Overhead Projector and Fiberglassin'

I was trying to see if I could get my translucent tiles and lithophanes to project on an overhead projector, and I found out that they aren't transparent enough to give a good image. There is some projection but not enough to warrant trying to make use of this. I did put this transparency on there to see what it would look like, and I have to say I really like the way this looks. It is kind of just a collection of different things I was doing independently ie burning a photo screen for printing, printing a hand cut stencil, and trying to transfer inkjet ink. But I think the collection and arrangement of these images makes a nice composition, and the quality of the blacks and grays are very nice. Today I also did some more fiberglass. I sandwiched one of those tiles that I showed earlier between some layers of fiberglass cloth. I also put a transparency with some printed colors and shapes behind the tile to see what that looks like. That is the third image down, and I think the image looks a little bit greener than the actual piece. I put the image of just the tile so you can compare. I think I could have probably added another layer of fiberglass to tone down the black. The skyline I chose for the background is Detroit. I just took it from a print I am working on in Photoshop right now, and I think it is fitting given the references I am making in this piece.

Light transmitting concrete

I was browsing around some sites and found this interesting use of concrete. The concrete has optical fibers running through it so it can transmit light, while still creating a structure. I think this is fascinating and has the potential for many uses in creating artistic projects. I found a little tutorial where someone made a small scale version and it seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to make it if you can get a hold of optical fibers. I already found some places where you can get it relatively inexpensively. Because of the nature of the optical fiber, you could transmit various colors of light through the concrete in different areas, or obstruct areas as can be seen in the pictures below. Anyway, here is a link to an article about it.
http://www.impactlab.com/2009/03/07/litracon-see-through-light-transmitting/

Midterm Progress Report

So these are some clay prints that I have been working on. I have to figure out how these will be displayed. I have some ideas of what I can do, but they will be finished before the end of the semester. I won't get too much into the technical process, but these are all translucent 04 clay prints just like the tests I showed earlier. I did some screen printing, some linocuts, some stenciling, solvent transfers, and drawing with stains and underglazes. The first image is what one of them looks like without the light behind it. It was discussed in my committee meeting that they might be too transparent, especially with the light behind it, and I agree. I will try adding extra layers in subsequent pieces, and also try layering after they have been fired. The final image is what one of the pieces looks like under a piece of fiberglass. I really think this could be a good solution and add strength to these fragile tiles. It also tones down some of the aggressive color. It could be another way to add more imagery and color as well. Of course, then there is also the possibility of just creating these images in the fiberglass itself, and I could essentially have the potential to create gigantic panels. I could also sandwich many of the tiles to create a larger piece. Stuff to think about anyway. Well, more to come soon.

H2 Hummer Converted into a Horse Carriage

Later I will post pictures of the work I showed for my midterm committee meeting, but I just saw this great sculpture performance piece by artist Jeremy Dean. The project is called Back to the Futurama. I think this a very successful project, because he has very good historical references that he is using, while addressing a contemporary problem. Obviously the title itself references the idea that he is looking to the past while simultaneously addressing the future. Check out the video on youtube. He has two videos that can be seen below. The first one is just some video from stripping down the Hummer and the second video explains the project and shows the finished result.

A Little Video from MCA

Midterm committee meetings are this weekend. I think I already said that before, but I will say it again! Anyway, trying to get some stuff done for that and I will post pictures of some of the stuff I finished this weekend. When I was in Chicago, I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art and there was some neat stuff going on. They had this great show that was all about the artist's studio and how the space an artist works in becomes an integral part of the artwork, or in some cases, it is the art. I thought I would share this video that I saw in one of the other parts of the museum. The video isn't that great. I will also say that I have no rights to this video art and had no part in creating it. The artist is Adam Ekberg and the title of the piece is "Disco Ball in the Woods." It is obviously cooler in person, but I really enjoyed everything about this piece and I hope that you can at least get an idea of what it looked like. You can see a still from the video here. http://www.thomasrobertello.com/artist/workview/646/2396

Midterms Approaching

Last week was crazy after returning from Chicago on Monday. I spent most of my days finishing my prototype for mold making class and then making all of the molds for the pieces. I finished them all and they are now drying. Then I will need to make the actual components for the finished pieces for midterm. Now I am working on carving some linoleum blocks and cutting some stencils for making clay prints for midterm. Hopefully there will at least be some successful pieces. I am also working on transcribing the Paul Wandless interview for my grad seminar, which will be a very time consuming and laborious undertaking. I will post some pictures of my work soon!