Intention:

This year, I am residing in my fraternity house. The Lambda Phi Epsilon House has been decorated with furnitures and projects done by brothers. For example, our current table was built by an alumni that graduated 10 years ago. I found the whole idea of leaving legacy appealing, as well as being able to fill up the house with works by brothers.

However, when we recently moved houses, there were miscommunications and resulted in the loss of many projects that were handed down from our alumnis. Therefore, with this project, I want to start refilling the house with new items.

Research & Context

Dragons have always been Lambda’s mascot. Naturally, I gravitated to making a clock that featured our mascot, as well as our color of blue. I also wanted to make sure that the clock would fit the rest of the space, rather than appearing out of out place. I planned to do so by using wood as material to fit in with rest of the default wooden furnitures.

Sketch

Aesthetic & Inspiration

The image was inspired by the traditional arts of dragons visioned by Asians. The dragons have long bodies that wrap around the clouds and sky. I personally really enjoy the clean flat look the laser cutter offers, especially on acrylic. Through these two notions, I wanted to put some factors that made it look like the dragon was not fully behind the clock, but also wrapping around it.

Process & Procedure

While I had used laser cutters before, my study department always had a helper who would cut the project for you if you brought work. I knew how to cut from the previous laptop holder project. However, due engraving and scorching were new for me. I continuously failed to get the results I wanted. Like shown in the photo, I often burnt the wood and left unpleasant black marks near the cuts and accidentally cut instead of scorching. The worst mistake I made was engraving the whole inside of the clock instead of just the text, making the whole wood black.

Two Renderings

Five semi-pro photos

Reflection

The biggest take was definitely learning how to cut on my own. I am able to scorch and engrave successfully, and able to somewhat correctly estimate the right amount of speed and power to make clean marks. If I could redo the project or even further revamp it, I would consider changing the wood used for the clock. The wood seems to be too bright compared to the background. I wish I could’ve further corroborated the aspect of wrapping around the clock by having the dragon be more ‘crazier’. Perhaps I could have some of the body go over the clock as well. Overall, the project was definitely difficult for me, but I enjoyed learning new skills.