1. Inspiration
Pandemic:
During the pandemic, my father planted around 20 different types of flowers in our garden. In Dec 2020 I noticed that 3 of the plants were all tangled up and weak. I tied thread to individual branches of each plant and hung them up. In January 2021, all three plants bloomed one flower each. Amusingly, each flower consisted of several red petals, but only one white petal. It felt as if they were trying to say something.
Idea:
I built this interactive light and metal sculpture, commemorating and externalizing this story for myself. Reflecting on my urge to help, as well as, my own inability to ask for help. Working without any consideration to the fruit. My father, who planted these flowers, who seldom asks for help.
2. Laser-cutting & Moulding
Laser Cutting:
I laser cut petals out of a 20 gauge metal sheet and individually hammered them into the shape of petals.
Wooden Petal:
I cut a piece of scrap wood the same size as the metal petals and grinded it into the shape of a petal.
Welding Base:
I bent metal wire into circles and welded them all together to create a base for welding the petals.
3. Welding & Base
Welding:
Arranged the petals on a foam block to prototype the welding arrangement and then welded the petals on to the base.
Stand:
Used band Saw to cut a circle out of a scrap wooden block, sanded and installed electrical circuit to build a stand for the flower.
4. Interactivity & Installation
Initially it simply operated with the switch on the stand turning it on and off.
Aging:
I got rid of the stand, as it made it feel too industrial, and left the flower out for months to age it naturally, puring vinegar occasionally to aid the rusting process.
Interactivity:
Designed a voice-triggered interactive installation with help of Philips Hue Bridge system, and Touchdesigner. It was installed at "The Space We Have" grad exhibition at Media Annex in Nov, 2023.
Tools Practiced...
Laser Cutting
Welding
Touchdesigner
Autodesk Fusion 360
Credits...
Harshal Pilania, Concept / Welding / Plasma CNC / Interactivity / Touchdesigner
Samuel Blanchard, Digital Frabrication Professor
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