My rendition resembles the classic Viewmaster and will house a multi-media presentation.
I am creating a 3' x 3' x 3' viewmaster, which will house a flat screen monitor for use as a presentation at the Three Springs Visitor Center.
Clearing space in the studio.
Design Phase.
Final Design Ideas.
The Plan, at least 'on paper' ... will change!
Creating a 'mock 20" monitor' similar to the one that will need to fit inside.
1/4" plywood base for foundation.
Foam core panels (taping wire into edges for strength and flexibility).
Trimming wire ends.
Scoring foam core panels to add flexibility while forming to piece.
Slow bending/forming of wired & scored panels.
Fitting one of the numerous foam core panels into shape.
Taping a panel into place.
Cutting top curved panel.
Rough foundation shape with 'mock monitor' inside to ensure function of piece and viewing angles.
Rough Piece.
Shaping scored and wired foam core 'lid piece'.
Shaping and Taping lid piece into place.
Trim end wires of lid piece.
Sketch in future 'cutout' for lid where the photo/slide disk rendition will appear. Must wait until papier mache surface is in place for stability before cutting out.
Designing Eye Viewing Openings.
Cutting Eye View Openings from foam core.
Eye View Openings.
Shaping and Taping 1/16" foam panels around eye openings.
Adding additional layers of tape to strengthen thin foam panels.
Rough Skeleton Shape as of 8/18/07.
Rough Skeleton Shape as of 8/18/07. More to come.
Rough Attach of Right Eye Piece
Right Eye Piece
Rough Attach of Left Eye Piece
Both Eye Pieces Rough Attached
Adding Detail Around Eye Pieces
Detail
Both Eye Pieces Taped into Place.
Cutting Out Photo Disc
Photo Disc Installed.
Cutting Out Pull Handle
Pull Handle Installed.
Final 'ViewMaster 'Skeleton ready for 3 coats of papier mache, numerous glue baths, gesso undercoat, paint, sealing, packing and shipping.
Tearing cotton sheets into strips. Cloth is a much stronger material to use for a base coat.
Cutting cloth strips into various sizes.
Dipping cloth strips into glue bucket (white glue slightly dilluted with water).
Wringing cloth strips of excess glue.
Letting glued strips set until tacky.
Hand placing glue-dipped cloth strips on critical areas needed for extra support.
First layer of papier mache (tedious and sloppy work).
Mixing 'Scultamold,' a plaster-like material that I will layer on inside for added strength.
Layering 'Sculptamold' on interior.
Hand applying one of dozens of layers of glue for added strength.
Applying final glue baths to upside down piece. Next step is undercoat and then paint after a few days of drying.
Applying first of three coats of 'Gesso,' a chalk like primer which ensures uniform and vibrant color when painted (next step).
Gesso completed. Ready for paint and sealing.
Initial Paint prior to sealing.
Front
Side View, Prior to Sealing.
Signing the work.
4 x 8 sheets of polystyrene for constructing custom shipping crate.
Getting help cutting long sheets of styro for crate.
Applying glue for edges of crate.
Reinforcing Crate Joints while glue sets.
Takes a BIG crate to ship a piece like this.
Packing crate supports. Finish padding, seal it up and off it goes.
On it's way!!!! Hope you like it.
Home sweet home.
