Quack Ops

So Quack Ops has started to get more visible and created a bit of controversy...
You should check it out on Twitter and facebook. Just search Quack Ops!

Suggestions

So John suggested slumping the acyrlic and/or laser cutting it into leafy more organic forms. After I try out the sand-blasting I think these are great ideas for going futher with my projects. I plan on tryiong some different materials in the laser cutter as well.

Lifestyle Design Wrap-up

Illustrator Tool Focus

I knew it would take some Illustrator patience on my part and some serious tutorial help. After some research on-line I came up with a couple design ideas based on a more organic object and used some sketches I liked from my notebook to build on, then tackled the tutorials. The designs came together and I used the sheet we had gotten for the laser cutter to prepare the files. I was inspired to create a file that came back to little things making a big difference and so created the One drop Ripplesss…

I have found that the one step that we may not know the reason for can change things dramatically for others. Often affecting many more people than we can ever realize: So why not express that in my art. It became the first file that was cut on the laser cutter. After talking with the tech and having some difficulties with the files delayed things for a bit, I switched up my fern file and made the etching around it instead of in it by etching then cutting out the fern/branches. I spent a lot of time in with the tech and learned some really valuable stuff.

A connection with the earth around us and nature has been a part of my art for a long time. Ferns are a symbol of sincerity towards others. It can also be a symbol of magic, fascination, confidence, shelter, discretion, Tree branches are symbolic of branching and trying something new.Trees have an elemental quality to them. They connect us to the earth below us and the sky above. Who wouldn’t want to be that grounded?

My organic mother child signifies the relationships we have with family, friends and even strangers. There always seems to be a dynamic that makes one stronger. Not always the one you expect to be either. It can change over time and morph into different dynamics as situations change. I struggle for strength, satisfaction and a peaceful existence.

I have a better idea what limitations the laser cutter has and how I can achieve the effects I want. I am pleased with how they turned out and have plans to sand blast in January to create the affect I want on one of the projects.

Project Two Development

Programming for Artists Video

Programming for Artists Project from KS Dorn on Vimeo.

So Color Mixing with 3 seperate LED's was my project for the class. I am happy how it turned out. In the dark is the best way to view it though.

Thought Pattern

So my thought behind the One Drop Ripples design actually occurred because of an event in my past.

Organ donation has played a role in my life since 2000 when my brother James died of a brain aneurysm. After much discussion (and with a room full of people there can be a lot), we decided to go ahead and donate his organs. Since then we have heard back that all except one are doing well and have met 2 of the recipients Ana & Dani. Both are truly inspirational in their recovery. Ana went from poor health because of cystic fibrosis, in and out of the hospital with her twin to literally climbing mountains. Dani has now been cured of debilitating diabetes and has wonderful plans for her future.

It amazes me how much just knowing they are doing so well makes the loss of my brother feel like it has come full circle.


I wanted to somehow show one simple occurrence has many repeating repercussions. That one small step on our part can effect many others without our even knowing it. I hope people can take from it something of their own, not connected to my inspiration but their own. Other moments need not be as traumatic as this situation. It was just my inspiration for it. A tribute in a way to my Brother James...

The crack that occurred after it was Laser cut may mar the surface but strangely it kind of adds to the story behind its creation. Physical proof of the depth of feeling behind it.

Eventually I will cut another one, but for now I choose to call its imperfection a quirk of fate. I will be sand blasting it after I take a sand blasting seminar at the craft center. There is one in January, maybe it will solve the imperfection. I want to emphasize the Organic design as well. I am more than happy with the Fern/Branches design. I love the way it turned out. Instead of straight lines it is boxes etched in at 30%. More than the 40% of the Organic one that is straight lines. The tech sort of explained it but don't ask me to explain  how 30% is deeper than 40%. I think the every other box line adds something to the character of the piece. After coming up with the fern/branches I reworked the plan to have etching around outside of the fern. I think the emphasis worked out great.

Success

So after a bit of reworking we got my files to work. Let's just say the cutter has issues with certain things ... and needs some work on its mirrors that has not been in the budget to fix for some time. I got some great ideas from the tech while I was there though. She suggested sand blasting to get the effect I want on one piece specifically, and thought cutting out the stencil design on the laser cutter would work, I am thinking that a vinyl stencil would work too though. Hmmm........ I had already thought of etching glass but that is another thing she suggested with acid resist paper. I love one of the designs I reworked for the laser cutter, want to sand blast the other and am thinking of improving the other with that as well. Here are the pictures:

One Drop Ripplessss

Organic

Fern/Branches

Illustrator

So in trying to get something ready for the laser cutter, I realized I needed some Illustrator tutorial help and have spent time learning more about the one program I feel most in need of instruction on. I have a few designs that I am going to try out and hope that the execution of them will satisfy me.

