Edward Burtynsky - Manufactured Landscapes

Hey Everyone,

Recently in class we watched the movie Manufactured Landscapes. This movie was created by world renown photographer Edward Burtynsky. He is from Canada and has worked with many museums such as the National Gallery of Canada or Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., to display his work. He is a very good photographer, but also conscious of what is happening around the world. His photography and film comment on the world today as it is effected by industry. This commentary that has been left open to viewers opinions, good or bad, bring up many questions. Are the world's new landscapes beautiful? Is it a tragedy that nature is being altered in this way?

Check out this short video interview of Burtynsky discussing his work:



Personally, I find his images to be very informative as well as impactive. I felt that the movie was very interesting as you got to see what really goes on in landfills and workplaces in China (among other places). It was also very depressing. It was hard to watch at moments because it just made you think the planet is hopeless. This was a really good subject for Burtynsky to publicize. I would imagine that bringing so much attention to the issue at hand would in fact start a reaction to change.

If you can, take a look at the video or at his website, to see some of his work.

Tell me what you think,

~K

Personal Chair

Hey Everyone,

As I've mentioned a few times before, we have been working on creating our own chair designs. The two main things we had to do to create this chair were: make it exude our own personality and make it a functional piece of art. I believe I have reached these goals.

I wanted my chair to be simple yet elegant and interesting, which I think was achieved. I wanted these qualities to be a part of my chair because I think I am a pretty simplistic person. I enjoy nature and peace which is exactly why I knew I had to make my chair some sort of flower. Not only do I like flowers, but I think it also shows my femininity. The chairs curves and simple shape help make it all of these things. Most of all, it makes it a uniquely functional piece of art.

My chair is a very functional piece. It serves many purposes, but only the chair version was displayed in the model. Obviously the main function of this piece is a chair that has a recliner for your feet. I envisioned this piece to be made out of molded plastic, preferably recycled, to make the piece environmentally friendly. The seat would be cushioned out of upholstering materials. These two elements would make the piece more comfortable and a more usable piece of furniture. Another functional element to this chair is that the reclining part of the chair can be folding up allowed the chair to be flipped over. The opposite side could be used as a small table or stool, held up by beautiful flower petals. For me, I love to have multipurpose objects to fit my needs, so why not make my chair that way.

The chair's smooth sides contrast with the angular points of the petals. If this model were build out of plastic and upholstery these two materials would also contrast. My piece has many curved lines that create movement and rhythm. The clean, curved lines move your eyes up and down the the piece as the form of the base gently lifts your attention to the main focal point of the chair, the seat. I think it was important for this to be the focal point as the seat is the whole reason for a chair. Without a seat, how can you sit?

I believe my chair is a functional piece of art that exudes who I am. Comment below and tell me what you think!
~K

Sketch Up - Attempt #2!

Hey Everyone,

As you can see my first try at making my chair was not so successful, but after a second round of trying, (Consisting of many undo moments), I was able to produce something like my design.

Here how I started the base this time. I created a solid triangular prisim and went from there. I think this alludes to my real design much more than my first attempt. I still cannot figure out how to make the lines into a solid face.


Here is the basic form of my chair. The idea of a flower is there, just not very detailed like a handmade model would be. I am really proud that I could figure out how to make this form as it is very, very hard to create organic lines in Sketch Up. Maybe I just need to find the trick!

Comment below if you have any tips for using this program.

~K