Hermann is a black forest inspired modular lettering project, that moves form through multiple weights by simply adding or subtracting like elements. The sculpture below creates 8 different weights touring regular, multiple levels of condensed, extended and bold. Functionally the structure operates through dual horizontal and vertical tracking systems that accommodate varying combinations of leaves (much like a dinning room table). It's physical form is inspired by owls, cuckoo clocks and my grandfather Hermann, a man of great strength and vast ability.
Much thanks to the
Rebuilding Exchange for supplying the reclaimed building materials and tools for this project.
This project took place during
Firebelly Design's
Camp Firebelly where we closes the studio's doors to clients and host ten young designers for ten days. They are all given blow-up mattresses, gourmet meals, clients, varying projects and next to no sleep. For this project we teamed the designers up with the
Rebuilding Exchange to build a the next iteration of the 15 person installation for
You Are Beautiful's 10th anniversary exhibit. Thankfully 15 people were needed, so the
Firebelly team got to join in on the build.
Hermann shown in it's regular weight.
By adding two horizontal leaves Hermann is set in a condensed form.
When vertical leaves are snapped into place Hermann sets to the extended version.
When set in the regular weight the "O" is 40" tall by 30" wide. Leaves are added by sliding out the exterior pieces and snapping leaves into place.
Set with both horizontal and vertical leaves Hermann demonstrates it's bold weight.
All of the materials used in creating Herman were from the Rebuilding Exchange, Chicago's premier retail market place for reclaimed building materials.
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