Brief: Create a tunnel book depicting two different meanings of the same word. One meaning will be displayed without light, and the other meaning will shine through with added light. (Prof. Deb Scott)
Location: The Ohio State University
Constraints: Restricted to using only Bristol, card stock, and chipboard
Collaboration: Individual
Initial Concepts:
I chose to use the homonym "stalk." Without light, the viewer would see a field of bamboo stalks. With light, the viewer sees a tiger stalking his prey in the foliage.
Research and Iteration:
I learned that Sumatran tigers live in habitats known to feature lots of bamboo, and that they prey on Sambar deer. My predator and prey were set.
Initial layouts had a scaled tiger and deer in a bamboo setting. It was not impactful from a design standpoint. Thus, I enlarged the tiger's face, allowing him to loom threateningly over the unsuspecting deer.
First Draft:
Crafted from Bristol and printer paper. My current bamboo forest was too dense - the looming tiger could not be seen behind the foliage.
Second Draft:
Crafted from Bristol. The foliage was too thin - the viewer was able to see the shadow of the tiger without any extra light.
Final Draft:
Crafted from Bristol and chipboard. The foliage was arranged at specific angles to fill the scene but also leave room for the tiger's eyes to shine through.
Final Design:
The final product depicts both meanings of stalk (the stem of a plant AND the act of pursuing prey) via the scene of an innocent deer in a forest, unaware of the dangers lurking closely behind.
Lessons Learned:
I was very happy with this project. Figuring out how to design in 3D using 2D materials was such a fun challenge. My favorite design moment was when I had the epiphany to scale up the tiger's face to focus on his eyes and facial marks rather than his entire silhouette. It made him so much more menacing and set the tone for the piece.
While we had access to a laser cutter for this project, I made the decision to hand-cut everything. Looking back, I can still justify the decision (this project was during a pandemic year and the laser cutter process involved lots of red sanitation tape), but I now have a greater appreciation for such machines.
“Consider yourself pounced!”
- Tigger, "Winnie the Pooh"
