The Heads

May 08, 2021 in Final Major Project

The concept of creating a 3D model of my head I found fascinating. I liked the fact that I could photograph a physical object using natural light. I also liked that I was moving away from a flat image which photography is usually about. In my working life in Architecture, I was trained to think in three dimensions and felt comfortable pursuing the idea. The finished results, I believe, were successful, it tied in with the narrative of my memories and particularly my Mother’s presence. I always envisaged the heads to be shown in an exhibition environment, and the viewer can walk around the objects. However, I have found it difficult to incorporate the images in my FMP and fit in with the archive images. I have decided to include them at the end of my work as part of the exhibition.

Model of my head with my Fathers face superimposed

3D Modeling

January 05, 2021 in Final Major Project

My previous work concentrated on archive photographs and images, so I decided it would be interesting to introduce a third dimension. To bring the characters in the narrative alive and to exact my memories on them.

I decided to explore the production of 3D images using a more refined approach from the Paper mache. I had created 3D architectural models in my previous profession and practised in using 3D software. This idea stemmed from a conversation with Wendy, who liked my approach in implementing Photoshop to add a more sophisticated finish to my models. To this end, I purchased a 3D printer

3D printers are not yet consumer-friendly, and it is a steep learning curve to produce anything useable. Despite all the instruction videos on YouTube, I've found trial and error the best learning tool, and fortunately, the material costs are comparatively low

To create the models, I am using software called Blender, it is open-source yet very capable. I use a plugin called Facebuilder, which forms a mesh which, when manipulated around a photograph, creates a 3D model. The accuracy improves the more pictures available of the person, but it can still work from one image with some creativity. I have created heads of my Mother, sibling and myself sofar.

I am printing the models in a white PLA filament as this provides the best options if I wish to paint or colour the masks. Also, I will try and project images on to the models and have purchased a small digital projector. I aim to build a large mask of myself and use pictures of my family projected onto it. The final work will be photographed or videoed, depending on how I want to display it.

Analysing the mask

November 29, 2020 in Final Major Project

I had an idea to reassess what a mask is and what it does. I started by dividing the face in to different zones, my idea was to cut these zones and mount them on a base to create a 3D effect. I liked the idea of rotating the masks until they formed the face. I did a rough model using wooden dowel with the picture mounted on board and a base mask to fix to. It’s proving very difficult and Im not sure if it’s possible other than using a computer generated model. I will chat with Wendy in my next meeting to see if its worth pursuing. If the concept worked it would be a good way of transferring the still image to video to display in a gallery.