Tessellations

I was really interested in the assignment we had this week in class. Tesselations are really easy to make, yet they can create unique pieces of art. Robert Fathauer is a famous tesellation artist that has created astounding pieces of art. Fathauer is talented enough to create actual pictures from his tessellation designs. Anyone would definitely benefit from checking out his work. Some of his designs are featured at the website below.

http://members.cox.net/fathauerart/TessellationArt.html

Picture from: http://members.cox.net/fathauerart/FractalTree2.html

Thinking Abstractly

For anyone who has any trouble thinking on an abstract level with ideas or projects, here is a really good website that discusses the differences between abstract and concrete thinking and gives tips on how to think abstractly. It helped me a lot because it provides a solid expirations of both types of thinking and I was able to better decipher between the two. Here is the website: http://www.projectlearnet.org/tutorials/concrete_vs_abstract_thinking.html

Foamboard Models

I came across this website today that contains some great tips and techniques for making foam core models of buildings. The site focuses on how to create a realistic texture using limited materials, and I thought this could help with not only our current texture study and installation assignment, but with models we will have to create throughout the year. Some of the tools used while working with the texture on a piece of foam core are fine wire brushes, paintbrushes without bristles, and exacto knives (all tools most of us have in our boxes!) The artist who created this webpage pays close attention to the details in his pieces, which is something we all should keep in mind when working on our own.

ceramics with texture

I was searching for some cool ceramics stuff that related to what we're doing in studio and I found this site. Definitely check out the "installations" section, but look at some of the other stuff, too. There's some pretty intense texture going on.

Clay

I don't know about everyone else, but I have never enjoyed working with clay. I dislike how it never stays in a definite shape and how it always changes. I did some research and found a website that discusses the terminology that people should know when working with clay. It also discusses different techniques that can be used. You should definitely check it out!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/67264/introduction_to_working_with_clay.html?cat=24

Picture from : http://www.dezeen.com/2009/02/15/drawn-from-clay-%E2%80%93-noordoostpolder-by-atelier-nl-at-gallery-libby-sellers/

Tips for Clay

I found this website with almost 2 thousand tips for working with ceramics. Although many of the topics do not relate to our project and the amount of tips is rather overwhelming, I found that one of the FAQs is "How do I add texture?" and it has 12 answers which may be helpful if you are having trouble thinking of ways to make certain textures or what to use to make texture. What I learned from several websites is that basically anything can be used to apply texture to clay so you should try lots of different techniques for making textures. The column on the left side of the website sorts the tips into categories in case you have a different question relating to working with clay. Hopefully these tips are helpful.

Materials and Processes

Course selection always seems to be a time-consuming, tedious task, even for my friends who have been here for years. It always helps to hear suggestions from those who have taken particular courses, whether it be for another major, a minor, CLEs, or electives. Prior to entering the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, I minored and Industrial Design and was able to take some ID courses before it became my major.

The one course I would recommend to any architecture and design student is Materials and Processes (IDS 2034) with Ed Dorsa. It is the best course I have taken at Virginia Tech, thus far. Ed does an amazing job explaining the stages an idea must endure to become a physical product. He also speaks in great detail about the qualities of materials used in design. This is useful when determining which material is the best option for a project or idea.

IDS 2034 is a requirement for both Industrial Design majors and minors. Even if you're not planning on formally taking ID, I think it's a good idea to take the class. It's 3 credits and definitely worth your time. It will only enhance your future projects by bettering your knowledge in these major the design field.

The book for the class is one of the few I have actually kept following the course. It's called

Materials and Design. It sits on my desk, so feel free to take a look through it.

IDS 2034 is only available in the Spring semesters.