Materials to play with light
The materials with which the students will build the sculpture should be easily accessible throughout the entire workshop. The materials should also be divided physically into the categories listed below so as to encourage an initial consideration of the behaviors of different materials in relation to light.
- A set of salvaged materials that create shadows or patterns, for example: graters, strainers, baskets, grids, and nets of any kind;
- A set of light-coloring materials, for example: colorful soap bottles, plastic bottles and containers, colorful notebook covers;
- A set of salvaged materials that create light reflections, for example: mirrors, sequin fabrics, mylar , silver paper, reflective sticky paper.
Image: materials to be used for the light sculptures
Materials to create the collective installation
Each pair of students or small group of students participating to the workshop should have:
- a cardboard box (size: about 40x40x60 cm) to be opened on the two larger sides, one of which is covered with a translucent sheet (tracing paper);
- an adjustable clamp lamp;
- Translucent paper to build the screen. We have often used baking paper, but recently we have been using tracing paper, which is much easier to fix and more durable though less economical.
- Other useful tools: hot glue gun and hot glue, wire cutter, hacksaw, scissors, utility knife, paper tape
To make the sculptures kinectic, building a moving installation, each pair of students or small group of students should have:
- a DC electric motor with a reduction with about 4-6 revolutions per minute (gear motor);
- battery holders and batteries suitable for powering the motor. Motors powered between 3 and 6 V, 2-stylus (AA) battery holders are fine;
- alligator cables (2 per box).
NOTE: In case the motors are difficult to find, it is possible to recycle electonic toys. It is also possible to move the objects through sticks and simple mechanisms, as in a shadow teather.
Image: motors to be used in the artistic installation