👥 : Prashanthi Balachander (Bala), Ava Sheperd, Jacob Tomes, Ella Wilson

🗓 : November 25 - December 2, 2021

At last, we have begun our final project of the semester. Our brief was to design an experience that materializes the cultural and emotional characteristics of paper. To dive deeper into the qualities of the paper, we decided to conduct separate research topics we found most appealing. During my research, I reflected on my experience with paper and how it held pieces of old memories and affirmations. I was particularly interested in how paper can possess emotional qualities and evoke sentimental responses.

After our initial meeting, we went into our tutorials with John to focus on one point. We ultimately settled on the physical properties of paper and explored its various layers and materials while applying optical illusions. We divided up different tasks: Ella with the research remotely, myself and Ava on designing the production of paper, and Bala and Jacob with the properties of paper, and worked collectively on research and design when needed.

When developing the layers of paper, we initially wanted to explore paper at a microscopic level. We created a model but had difficulty creating an experience from the model. After some discussion, we decided to solely focus on how paper is created and its properties. After conducting an artefact analysis on the composition of paper, I discovered that wood pulp and water are the main ingredients to make paper (www.idahoforests.org, 2021). We also wanted to explore recyclable materials, such as cotton and scrap strips of paper and how these can be recycled as brand-new paper.

I had an idea to hang and glue the materials separately using two sticks, so volunteers can look at paper from a different perspective. My original idea was for the installation to look like paper when all materials were viewed and combined all together, inspired by perceptual art. This concept, unfortunately, did not work, so we decided to focus on splitting the properties, which was an influence from Damien Hirst’s Shark artwork.

We also explored the feeling of being blinded due to the whiteness of paper. This concept was inspired by Kurlansky, and the brief connection between reflectivity and white paper (Kurlansky, 2017). Cantavalle’s article also mentioned the use of whitening agents like bleach to create paper’s white surface.

Jacob created a quick foam board prototype and experimented with the field of vision. He created a bigger version, which we preferred as it presented a more immersive experience when wearing it. Bala experimented with a different immersive approach and created goggles out of Styrofoam and cardboard to create the same experience. Both prototypes were covered with white tracing paper and LED lights to elevate the blinding experience.

We had a quick bodystorming session to understand people’s interpretation of the prototype. This was one of my favourite research methods, as it fostered creativity and quirkiness, facilitating the experimental process.

John and the class loved the overall presentation and concept. They enjoyed the different prototype forms, and how they simulated situations like being on a plane and snow. They suggested making the prototypes portable instead of having the lights plugged in the wall and constructing various head shapes to experiment with the effects of paper blindness on varying participants.

Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to fully showcase the concept to the class as our installation fell apart. We were hoping to improve the installation on a bigger scale by combining both concepts together. It was a lesson learned to be mindful of the materials used and to have a contingency plan. Overall, this was a great learning experience, and I look forward to further developing the concept!

Resources

www.idahoforests.org. (2021). How Paper Is Made · Idaho Forests Products Commission. [online] Available at: https://www.idahoforests.org/content-item/how-paper-is-made-2/.

Kurlansky, M. (2017). Paper: paging through history. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.