Derrick
Alston ‘12_Graphic Design
BFA Proposal
Ideals of efficiency and
productivity have increased the development and utilization of the machine in
Twenty-first century America. The machine, defined as an apparatus applying
mechanical power to perform a particular task, has been established as a way of
creating solutions at a more rapid rate than can be accomplished by people.
This mechanistic process of labor has increased the level at which humans can
create, manufacture and distribute products and information. However, the proficiency
of this apparatus can also replace the need for human production, and eliminate
the creativity and craftsmanship that come from the humanistic creation process.
My project will investigate the connection of these two entities and the forms
that can result from the separate creation methodologies.
My project will consist of two
free standing pedestals measuring approximately eighteen [18.0] inches in square
width, and will be focused on interactive viewer participation. The pedestals
will be non-memphis college of art pedestals and will be constructed by the
designer. The pedestals will be located two feet from the wall, and will both
display a sheet of paper that will measure approximately [width preceding
height] eleven [11.0] by seventeen [17.0] in inches. The left pedestal will
represent the mechanistic methodology of image creation and will display a
harmonograph, a mechanical apparatus that employs pendulums to create a
geometric image, above the sheet of paper. The harmonograph will be fastened on
top of the pedestal through the use of clamps. Upon cranking the handle of the
harmonograph the user will initiate mechanical image creation. The user will
have no control over the image that is created by the machine, but will observe
the speed, efficiency and ease of production. The harmonograph will be
constructed through the use of mechanics created by the hand of the designer
and through the use of Ponoko, an online 3D printing and laser cutting
resource. The basis of harmonograph construction will rely on specific weight
distribution which will, when set into motion, allow the attached marked
marking device to create an image that is solely influenced on the
gravitational pull of the established weight. This machine will be the sole
method of creation on the first pedestal and will feature no control of color,
movement or any form of visual construction for the participant. This apparatus
will be no taller than 8 feet tall.
The second pedestal will also
feature a sheet of paper with the previously noted size, but will be
accompanied by a set of visual artist materials. These materials may include
markers, pens, or pencils and will allow the participant to take part in a much
more open process of image creation.
This process will allow the viewer to have much more control over the
final image, but may not necessarily have the same amount of speed or efficient
production that would be found in the harmograph methodology. The participant
will take both created images with them.
The pedestals may also contain
a small protrusion to allow for the inclusion of a small informational pamphlet
as to how to operate the machine and navigate through the project. My project
will utilize the full four [4] feet in width on the wall and four [4] foot
distance from the wall that will be allowed to every student. Electricity and
any other digital equipment will not be necessary.
For more information or visual
aid on the harmonograph please visit:
My version of this machine
will be more simplified and in a smaller scale, but the concept will be the
same.