matanuki

This last week I’ve been working on the subframe that will support the surfaces of the sculpture.  I’m almost done, just need to bolt some of the pieces together and I’ll be ready to tackle the projection surface.

I decided to use 3/4 inch square dowel for the frame, as it is easy for a novice to manipulate and provides rigidity without excessive weight.  After measuring and cutting the wood with a handsaw to ensure precision (my jigsaw sucks), I assembled the pieces with standard hardware and steel brackets, using a generic sealant to reinforce the joints.

To join the sections together, I cut and drilled a 1/16 inch steel plate, and will bolt the support arms to it for the final assembly.  It all feels very medieval right now, like I’m building a catapult in my basement.

I haven’t weighed it all out yet, but I’m hoping the hardware won’t make the entire thing too heavy to hang.  On paper the measurements seemed banal, but at 60 inches across and over 30 inches deep, it’s going to be pretty stunning.  I still haven’t decided exactly how to execute the surface material, but hopefully I can meet with the professor of the fibers/papermaking department and see what she thinks.

Here are two more crappy images of the axle, near and far.  Stay tuned.