Visual exploration, Week 1 (2/10/23)

"Build a world in a day"

In this first week into the module of visual exploration, we explored design and illustration utilizing recycled materials such as cardboard. In this task we were given the challenge of creating individual components of a collective sculptural landscape of our imagination. To begin with this task we familiarized ourselves with the provided materials with included various types of recycled cardboard which had differing textures, thicknesses and layers. For instance, some of the recycled cardboard provided were heavily layered with a smooth study shell while the interior had distinct ridges of softer cardboard.

Once we were familiarized with the materials, as a team we began to discuss the collated collaboration and created a broad concept for the story and environment of the world. In this concept we included themes such as autumnal, small town, Halloween and kitschy with the environment gradually transitioning from a quaint country town to a more spooky/fantastical outer banks. Using my sketchbook I started to design a small well that would be part of the quaint country town side of the world. For the well, I began with the structural pieces that would insure its  integrity such as the base, cylindrical body and the coned roof. I sketched the general outline for these pieces but mostly measured and fitted the pieces as I went along with the construction as I was unfamiliar with using these types of materials. 

Bucket into the well

Firstly for the main sections of the well such as the base and the cylinder wall, I utilized layers of thicker and stronger pieces of cardboard which I stuck together utilizing a combination of brown paper tape and glue. Moreover, for the roof of the well I employed lighter and more textured layers of cardboard to not only ensure balance but also creating a worn tiled or thatched effect. Also, on the underside of the roof I created a cardboard hook using a small rectangle of light cardboard and tape to tie a string for a small bucket to go in and out of the well. With the small bucket I employed the same cylinder design I used on the well but decreased in side (plus a handle) and utilized a graphite pencil to create the textured dark grey appearance of rusty metal. Moreover, on the outer base of the well I cut and glued small rectangle pieces of thick cardboard to create the surface pattern of bricks for the well's circle wall. Also, as an additional piece to compliment the well I also created a small standing illustration of a character from this world to be placed by the well. Taking into account the concept of the environment and story of this small world, I illustrated (with fine line pen) this young deer who had gotten lost on his way home and was sitting patiently by the well for someone to find him.   

In evaluation of this task, while I was pleased with the structural design and sturdiness of the well there were a few further enhancements I would want to apply if I were to improve this piece or try this task (or one similar) in the future. For example, I would enhance the depth of the well with an employment of line and tone with tools such as pen and ink to develop the design and natural erosion of the brickwork. Additionally, I would have liked to create a surface pattern design or a utilization of materials such as dark reflective tape to create the impression of deep water within the base of the well. Also, to compliment this I would have also liked to layer smaller textured and stringy pieces of cardboard scraps to create plant life blending with the man-made environment of the world.

Overall, I significantly enjoyed this task as it notably enhanced the development of my imaginative, construction and teamwork skills and the collaborative aspect of this task improved my ability to explored ideas and verbalize my creative decision making skills.   

Complete construction