This project encompasses the designing an object from flat pieces in 2D space and effectively “print” and construct it as a laser cut plywood model. My spirit animal was expressed as an octopus because of its adaptable, curious, clingy, colorful, and flexible abilities. As a person, I like to let my personality shine through, and allow myself to fit into any environment I choose, without letting crowded spaces or stressful situations overwhelm me. I merely go with the flow. I cling to the people, things, and hobbies I love, and avoid those who may threaten my personal value.

 

My main tool was Rhinoceros 4.0. After first drawing the pieces on paper, I scanned them into Rhino and traced them with the vector tool, similar to the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. The challenge I loved most when designing the Octopus was to take organic shapes, make them structured, but allow for lots of visual movement.

 

Each instruction is color coded for the computer to process before final printing. While in Rhinoceros, I generated 3D test assembly by extruding planes the exact width of the plywood, cutting them out, and fitting them together. This step was the most challenging part of the process, because I needed to adjust the measurements thoroughly in order to make sure that all the pieces corresponded correctly. Upon printing, the pieces were snug and needed some stern reassurance, and the final Octopus came out exactly as I designed it. With the weight of his head supported by its two back legs, the sculpture allowed for lots of complexity in the rest of its limbs, and could be rearranged in multiple different ways without throwing off his center of balance. Furthermore, the design well establishes the illusion of the natural physics and flexibility of his head.