I started this project with thinking about what material I wanted to use. I considered soda tabs considering I have collected them in the past, though I do not think I could find enough soda tabs within the next few weeks to allow for a whole project. I thought about some other materials that would be easily accessible and cheap which led me to cardboard. As a Creative Technology and Design student, I spend a lot of time in the ATLAS building where there are a few bins of cardboard people are throwing away. It would also make a great material because it can be easily laser cut, leaving minimal to no cutting for me to do by hand and it creates a more accurate design. Once I decided on a material, I began to think about what aesthetic I would like to go for. One aesthetic that has always fascinated me is steampunk. I have seen many cool costumes, sculptures, and other works of art with this design type that are truly detailed and amazing.

https://myartlesson.com/steampunk-sculpturre
https://www.demilked.com/recycled-old-vintage-clock-parts-steampunk-sculpture-susan-beatrice/
https://tucson.com/entertainment/caliente/steampunk-convention-at-old-tucson-draws-wild-sights-elaborate-costumes-friends-for-life/article_915c5944-5902-57ad-bc6c-047c81a0a4cf.html

Steampunk is defined as “a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.” Above, are some images I found as inspiration for this project. I wanted to find examples of the different forms that this aesthetic takes to come to a consensus on how I wanted my project to go.

https://diyative.com/products/orpheus-steampunk-diy-music-box-3d-puzzle

Additionally, I also found images of cardboard designs that people make in the steampunk design. Many of these are very detailed and may be tough for a shorter project, but I wanted to use them as inspiration. To start my design, I want to draw out a few designs to help guide me in the process. Next, I am going to design it in a CAD program like Autodesk Fusion 360. Once I come up with a steampunk-like design, hoping to include a lot of gear elements, I will lay out all of the individual pieces so they can be laser cut and them glued together.

Some things I want to consider going into this project is to keep it simple (steampunk can be very detailed, but can also be done in a simpler way) and to consider the elements of the design that I enjoy. I find it really unique when people make animal sculptures in this aesthetic or take everyday things and make them more industrial. I think that really enhances the use of the design.

2 Comments. Leave new

  • Wow, I didn’t realize steampunk was like this! It is very nice. I like the idea of using cardboard since it gives a rustic feel. Please keep us updated as you home in on your design!

    Reply
  • Hi Sophia! I was so interested to read about your research on the steampunk aesthetic. I didn’t know that steampunk is a genre of science fiction! I’m excited to follow your project over the coming weeks… creating a steampunk animal sculpture sounds like a great idea!

    Reply

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