Paper and felt prototypes for laser-cutting our camera.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Scan-Cut-Print Material Sourcing
We're currently considering creating a pinhole camera out of felt for the laser-cutting portion of Scan-Cut-Print. There are so many connotations to and associations with the camera that we have a lot of options in terms of our direction. The holga style of camera is sometimes considered a toy camera, and it's appeal is certainly in its nostalgic feel and easy-to-use playfulness. It's not about getting the clearest image or best close-up, but about observing your surroundings and having fun. By creating a felt camera we're taking this idea of a grown-up "toy" camera even further, and farther still by making it a pinhole camera.
One of the challenges we're facing is how to laser cut the object without letting light leak in. Thick felt should be fine for the most part, but not at the seams. While working out the kinks of this issue we still need to start ordering materials.
Fitz felt offers a range of thickness and lots of neat colors.
One of the challenges we're facing is how to laser cut the object without letting light leak in. Thick felt should be fine for the most part, but not at the seams. While working out the kinks of this issue we still need to start ordering materials.
Fitz felt offers a range of thickness and lots of neat colors.
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Aesthetics of Object Design
"Crafty" is practically a dirty word in critiques, and yet "craftsmanship" is positive. We worship anything white, streamlined, and simple.
And objects that exemplify that streamlined aesthetic are certainly beautiful. And I can't deny that kitschy objects made of yarn and hooks made of branches have started to repulse me, even with my deeply "crafty" roots.
But are we losing something with our beautiful, starkly white countertops, containers, and clocks? It seems a bit too easy. You can powdercoat almost anything white and suddenly it looks like it belongs on a Scandinavian design site.
I don't know if this is bad. I'm just putting it out there for consideration.
Muuto's Crushed Bowl
And objects that exemplify that streamlined aesthetic are certainly beautiful. And I can't deny that kitschy objects made of yarn and hooks made of branches have started to repulse me, even with my deeply "crafty" roots.
But are we losing something with our beautiful, starkly white countertops, containers, and clocks? It seems a bit too easy. You can powdercoat almost anything white and suddenly it looks like it belongs on a Scandinavian design site.
I don't know if this is bad. I'm just putting it out there for consideration.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Scan-Cut-Print Design Research and Sketches
"Cameras" built from cardboard:
History of the Holga (from microsites.lomography.com)
Varieties of Holgas:
Holga Sketches:
History of the Holga (from microsites.lomography.com)
THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES
Hong Kong 1982. The manufacturing and production hub of the world is burning at a full flame. As with their neighbors in Japan and China, photography is an intense national hobby and obsession. New camera designs and productions are churned out daily, feeding the huge domestic and import markets. From within this world of manic creation and innovation comes the Holga, a distinctly un-modern and somewhat prehistoric throwback to the early days of camera mechanics.
The concept is simple - a minimal and inexpensive camera using medium format 120 film. It would contain only the bare necessities for photo mechanisms, and provide a cheap and accessible alternative for students and enthusiasts to dip their toes into the otherwise very expensive world of medium format photography. Reflecting the shining landscape around them, this new camera is named after the term "ho gwong," meaning "very bright." After throwing a European spin onto this phrase, the moniker "HOLGA" is minted. This dead simple camera is met with a warm welcome, establishing a strong yet small base of Holga aficionados. Birth, death, celebration, ritual, and everything in-between is caught on lo-fi medium-format emulsions - amplified and focused through the plastic lens of this bare bones, oversized camera.
The concept is simple - a minimal and inexpensive camera using medium format 120 film. It would contain only the bare necessities for photo mechanisms, and provide a cheap and accessible alternative for students and enthusiasts to dip their toes into the otherwise very expensive world of medium format photography. Reflecting the shining landscape around them, this new camera is named after the term "ho gwong," meaning "very bright." After throwing a European spin onto this phrase, the moniker "HOLGA" is minted. This dead simple camera is met with a warm welcome, establishing a strong yet small base of Holga aficionados. Birth, death, celebration, ritual, and everything in-between is caught on lo-fi medium-format emulsions - amplified and focused through the plastic lens of this bare bones, oversized camera.
Holga Photos:
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