Design Review Report: Shadow Art

For my main project, I would like to create something that explores the contrast between light and shadow.

Top 5 Constraints:

  • Time
  • Aesthetic
  • Cost: ~50$
  • Functionality: rotating base using Arduino and servos
  • Manufacturability: material that can be laser cut

Other Constraints:

  • Making an object that casts different shadows from different angles.
  • Making the shadows relate to each other by telling a story or symbolize greater concepts.
  • Having the apparatus  move in the right frequency that allows the viewer to see a shadow art most of the time.
  • Some Servos and Arduino code might be a necessary addition for the success of this project.
  • A power source must be present all the time for the artwork to work and be displayed properly.   

Chosen Aesthetic:

  • Dark, creepy, gore aesthetic
  • Arabic calligraphy
  • Both combine :
    • sharp unexpected edges that vary in width.
    • Excessive use of black and dark colors

Concept Sketches:

Procedure:

  • Finalize sketches
  • Laser-cut material to shape
    • Choose a material that works with a laser-cutter
  • Attach the setup on a rotating base
  • Code the servos to move
  • Add a source of light
    • Candle or a flashbulb
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13 Comments. Leave new

  • Joshua Engmorris
    May 5, 2019 12:01 pm

    This is an awesome idea. I love the concept of shadow art and I think it blends perfectly with your aesthetic. It will be cool to see what type of effects you can create with shadows.

    Reply
  • Hogan Auyeung
    March 31, 2019 6:26 pm

    This project idea is awesome how you incorporate light as the fundamental aesthetic for the shadow it creates. You stated you were into the dark aesthetic and I’m excited to see how this turns out!

    Reply
  • […] For my final project, I want to create an artwork that casts different shadows as it rotates. My have discussed my original design aesthetic in my previous post. […]

    Reply
  • I really like your idea! I too, am using a light to really make my project dynamic! I think the designs that you are thinking of using will produce great shadows and turn out really well. Hopefully the motor process goes smoothly! Keep us posted.

    Reply
  • The way you reconstitution of the shaow is impreesive! It remind me of a game called Shaowmatic. It shares similar idea to change the lighting angle to project specific icon on the wall which makes this game as the Best of 2015. Maybe you could get more inspiration from it!

    Reply
  • Luke Collier
    March 18, 2019 1:47 pm

    I am excited as to how you will use light as your medium for your project. I think it would be cool to have different colors of light, in addition to shadows that change shape upon different viewpoints.

    Reply
  • Sorry my first comment was meant to be sent to a different post. your aesthetic is very unique, I like how you use Arabic elements in your project. How many pictures are you going to take for the shadows? I was wondering if you are going to create a series of different shadows. Your sketches look very cool, I look forward to see how the final project comes out!

    Reply
  • Fatema Alhalal
    March 18, 2019 1:44 pm

    Cool idea! let me know if you need help with the servo motor, I might be able to help. Good luck!

    Reply
  • Christopher Seighman
    March 18, 2019 1:42 pm

    I really like the idea of utilizing an item that casts a different shadow at different angles. The rotating item casing the shadow would be really cool! You could maybe incorporate what the shadow is cast on into the aesthetic as well.

    Reply
  • I like your idea. Combining it with calligraphy is a cold idea. I feel like getting fine edges is tough with a flame but using the natural curvy nature of Arabic calligraphy is a good idea. I look forward to seeing the final product

    Reply
  • I like your idea! I have a cat as well. It’s definitely going to be learning curve if you didn’t have experience with Audrino. I think it’s pretty cool to build a device for your pet. Good luck! For aesthetics you might wanna print/paint some artworks on the device.

    Reply
    • Luke Collier
      March 18, 2019 1:44 pm

      This is for Fatema’s post.

      Reply
    • Luke Collier
      March 18, 2019 1:47 pm

      I am excited as to how you will use light as your medium for your project. I think it would be cool to have different colors of light, in addition to shadows that change shape upon different viewpoints.

      Reply

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