LETTER FORMS

After exploring my initial ideas for the modular letter kits, it became apparent that using a typeface that was very obviously a typeface may simply look too literal and not have quite the effect I'm after, so instead I'll be drawing inspiration for my a type kit from a simple modern stencil shape; modifying, simplifying and reconstructing it to make it my own. This way the pieces won't need rods or joining parts to hold it together, much more minimal and less 'fussy'.

MODULAR TYPE

After creating the sculpture and exploring different ideas for creating an architectural/typographic piece I've decided that creating a 'pre-fab' style kit of concrete pieces that come together to form type, is the route I want to take.

I'll aim to create a 'kit' with as few a pieces as possible, that can make any letter using a combination of them. The pieces could be held together by running rods through them or using carpentry-like joining pieces.

The concept is particularly relevant as it draws upon the various themes which have been continually reappearing; concrete, bold shapes, sharp lines, construction, architecture and typography.

ARCHITECTURAL SCULPTURE

I used plaster to sculpt a typographic piece that would let me explore the idea of architecture and type first hand, with a stone-like tactile element to it. It also allows me to play with crops and the way light interacts with the structures. The idea was to choose structural look letterforms to most mirror that of a building, so only straight lines and strong shapes, blurred together.

I like the final sculpture as it gives the type a real presence and sense of architectual solidity that I want from the final piece. Although I think I'd still like to create something out of concrete, it's a recurring part of my work on this project so far and feel its an important aspect to the brutalist style of architecture I was initially drawn to, and really yearn to re create in a different form.

The sculpture has been a good way of exploring this route, and although doesn't quite have the characteristics I'm after, I now know that creating a physical sculpture, and then capturing it photographically is the process I want to use.

To me capturing something photographically re creates the object again, in a different way, rather than simply presenting a sculpture or object, a camera gives me another chance to re mould it and present it exactly the way I want it to be viewed. Perhaps this is the designer in me, whereas a fine artist may let their work be more open for interpretation, I want to frame and present it in a precise manner.

MAKE SOMETHING 3D

I've been exploring the idea of creating a 3D sculpture which takes the notion of merging type and architecture in a physical form, with the idea of capturing specific crops of the sculptures in an abstract sense, so the viewer isn't sure wether this is actually a piece of architecture or type, or possibly both.

I particularly like the idea of creating a definite physical object that plays with peoples perception. Wether its abstract quality comes form the structure itself or the way in which it's presented I'm not sure. I'd like to create a solution where both contribute to it.

Working alongside so many other students that instinctively work in 3D as a first port of call has really inspired me to work to create a physical object, the notion of working with flat graphics at this stage is very unappealing to me. Although I have no experience in sculpture or moulding of any kind, I'm not bothered or intimidated by this; I feel confident I will be able to create something, to what standard it will be, I do not know, but I don't feel it matters at this stage. I need to go through the process of it and see how I feel about it all then.

OBSESSED

I must have concrete on the brain a little too much as, I had quite a vivid dream where I was looking in awe at a concrete sculpture I had created which played with your perception in an escher style way. I did a quick sketch of roughly what it looked like!  I do really like the idea of creating something like this though.

MERGING WITH STRUCTURES

“Graphic design repeats in miniature what architecture does monumentally.”
 Virginia Grace

BLURRING LINES

I have been considering expanding my current working images to incorporate typographic elements in order to merge the two as a representation of the inherent similarities present in the nature of the theories and working mindset of the two.

I'm also interested in how cultural/art movements are reflected in both arenas. The Bauhaus; stripped back functional buildings, alongside simplified sans serif typefaces. The corporate culture of New York in the 60's paralleled by Helvetica's prolific use. in the 30's when the Empire State Building was erected, a series of tall slim typefaces succeeded it.

My next move is to explore this relationship and parallel existence and interplay between the two.

REBUILDING

I decided to rebuild the bare lines that I reduced my photos down to, in order to create a harsher contrast between the elements of the structure, and create even stronger shapes.

The aesthetics of this style are much more in line with the type of imagery I'm attempting to produce. But where this then goes, I don't know. Visually it's striking, and an interesting interpretation of a large 3d structure, in a 2D format. I feel it captures certain elements of viewing these structures in person as well as I can in this media.

I like the aesthetics of  the images. But they don't really serve any purpose, they're interesting to me, but where are they taking me, what direction does my reaction to them take me? So I like them, but they're monochrome interpretations of buildings, which is a pretty safe bet with me. The process is the key here perhaps. Photography converted to 2D imagery. I feel the 2D imagery needs converting into something else. Something more. Normally, I'd probably stop here, and maybe do a few more, make them into posters, put them with typography or something similar. But I want to make something more of this project, this feels so flat at the moment. Is this how I normally work? Two dimensional graphics, maybe it is.

This unit of work is happening at a rather poignant time for me career development-wise. As I'm reflecting upon all the work I'm doing, and how I work, all that is at the front of my mind is that I don't want to just be another graphic designer, knocking out brochures all day for companies. This frustration is driving me quite a lot on this project, it's manifesting itself in a want for MORE! More what, I don't know.