Project #2: Mapping

Abstract:
For this project, I intend to recreate nature’s way of mapping energy, the Lichtenberg figure. I would like to recreate this figure on a large scale. It will be primarily composed of aluminum foil with a wire base for some level of stability. The sculpture will cascade down from the ceiling and spread out in different directions the further down. This will involve a great deal of aluminum foil because there will be many branches reaching out from the base.

Intended Materials:

• Aluminum Foil (# of feet TBD)
• Floral Wire
• Needle-Nose Pliers
• Wire Cutters
• Fishing or Hanging Wire
  

Project Timeline:

• Monday February 13th-Blog Update, get proposal approval, class presentations, possibly begin building frame
• Wednesday February 15th-Continue on working on frame, begin adding aluminum foil
  • Blog update
• Monday February 20th-Class Presentations, build layers of aluminum foil
  • Blog update
• Wednesday February 22nd-Reading Response #1 due, build layers of foil, possibly prepare for hanging
• Monday February 27th-Critique, Blog Update                                                                       
  

Relevance:
The Lictenberg Figure is nature’s way of mapping energy. They are believed to map the characteristics of positive and negative electric “fluids”. Similar structures can be seen in tree branches and veins. The most common example used with the figure, however is lightning. I chose aluminum foil as the chosen medium because it has reflective properties and “flashiness” much like lightning.  I would also like to incorporate it with my on-going series featuring Kentucky subjects. The Reynold’s Metals company was founded in Louisville,KY in 1919. In my own abstract work, I tend to use the image of the figure as a basis, because it provides a pathway for work to branch off from. I would like to see this image revealed on a larger scale giving a visual metaphor for the energy paves naturally in a controlled and safe environment.

Research Sources:
"Lichtenberg figure." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Web. 08 Feb. 2017.              <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichtenberg_figure>.
"Reynolds Group Holdings." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Web. 08 Feb. 2017.              <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_Group_Holdings>.
"What are Lichtenberg Figures, and How Are They Made?" Captured Lightning, Web. 08 Feb. 2017.              <http://www.capturedlightning.com/frames/lichtenbergs.html>.

Sketch of project idea (c)2017