Week 14: Making of my physical texture
First I had to think about what items to make.I went to the drawing block and determined to produce
things that I believe can represent the contrast between disgusting and pleasant. Keeping the clay
texture that I had created since open studios, I decided to keep that as one of my artefact under the
unpleasant category. The visual of the clay, reminds me of the texture of our skin when we get pimples
or black or white heads. I wanted to make something like to the illicit a reaction.
I continued
to improve this artefact from the same one from open studios. I thought of keeping it white but it looks
incomplete hence the idea to paint and add more details.
Artefact 2: Crater
My portrayal of skin texture was inspired by its magnified and close-up appearance, which I believe is
usually unpleasant. I used a reusable plastic bowl as the foundation to keep the dome shape.
Air dry clay was one of the primary techniques I utilised to create these textures. It dries within 24
hours and does not require extra baking. Additionally, air dry clay allows for easy painting with
conductive paint. I debated whether to paint it in because the natural grey colour appears unfinished.
Another material I used was putty, which I squeezed out using a make shift piping bag to mimic the
texture of skin and pores. It came out better than i expected as it dried down more stiff as well.
Adding additional details
This clay work, titled 'Crater,' was inspired by the texture of skin, particularly focusing on acne and flare-ups like cysts. The red blobs represent these skin imperfections, while the spikey section, initially too opaque, was modified using putty and acrylic paint to create a more pronounced and textured surface. This process not only brightened the texture but also made it more cohesive, mirroring the uneven and varied surface of affected skin. The name 'Crater' reflects this inspiration, evoking the image of unevenness and irregularity reminiscent of skin texture with acne.
Artefact 4: Droplets
Hot glue, when applied in different patterns and thicknesses, can create a variety of textures ranging
from smooth to rough, which adds depth and visual interest to my project. Additionally, hot glue is easy to
manipulate and dries quickly, allowing me to experiment and iterate quickly with different textures and
designs. Its transparency also adds a tactile and interactive element, as users can see and feel the texture
directly, enhancing the overall sensory experience of my project. I also bought black glue sticks as well as
chrome powder finishes in hopes to further enchance the effects of water droplets.
Droplets are inherently satisfying due to their visual and tactile properties. Their round, uniform shape
and reflective surface create a pleasing aesthetic, especially when they form in a controlled manner.
Additionally, the tactile sensation of touching a droplet can be satisfying, as it provides a unique texture
and sensation on the skin.
