This project was about attaining the elements of design such as volume, mass, form, and shape via an activated line to create a 3D “sketch” of an imaginary insect (a combination of at least three real-life insects,) using wires of different thicknesses. It also combined aspects of multiple disciplines, namely art illustration and zoology, and called for an interdisciplinary approach to the project.
Tortoise beetle, Mason Bee and Trilobite beetle sketches
We started off the project by reading “The Forgotten Benefits of Drawing” which delved into the interdisciplinary nature of Biology with regard to its need for illustrative skills. This article addressed exactly why I felt askew over this project at first but could not pinpoint the reason – that it required a very realistic approach to illustration and the need to study a subject outside of my comfort zone. Reading this settled my mind, and I felt empowered to get started without aiming for perfection, but to give it my due diligence.
I discussed the project with my husband and mentioned I was interested in designing a super-pollinator that multiplied at a high rate, and in our brainstorming, he mentioned a scavenging aspect, to which I immediately took. Next, we had to illustrate three insects including a beetle. I researched beetles and sketched the Imperial Tortoise Shell Beetle for its luminous and protective shell. I also sketched the Mason Bee for its pollinating features. The third sketch I made was that of a Trilobite Beetle due to its scavenging properties.
My fingers were ready to “think and plan with wire,” so I jumped into my Creepy Crawly design. My goal was to take a piece of wire as far as I could without clipping it, which turned out to be harder than I thought, but I also enjoyed the challenge of designing patterns for the body, wings and shell with a single “line” as far as possible. The body of my insect had a braided frame which allowed me to easily loop it a horizontally striped body. The vertical/oblique pattern of the flapping wings (moving part) forms a mesh pattern against the body. And the Tortoise shell (moving part) has loosely knotted loops all over. I made a simple Pollinating head with a bare frame(moving part) and large, springy eyes(moving part.) The scaled Trilobite beetle pattern is on the scavenging head or “tail-head,” a moving part which can slide in and out of the body. I used some yarn and touches of acrylic to render a vision of the palette.
My peers liked the crafting of my individual pieces and how they all came together, all the moving parts and especially the tail. They also appreciated the photography showing the layering of patterns.
This project taught me that wire could be used to create an endo/exoskeleton, or a “3-D sketch” for any 3D project. A personal goal of mine is always to use a new tool/medium and wire adds to my list in a big way!
