I havn't posted for a couple weeks, but that's because I felt I havn't made any significant progress. I met with our professors and GSIs before break, and Shaun said something to me that I totally forgot. In his usual tone, "Collin, I'm getting frustrated with you. I am a fan of your work, but I feel that you are falling into this trap that many great artists do: it's the trap of getting stuck on idea for way too long."
I decided break was a great time to step back, and see what my project really was about. I got the idea of looking at a table from multiple directions from a fairly ugly piece I stumbled upon. I realized that it looked like a table from multiple directions and was interested at the time in designing the underside, as well as the table top for various functions. In doing so, I became trapped in this idea that everything had to work. I believe it can work, but would have to sacrifice functionality and appeal.
Over break, I went up north to go deer hunting for the final weekend of deer season. I felt that this a lone time would be a great time to, not only re-cooperate some sanity from school, but a good time to also sketch new ideas. For the first day up north, I took a small notebook into the deer blind and sketched, for hours upon hours. I threw every idea I had coming into IP out, and just sketched. I then took my sketches and condensed them into what I noticed I believed what consistent with all sketches, things I pretty much already saw in previous projects: multi-functionality and hiding.
For a redesign of my design for IP, I wanted to accomplish two goals with it that stem off my previous goals: the ability to store _____ in a table (rather than looking at a table from one plane), expandability (to allow more than just the intended number to sit at this table) small sized living (the ability to go from a compact table with seating for four, to a larger table with seating for up to twelve, all the while storing all necessary seating underneath)
I also focused my attention on designing not only the table, but the seating that goes a long with it. I want seating that is self contained, sort of a stackable and collapsable (not sure if these are the right words) bench type seating. Not only for the consumer to use the table for however many guests, but to also be able to take the seating into another space, and use it in other places. This, I feel, has been a more successful design for looking around the table.
I have since been researching leaf tables, expandable tables, and modular furniture to find the best fit for this project. I feel that I am now onto something. I still need to research various ways tables can store leafs, as I am not quite sure how to store it. I do have an idea that is a possibility, but I do not want to make it final.
Finally, I have done two iterations of the table I am thinking about making as of now. I am now focused on multi-functionality, which I have focused on in the past (I guess I tried to venture from it, but am going back to my safe haven.) I can see that this table will be in many homes: small apartments, modern condos, the average home, and is a table that families eat at constantly, but still available to put whatever in. Maybe in the small apartment the consumer actually stores their dinnerware in it. Maybe in the modern condo the consumer stores their China in it. Maybe in the average home the consumer stores their kids art supplies in it. I do hope that this opening, however, will store a leaf that completes the large table. I am concerned, however, how much extra room will be available.
The first iteration comes from the idea of there being two parts of the table that slide open up for multiple storage options.
The second iteration comes from the idea that there is one, and now the table top slid open is the extended part, and a leaf could complete the other side making a grand table.
I am working on a third that uses drawers, instead of a sliding table top.
Any comments would be appreciated!
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