Methods of translating2

I was thinking about what meaning could be reconstructed if 3D designed objects were ‘translated’ into 2D graphic design.

I drew some net drawings, because I had received feedback on them in the previous tutorial and I thought the perspective was interesting. However, I wasn’t sure how to make net drawings digitally, so I went to the Digital Media Office and asked a member of staff with expertise in 3D modelling.

Then I found out that the vase I had chosen was difficult to make into a net drawing digitally because of its slightly open shape at the top, and that I would have to measure the exact edge length size. Therefore, I got an advice to ‘make a reduced size prototype on paper’. I then made a prototype on paper and discussed it with Owen at the GTA on Friday, which gave me a new perspective.

Firstly, the change of material from glass to paper eliminated the function that glass has of ‘holding liquids’.

Secondly, I found out that I could not longer smash the glass if I turned them into paper.

However, as I could not see a way to develop further from these processes, I considered a different approach. Observation of the paper prototype revealed a new form.

I then re-read the brief again and thought about the purpose of ‘translating’ for this project.

What I wanted to do is to translate by changing the medium and see how to reconfigure the objects, for example this One and Three Chairs (Kosuth, 1965).

I found the good example for my project mentioned in Fuck Content (Rock, 2009). That was the work of Piet Zwart and I took inspiration from it and decided to use the orthodox graphic approach of a 2D poster when translating a 3D object.

In order to express the transparent and overlapping textures of Savoy Vase, I used Risograph as the printing method.

Experiments

Final outcome

The end result was similar to the week 1 experiment, but I quite enjoyed the thought process that led up to it. As was said in the feedback, I felt that it would be very interesting if I could ‘translate’ other 3D objects using this method if I had more time.

Feedback

• I think one thing your project does successfully is to taking apart the elements that make of the shape of the item and exploring them as individual shapes, it makes us aware of the construction of the item in question. 
• It would have been interesting to explore a myriad of objects from the collection in this manner, especially through Riso. What happens when they overlap, what new shapes do they create 

• I remember seeing patterns with chair silhouettes and i think the poster you have today is a better translation! was thinking if you could do some impossible objects with 2d shapes 

• I like the way you make these objects on paper and then make them into graphic design. I think this experiment has the potential to develop into a series of works. I mean, you can make different 3D models in the same way and then simplify them in the same way. Overall, this work gives me a sense of tranquility. I think he lets me find tranquility in anxiety. 

• Your continuing process, critical reflection and experimentation is really good and shows the steps you’ve made to reach your outcome. I like how you’ve wanted to display a 3D object as a 2D material. Using risograph as a tool to portray 3D elements on a 2D space is a smart use of materials and methods. I quite liked what you did with changing the materials of the objects and how each object would work with a different material, how does that change the intended use? What are the visual implications of this also at different stages? 

• I think your poster is beautiful but I also enjoy the designs that you made with the paper. I think it might be interesting to do a series of these using different colours or slightly different designs? Could you take some inspiration from the objects you showed us last week for this (were the teapots in primary / pastel colours?)  

• I also thought the experiments you did when making the shape on paper were really interesting in changing/ challenging our understanding of what the object/ shape / usage is. I would have loved to have seen more experimentation with this, maybe using different materials?