Preconception to Misconception

Michael Shaw 9 years ago

“To begin at the beginning”, as Dylan Thomas said. The first weeks have seen a shift from preconceived ideas of the direction that explorations might take, largely induced by renewed access to the Pandora’s box of equipment that is a University Art Department. 

One aspect has remained consistent and that is the desire to explore lattice or waffle forms through interlocking planes of sheet material cut via laser. Early results show some promise, and the challenge is now to modulate the position of the horizontal and vertical planes in such a way as to imbue the resulting form with greater rhythm. 

With regards to the unexpected processes I am availing myself of at Derby, they include the use of a wood lathe to turn some symmetrical forms.

These have been used to create a series of moulds through which I intend to pipe extruded clay for some new ceramic pieces. The idea is to balance the internal random and chaotic strings of material, against a more tightly defined external geometry. Further, the intention is to split the wooden forms with a view to developing tools for the eventual vacuum forming of plastics.