SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 | II. Computer-Controlled Cutting

During production, I encountered many moments of discovery fixed with trial and error. Ironically, within this space, I find myself most comfortable as it is here where art happens.

I am a beginner at computer-aided cutting with no prior experience in laser and vinyl cutting. Hence, I decided to focus my inquires on aesthetics, form, balance, connections in art history, and experimentation rather than functionality.

I created a simple geometric structure that can be assembled and disassembled in multiple ways, a cybernetic structure that functions as a sculptural piece made simply for "art's sake."

I laser-cut chamfer joint vectors, designed in Fusion, on flat sheets of cardboard. Utilizing joint binding techniques, I applied depth within a geometric structure that employed varied elements of concretism in early modern art.

In my exploration, I was able to draw many connections between the simple geometric form I created and modern/contemporary works in concretism. My structure harked on similar elements explored through abstraction in the works of Piet Mondrain, Friedrich Vordemberge-Gilderwart, Barabara Hepworth, and Antony Gormley, among others. Each artist created pockets of space that transported the viewer to a realm of contemplation and sublime through abstraction, lines, and flat planes of color. The sole objective within concrete paintings and sculptures was to create "a visible and tangible form in things which did not previously exist--to represent abstract thoughts in a sensuous and tangible form," said Max Bill, Swiss architect and artist known for concretism, constructivism, and expressionism. Although American Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, is not considered a concrete artist, I find many parallels between his works and the paintings and sculptures of concrete artists.

When looking at my assignment, I am immediately reminded of these connections. I am also interested in how computer-aided systems, mathematics, and technology, can further inform concrete works of art. The distance between the artist's hand and material is an element that interests me regarding this process and methodology.