WHAT WE ARE MAKING

WHY WE ARE MAKING IT

By using simple materials, students will use light as their medium to express abstract concepts and words.

Explore how to manipulate light and shadow through simple tools and strategies.

Final Project Expectations

Your prototype will consider factors such as pattern, density, transparency, and dynamism in your compositions.

You will turn the ideas and words from your favourite story-book, poem, movie, games into visual representations using light and shadow.

You will use low-fidelity prototyping materials such as craft/durable paper, translucent/trace paper; colored tissue paper; basic prototyping tools (scissors, xacto knife, tape).

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The design process will include those steps:

THE PROCESS

Pattern Making

Conceptualization

؜You will be creating multiple 2D stencils of your patterns that will come together to form a 3D structure. Explore how different materials react with light, and start building your project

Model Making

A good example of signals are "the launch of chatGPT" or "the fall of the iconic tunnel tree redwood" and good examples of drivers would be "artificial intelligence" or "climate change"

Then, identify signals (glimpses of the future we already see today) and drivers (what made the signal possible)



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3

4

10 min

؜45 min

~1 hr

15 mins

Documentation

Photograph the sculpture both with and without the light source to show the differences in shadow effects. Capture the essence of your project in different frames

Analyze visual styles from your favorite games and movies, focusing on patterns or shapes from elements like architecture, costumes, or landscapes.

Transform recognizable patterns into abstract shapes (circles, squares, triangles) and combine influences from multiple sources to create a unique hybrid design.

ACTIVITY MATERIALS

Cutting Mat

Cardboard

Colored Acetate

Bristol Papers (180g)

Straws

Metal Ruler

Pencil

Markers

Cutting Blade

Masking Tape

Hot Glue Gun

String

Brads

Popsicles and wooden skewers

1st

Start by looking at your favorite games and movies, paying close attention to visual elements. Take notes on specific scenes or characters that stand out to you.

Movies

bold designs of superhero's costume such as Spider-Man’s web pattern or symbols used in Harry Potter.

Cultures

Traditional patterns from various cultures.

Celtic knots, African textiles, or Native American motifs.

Adventure Games

Could be hieroglyphs in 'Uncharted' or the map designs in 'The Legend of Zelda'

2nd

Choose a few recognizable patterns from your gathered inspirations (games, movies, art, nature, architecture).

؜Start sketching the basic shapes you've identified. Now you can start experimenting by combining shapes from different patterns

(Create variations by altering the size, rotation, or arrangement of the shapes.).

Draw up to 9 patterns!

Take a close look at each selected pattern. What shapes do you see? (e.g., circles, lines, zigzags)

Cut out three 3 to 4 squares of cardboard and transfer one pattern per pieces

3.1

Cut out the negative or positive spaces — it’s up to you! Think about which parts of your design you want the light or background to shine through.

If your design uses dots, you can use a pencil, push pin, or hole punch to poke holes in the cardboard. Try varying the size and spacing of the holes to express different emotions. The more creative and thoughtful your cuts are, the more interesting your final light or shadow effect will be

3.2

Vocabulary

1. Negative space = the areas around your shapes — cut these out to leave your design showing.
2. Positive space = your actual shapes — cut these out if you want them to "glow" or show up when lit.

3.2

Do a quick testing with a flashlight for each piece to see the results!

3.3

Assemble your stencils !

1. Stacked Layers: One stencil on top of another to create a deep, complex light or shadow effect.
2. Side-by-Side: Arrange them like a triptych (three-panel artwork) to show a beginning, middle, and end.
3. Hanging Display: Suspend each square with string so they move gently in the air — a mobile of emotions!
4. Triangle Form: Connect your three stencil panels at the edges to create a standing triangular shape (like a tower or lamp).
5. Spiral or Maze: Arrange your stencil panels in a spiral or zig-zag pattern, creating a path the eye can follow.

3.4

Adding Transparency & Colors

Here are some options:

1. Transparency: Tape or glue thin materials (like tracing paper, colored plastic, or tissue paper) behind your stencil cutouts.
2. Add Colors: Think about your emotion or word (Anger = red/orange, calm = blue, confusion = mixed or chaotic colors...)
3. Experiment with Layering: Try overlapping different transparent colors to see what new shades or moods you create when light passes through.
4. Texture Additions: You can also add fabric scraps, mesh, or cellophane

As you are working, test with a light source:

1. Shine light through your stencil again — do the colors create interesting shadows or glowing effects?

3.4

Add a Light Source:

Place a light behind or inside your stencil structure.

1. Use your phone flashlight
2. Use a small LED (can be battery powered or wired to a coin cell)

Test Different Lighting Angles: Try lighting it from the front, back, underneath, or inside — each one will create different effects with shadows and colors.

4.1

Test in both a light space and dark space

Take Photos or Videos:

1. Capture your sculpture in the dark to show off the glowing colors and shadows.
2. Take photos from multiple angles — above, side, through the stencil.
3. Try a video showing how light moves or how the shadow changes.

4.2

Create a short presentation ! (optional)

1. Slide 1: Inspiration (Patterns) Showcase the sources of inspiration, add images or examples of patterns and shapes.
2. Slide 2: Sketch of the Patterns + Abstraction Display sketches of the identified patterns along with explanations of how they were abstracted into simpler shapes.
3. Slide 3: 2D Cut-Out Cardboard Photos of the cut-out process and the 2D shapes created, highlighting layers and negative space.
4. Slide 4: 3D Sculpture Assembled Photos of the completed 3D sculpture from different angles.
5. Slide 5:Object in the Dark Photos of the illuminated sculpture in a dark setting, showcasing the intricate shadows and patterns.

Deliverables

END OF CHALLENGE!