The concept focus was to create an object that extends, obscures, or alters the normal proportions of the human body allowing that part to take on a new ability, or different characteristic.
Since I was a boy I have always been fascinated by the concept of flight. I was inspired by the level of care and detail the Wright Brothers used in the construction of their first aircraft. I also appreciated the naturalistic look of their construction materials.
I wanted to incorporate those inspirations into a streamlined and simplistic, yet elegant and modern design.
Originally, I planned to create pieces that would engulf the whole body. However, I quickly realized that I was in over my head so I scaled back and decided to focus on just wings.
I used 7/8" Flat Basket Reed for the main armature. Before this project I had never worked with reed so I made a trip down to NC Basket Works and met with Suzanne Moore who shared with me a little bit about reed, her process, and the art of basket making. While basketry was not my focus I found that much of her construction knowledge was very transferable.
I began by soaking the reed in warm water then building supports fitted to each section of my arm.
I modeled my design after the natural airfoil shape of a wing when seen in cross-section.
I used two long sections of reed to create the wings leading edge and a frame around the three airfoils. These two pieces hold each airfoil in place while adding rigidity and strength to the armature.
Upon completion of the left wing I duplicated the process by making three more airfoils to fit my right arm. I brought the two long reeds across my back to create an overall support structure that would tie the two wings together and allow flexibility and movement for the user.
Outdoor Photos: Israel Edwards
I purchased a couple yards of a sheer, textured fabric (white and off-white). To work out fabrication issues, I made a small model and covered it with off-white fabric.
I adhered the fabric within the outside edge of the reed, then covered the seems with a final layer of reed to hide the fabric edge and prevent fraying. I also discovered that the white versus off-white would provide better contrast for the final piece so I went with that.
Photo (above, left, right): Melanie O'Neal
