Clock Box

Intention

The goal of this project was to explore the materials and methods of laser cutting to create a 3 dimensional form that articulated time. My original hope was to explore the concept and aesthetic of a laser cut light box by casting the shadow of the clock hands onto a piece of vellum. As the project approached I realized backlighting the clock hands was going to be a very difficult task. So I went to plan B: create a box that cleanly integrated the clock mechanism into laser cut layers.

Sketch

Research & Context

I researched and found artists who created light boxes -- this was the inspiration for my project. Unfortunately I had to simplify in the end.

Aesthetic & Inspiration

See above. I was really trying to just explore the material on this project so the basic form of a laser cut light box was the original inspiration.

Process & Procedure

1) I sketched the original form until I felt I could create a Fusion 360 model easily

2) Fusion 360 modeling

3) Cut back project and take out light aspect

4) Re-model the clock holder piece -- DXF files made for this

5) Cut all components for clock holder assembly

6) model an assembly to go around the clock holder -- DXF and things made

7) Cut all components for the new piece of the model 

8) Construct and clean laser cuts

Two Renderings

[Two renderings on complete project styled with finished background, lighting, positioning, reflection]

Five semi-pro photos

See end for photos.

Reflection

My goal was to mimic the aesthetic of a laser cut light box. Much of my time researching was spent finding images of the form of a light box. Unfortunately I didn't see much fruit to this labor, but I was able to learn more about jointing materials together using Fusion. My hope is that in future projects I can be pragmatic from the beginning.