As I gathered found objects in my living space and on walks outdoors, I began to consider what would make suitable objects with exciting patterns and textures. I considered doing rubbings of all my favorite earrings. Although not impossible, it proved to be quite tedious to secure a small object and attempt to capture all the intricate details on its high-volume surface.
All week I was using graphite pencils for my initial experiments as I was frantically looking for my classic box of Prismacolor pencils. Finally, I looked in the right dusty corner and uncovered the long lost treasure, accompanying this special find was some surprise booty. I happened to come across old laser etching samples I used while teaching last year. Inspiration struck as I realized these low relief surfaces were perfect for using the frottage technique.
The first rubbing is a replica of the Tokyo manhole cover design. While traveling I enjoy observing the everyday objects and features that blend into an urban landscape. Manhole covers are one of my favorite elements to notice when biking down a city street or taking the first steps in a new country. Each place has their own unique designs and exciting aesthetic.
The rubbings were done on Gampi paper. Gampi is delicate and worked very well in capturing every bit of detail in the process.
Much of my work is articulated though digital means. From a photographed image, to rasterized object in a vector-based program, to a physical gadget and then returning to a two-dimensional surface, the image itself has taken on a new life in its “final” stage. I am continuing to search for new ways to continue evolving this process and the imagery associated.
Let me know if you have any ideas! Please comment and share :)
Composition using multiple laser etched surfaces.
Testing other leaves and other surfaces.
Color tests.
Initial tests using jewelry pieces and graphite pencil.