CR 2
\Describe a moment and analyze: “Write about a single experience or moment, and ask: how does this moment, experience, or encounter relate to my essential question?”
- You can also compare it with learning experiences you have had elsewhere, whether in or out of a classroom, at LREI or elsewhere.
In making my outline for my board I failed to create the shape that I had in mind. I made a tiny version and using calculations I tried to scale it to the true size. But the curve of the board cannot be simplified to mathematical calculations, at least I cannot do that. So I had to try to remake the shape with the influence of the few calculations and with the influence of the small shape. This attempt ‘failed’, creating a new shape, but I had some creative contribution to this shape. My idea of what I wanted my board to look like changed a little as the process moved on. In taking a step back and looking at the board I was able to think about how I can reintegrate my initial idea while working with what I have in front of me to create some sort of collaboration between the two shapes. I am currently still working on this, but what I am learning is to be flexible and remain spontaneous during the design process.
Luke, I think you are right about the value of flexibility and spontaneity; they will help your to see what from one perspective might seem like a mistake as a new creative opportunity. You are also correct that some aspects of scaling especially where curves are involved can require complicated mathematics. At the same time, and this been recognized by craftspeople for many thousands of years, a template can be really helpful in this process. Creating the template out of simple and easy to work with materials like paper or cardboard can allow you to “feel” your way into the desired design. This also creates some freedom to experiment especially when you have limited stock of the actual material that you plan to use. In a way, this allows you to measure multiple times before you need to make any actual “cuts” into the material. So there are two main takeaways here: 1) see mistakes as opportunities for new learning and new design and 2) play with then design idea using low-resolution materials so that you really can explore and iterate on design ideas.