Cathedral Window: Complete

Completed Cathedral Window

The cathedral window for the production, “Our Town” is now completed. I enjoyed being able to help out quite a bit on this project. There were a number of design flaws that we encountered along the way, particularly in trying to bend the wood into place. I learned quite a bit about the care required during assembly to make sure that everything is precisely squared up. I also now know that in a build of this kind, the more symmetrical the design is, the easier the assembly will be. There is a lot of knowledge I will bring with me from this project into the next, so that next time, things can run smoother.

Completed Window On Set

Cathedral Window

Window Guidelines

This week has been very busy in the Theater Production 101 class. Right from the start of the semester we have been working overtime in preparation for the show “Our Town.” With little instruction many of us have simply had to jump right in, helping wherever needed. I have primarily assisted in the construction of a 4.5x10 ft cathedral window, which has been a joy to work on. The frame is all mapped out and the wood is cut and kerfed. Next: assembly and surface treatment.

Schematics

Motor Schematics

The drafting phase of the thesis project is just about done. Certainly the design will be tweaked here and there along the way. I already know for a fact that the center shaft needs to be about twice as long. (I wonder if I can get a ladder to measure the exact distance somehow…) I’ve decided to hold of on piecing together the mechanical apparatus though until I get the missing pieces and exact measurements. I’d really like to get started on the wooden wing frame – just as soon as I get a good sheet of plywood to clamp to. Hopefully things will start rolling this weekend.

Casting The Lion

St. Mark Silicone Mold

Back at school now I’ve begun the process of casting St. Mark, The Winged-Lion. St. Mark is an original alabaster carving I finished in the spring of 2007. I’m so found of the piece that I’ve decided to try my hand at reproducing it. Now having a little bit more experience with casting and mold making, I’m fairly confident that I can pull off the task.

I’ve started with a RTV-silicone rubber mold. Four coats is all that’s needed to create a strong, stretchy skin. The silicone should work much nicer than polyurethane; it has greater flexibility, and a longer library life, and requires no release agents.
The next step shall be the jacket mold.

Senior Thesis

mock up layout

Winter Break is quickly coming to an end, and there's still so much left to do. My greatest concern is beginning construction on my senior thesis exhibit piece. I have chosen to create an installation piece in which I will, as my advisor suggested, “pull out all the stops.” The form of the piece is a pair of wings (20 ft span) that will hang in the skylight of the main exhibition room. It will be mixed media, mainly wood, acetate and sintra (PVC foam). As if this weren’t enough, I also intend to animate them so that they flap 3rpm.

Why wings? Because I’ve been fascinated by them for years. Additionally, The piece will also serve as a platform for The “Not For Sale” Campaign (men and women across the country united to fight the global slave trade). I am aiming to express the themes “Freedom” and “Hope” through this piece.