Nellie Peoples Studio

2013-06-16

After a certain amount of experimentation it was time to stop and see what had been created. As each experiment was a reflection of the last, a clear path of thought could be seen. To display this to others an object mind map was created.

I grouped together the experiments which under went the same process. The names of the groups were loosely based on the action action/process taken on the ring. From that title/word I then began to explore what the rings evoked. For each series there was a list of 10-15 words which could describe the objects to one degree or another.

This process helped me clarify what I was trying to evoke though each series with in the collection.

From this point I will chose a few of the rings that work best from within the group, and explore further into the form.

2013-06-07

The experimentation has begun! The is a large process of sketching, modelling in wax, changing variables and continuous play. Each new ring is a reflection on the last.

2013-06-03

There have been further investigations into different mould making techniques. The new moulds are still silicone based, but there is no heat produced in its fabrication. This allows for moulds to be created from ring shanks which are plastic and nylon based, such as 3D printed designs.

The mould above is made from pinkysil. A relatively low tech process, just mixing two parts and allowing to set. This process gives more control on how the mould is designed. Instead of cutting apart the two halves of the mould, it is possible to create points which register within the mould itself.

With the use of pinkysil, all the moulds have been created for the bank of forms. The wax casting process has been continuos to allow for enough rings for experimentation to begin.

2013-05-21

Wax casts for the bank of forms are beginning to build up.

Whilst creating the first couple of casts, the main focus was on the silicone moulds rather that the ring forms. From the first use of the mould, the issues can be seen. If the is not enough give with in the silicone, to release the wax without too much distortion.

If there is distortion, but not from the mould, then the pressure, temperature and time have to be adjusted until the optimum settings are found for the wax injector.

There is a lot of trial and error…

2013-05-20

I have been hard at work creating a silicone mould for each of the designs for the banks forms. Like the Cross Rings, once the mould is created it then has to be cut open along the ring shank. The smaller the ring form, the hards to get a nice clean cut to reveal the form. But here they all are.

2013-05-15

The concept of conceal/revealed, the viewer slowly uncovers what the ring has to offer.

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Whilst attempting the construction of the “distant” ring, I began to play with the form. Investigating the triangle sections at different angles and what new forms can be created with multiple separate rings. The idea that two shapes coming together to create a new shape in form.

This ring above came about by the want for the viewer to investigate the form further than the first glance. To the casual onlooker, the ring seems to be constructed out of square wire. Once the ring is picked up or held the viewer will come to the realisation that there is more to the ring beyond the first cold touch.

2013-05-14

Through the process building the bank of ring forms, a few design and construction issues have arisen. The main issue, which has come to light, is the triangular section (with the apex facing toward the wearer).

Due to the inherent shape of the design the form has to be shaped in two parts. One face is cut whilst still attached to the rod and the other when the form has been parted from the rod. There were also the limitation of the collet on the lathe being used, a delrin collar was created.

The issues arose when shaping the face once the form was in the collar. The heat created once the ring shank was being turned was enough to soften the delrin. This “softening” allowed the ring to be push into the collar once enough force was place on the form when cutting.

Even without the form reaching its full potential, the effect the form has can be seen. The ring stands back and away from the wear. Evoking a feeling of distance, remoteness and detachment.

There will be further investigation of variations of this form and further experimentation into construction methods.

2013-05-09

After building up the bank of forms, the next step was to tin solder the “funnel” to the ring shanks. This allow for the forms to be casting friendly. By adding the sprue in the beginning it lessens effort later on in the process.

The ring forms are now ready to have their mould created. Like the Cross Rings, the moulds will be created out of silicon using the Vulcaniser.

2013-05-08

This past week I have been in Melbourne for one of the largest design festival in the world, AGIdeas 2013. It brings together 40 designers, artist and creators whose practice has pushed the boundaries and excelled in their creative fields.

I attended the three day conference which is attached to the design festival. I was luck enough to be short listed in the AGIdeas NewStar competition. Above is an image of my work being shown during the conference.