass sheets and a reflective UV plastic sheeting. I planned on creating transparent boxes to contain the folded up UV sheeting, however due to inability to use the laser cutter, I decided to randomly fold up my sheets across the large aluminum sheets. The final outcome for my physical sculpture turned out to be a large, reflective, multicolored glacier-resembling object. I am very happy with this component.
As for the motor that I used, I was originally planning on using a Nema 23, however I later changed my design to the large DC motor as it required less complicated wiring and could offer a larger torque value, which was important as my project was going to be quite large and heavy. When designing the motor mount, I first printed the top piece to ensure that all the nail holes were lined in the correct positions and then I printed out the full piece at low speed, and it all came out perfect the first time. I screwed it into a small wooden board, which I then glued on top of a large plexiglass board for support. The motor top was connected to a motor collar which I drilled two small holes in. This motor collar was then connected to a laser cut piece of plexiglass which I used as the base for my reflective sheets.
Once all the physical components were designed, I tested out the spinning function in a dark room utilizing a projector. The projector was the best light source to create reflections off of my sculpture due to its concentrated yet bright illumination. I figured out the ideal position for my projector and speed for the DC motor, everything worked perfectly.
One aspect of my project that had mixed reviews upon my presentation is the song Irene by Beach House which I decided to play in the studio. I believe the song‘s repetitive yet ethereal nature added a beautiful touch to the escapist and contemplative atmosphere I wanted to produce, however there seemed to be a consensus among my classmates that the song didn’t fit the nature of my sculpture. We shall agree to disagree, however I believe it really does fit the meaning of my work. However, there is also the understanding that I must make adjustments for my audience’s level of comprehension so for future establishments of this work, I shall definitely include music, however more experimental, self-created music along the lines of what they suggested.
I definitely want to re-use this material for my final project and I have a few ideas to develop regarding a more wave centered idea. Also, during my presentation, my professor mentioned that with a different angle of the projector, I can accomplish more intentional, less random projections with a more directed projecting light onto the sculpture. I will definitely take this suggestion in my final project to create a cleaner, more intentioned reflective design.
Overall, I’m proud of my project and definitely want to build upon it, both in its sculptural design, lighting, and soundtrack elements for the final installation.
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