Portfolio: Pisay Suzuki

Aesthetics of Design has helped me develop a better understanding of how aesthetics became a part of society.  What fascinated me the most was the amount of history that drives the connection between aesthetics and engineering.  I believe that history is something to be remembered and a crucial piece that isn’t spoken about much in engineering classes as well as designs seen in modern day today.  When I look at anything that has any type of engineering in it now such as a toy, a chair, or a car, I think back on the history that made it alive.  There were 2 major projects that we accomplished this semester that allowed us to demonstrate this connection. The first was an upcycle project and one of our own, both of which allowed us to be as creative as possible.

Upcycle Project: The Great Wave Mosaic

The upcycle project really made me explore and think about ways to create something out of nothing.  It first started off with the aesthetic I wanted to shoot for which was a mosaic style seen in many pieces of art from stained glass windows in churches to simple design on blankets.  I went into the Boulder Book Store and found a book about Japanese Woodblocking and was surprised that a popular picture I’ve seen around for years, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, used this method to develop it’s design.

Next, I was brainstorming with ideas on how to bring this to life with recycled materials and I had paper from notes and exams everywhere in my apartment as well as extra cardboard laying around.  With the combination of my artistic abilities I developed from a young age from sketching random things I liked and paper, I found the perfect fit to bring this piece to life.

I tried to take it to the next level by using rolled up paper in combination with the jagged edged pieces found in original mosaics to add to my piece.  It gave it depth, character, and a fun touch to the project.  Acrylic markers and paint I had from other art pieces were my options to bring colors and life to the final piece.  This project really brought me back to crafting as a kid and I’m really happy with the unique touch I gave to a mosaic and The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

Upcycle Project – The Great Wave Mosaic

Main Project: Epoxy River Coffee Table

My main project has always been something I’ve been wanting to accomplish for the past 2 years and found the perfect opportunity to tackle it with this class.  My love for nature and the natural beauty it brings was my inspiration for this project.  Also, I developed a love for woodworking in my previous Invention and Innovation class where I first started working with wood.  The aesthetic of an epoxy river table can be described as a combination of contemporary rustic with a natural modern design.  I can also add that it brings in contrasting textures and color as well.

This project really challenged me slowly think about the little details, specifically with the pour, as the first attempt was a fail but an amazing finished piece with the final attempt.  I hope you all enjoy the natural beauty of nature from seen from the grains in the wood as well as the dynamic river in the middle.

Main Project – Final Report 2