This semester I am taking Residential Studio. It's my introduction to - what else? - residential projects. My first design is a gallery / loft space created to accommodate two body (life) cast artists. (We had to design around a particular "art maker.") The artists I've chosen as inspiration are Alex Lord & Kelly Tracy. Please go to their websites to learn more!
With the design challenge presented, I had immediately thought of the body casting. I'd seen Alex Lord's work during a First Friday's musuem excursion. I actually got to meet him and have him explain his process to me. What is most intriguing about his art is that he uses a variety of textures and these beautiful finishes created with metallic and pearl auto-body paint. It's what many in Houston (my hometown) call "candy paint" - inspired by the glisten of a candy apple or jolly rancher. Alex was even kind enough to respond to my emails & Facebook-pestering on what he would envision in a loft-style gallery space (many thanks!).
As I searched for a second artist, I wanted to find artistry that was created in a variety of sizes. I already had a vision as to how I might present Alex's work, but his dimensions are pretty sizable (2x4 approximately per each piece). Though I found a few others, I adore the work of Kelly Tracy. His work is also very beautiful. His art includes a plethora of finishes - some metallic, but many that reflect a marbled or textured - and sizes. What inspired me most about him is that he is actually a 3rd-generation aircraft molder and fabricator. Obviously, his art is something that is truly important to him and apart of who he is...it's hard not to admire that.
Our first few deliverables were to begin working on our design concept and some intial sketches, exploring various ideas in parti, and to create a research board. As I mentioned, I'd contacted Alex. Great minds think alike, because both thought of the brick flooring and exposed conduits. Alex also gave me some great ideas on flooring suggestions as well as lighting. Unfortunately, we are having to work with 10'-6" ceilings...not exactly a "lofty" height, but I will make it work!
Parti (with my 2 favorite designs)
As my professor describes it, "Through parti, diagram and design concept, there is an effort to formulate, organize the idea, and to use it as a guiding direction." The first photo displays the 8 sketches I thought of - all of them represent some portion, or inspiration, of the body and its curves. The first is a torso, followed by a full-body form, curved female form, two legs, curves, face, thigh and leg, and pregnant female form. My favorites are that of a curved female form (inspired by one of Alex Lord's pieces, Ali in Tangerine Candy) and the curves.
Our first board due contained our research. I researched the history of body, or life, casting and traced it back to ancient Roman and Egyptian times. Additionally, I included the process of body casting and some of the pieces of art from both artists (works & photos cited).
More to come...
Alicia! wow! So this is totally foreign to me, but I look forward to learning more about it and watching you create!
ReplyDeleteWow, Alicia! This is very cool! Like Carolyn said, it's all new to me as well, but I love having a glimpse into your world! I look forward to look back at your other works and seeing what you have in store as well! So proud of you! :)
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