For this project, I chose a film noir aesthetic, focusing on high contrast black and white tones, dramatic lighting, and storytelling through environment. Inspired by the smoky atmosphere often seen in noir films, I decided to design and build a backflow incense burner that uses cascading smoke to mimic fog in a scene.
My initial concept evolved after researching materials. I chose air dry clay for accessibility and safety, but because it lacks structural strength, I built a cardboard foundation to support it. I also simplified my original idea into a noir alleyway scene, which better suited both the material limitations and the aesthetic. The design emphasizes asymmetry, bold architectural shapes, and layered smoke flow guiding the incense smoke in steps rather than a smooth waterfall to reflect the gritty, non-zen nature of noir.
To enhance storytelling, I incorporated details like a streetlamp with LED lighting, textured building surfaces, and small figures. The smoke leads the viewer’s eye through the alley, eventually revealing focal points within the scene. Surface imperfections, etched lines, and rough textures were intentionally added to catch light and shadow, which are central to the noir style.
The process was challenging due to material delays, structural issues with the cardboard base, and time constraints from other coursework. I also faced personal setbacks that made progress more difficult. Despite this, I adapted by problem solving learning clay techniques, refining painting details, and substituting elements like pre-made figurines when needed.
Overall, this project pushed me to think critically about materials, structure, and visual storytelling, and while it was difficult, I’m proud of the final result and how it captures the essence of film noir.