The editing process has been a little frustrating. I guess I am expecting too much from myself based on my level of knowledge about Illustrator. The simplest design may prove to be the best one, for all I know. A test may be the best way to go, before I use the more expensive products.

I am hoping to include some text in one of my designs.

I got this one laser cut and will be in early on Friday to get the others done too. Interesting the things you find out once you have a file and talk with the tech in the laser cutting room. It takes hours to etch a solid fill...

Good to know... Anyone needing to laser cut may need to beg from now on. They are supposed to be closed next week. We shall see.

http://www.layersmagazine.com/category/tutorials/illustrator

Left Behind

Left Behind, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Just the evidence of enjoying the scent of a rose. We leave behind a moment that may have brightened our day. Kind of a glimpse into the past. A nice thing to find that won't pollute the world. A spot that raises the mood.

Scattered

Scattered, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Not quite dry, interesting that a shelf can become a garbage can. Are they just too lazy to pick it up and drop it just 4 feet away? Sad but curious that it becomes a bit of art in and of itself. People tracks are often significantly thoughtless. Even the design created from a person being careless in their own actions creates things that enlighten at times. However, the stuff I didn't post from this bathroom turned my stomach, so the thoughtlessness was still disgusting.

Human Tracks

Human Tracks, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Drip Drop! Sometimes what we leave behind isn't so much destructive as a bit of an annoyance to someone else. The water left around the sink is rather a pain if it wets your clothes. Kind of amazing really how far it can get from the sink while they are in search of a towel to dry off with. Hmm... a reason to redesign the paper towel to sink connection... new combo piece of equipment...................

Excess

Excess, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Lots of refuse! A truck full of old tires. I certainly hope they will be going somewhere to be recycled, but as we know rubber has a limited chance of that. Why can't we design things that are made to improve the earth when we have lost the need for them?

The photograph may be technically flawed but I love the flares of light on each side of this one.

More Escess

More Escess, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Isn't it interesting the things that get left behind and where? When Diane and I saw this all we could do was laugh. It did draw attention to the beauty of a warped tree trunk surviving in the middle of city chaos. Illuminated by the afternoon sun it appears majestic even. The wonders of a good light source.

Tin Can Man

Tin Can Man, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Creative uses for recyclable trash that make it fun instead of disposable. It has to be said that trash can make some nice things. Wizard of Oz-ish! The rust just gives it that extra something to make you want one of your own.

Wired

Wired, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

Our life requires electricity and we create the most complex wired situations that can be imagined. I think I will go back here and recapture this with a higher film speed and see which one I like better. The blur may just add some interest here. We'll see!

Well it's a bit brighter but not really less blurry. I like them both. The first is more indistinguishable, but the golden color of this one is pleasing too.

Oily Sidewalk?

Oily Sidewalk?, originally uploaded by KS_Dorn.

We leave evidence behind even in the strangest places: Oil on a sidewalk on campus. Could it be a maintenance vehicle leaving drippy icky waste. If so they should definitely do some work on their vehicles. We may be a fairly green campus but this could use some work.

Option

Project

So I am thinking laser cut organic shapes on clear acrylic with led light from below that reflects over water. I want people to be able to interact with the water and play with the reflections and shadows. If the led's are under glass with the pool of water over that it should work out well.

Ideas from Google Images

After seeing these designs on-line I think I may just go more organic with my designs. Something that interacts well with light and maybe even casts shades. More to consider...Hmmm!

New Projects

So TOOL Focus group has morphed a bit to include Awareness. Energy/Electricity was mentioned as a possible approach to take. I think I could get behind that.

I also thought of taking my own personal important cause and doing something with that as well... More on that latter...

Christmas gifts may definitely come into play sense I need them and feel like I need some practice before I pull off my best design.

TOOL/Awareness
Energy
POWER DOWN
Downward arrow graphic
Organ Donation
James Story
Personal
Heartfelt
Practical considerations
Need some learning time
Read/read/read instructions
Subtopic 3
Increase Laser cutter/Vinyl cutter knowledge
Try in Vinyl first
Work up to it
1. energy signs
POWER DOWN
2. cork burn
3. Christmas gifts small
6 girls 6 boys
4. larger gifts
At least 3
5. Cupboard doors?

See someone else's be made/cut
Check hours open
Energy Graphic
Learning Curve
Energy