Self Portrait

In making my piece, I attempted to create an object that was a mix between manufactured and organic to show the balance between my personal experiences with science and art. All materials were to be commonly used throughout the historical development of astronomy (wood, glass, brass). Personally, my piece was to reflect my struggle to find a career path I found enjoyable and worthwhile (Aerospace Engineering vs. Art). With the addition of my concept of portraying astronomical space, I was at first confused on how to balance out all the intentions I had in mind. 

The final product was something I was incredibly happy with. However, as seen during the critique, the piece was almost too abstract to convey my message. Were I to go back and change my work process, I would try to create a more scattered, star map look to the brass wire and glass beads. Less wire and more of the glass beads might have further pushed the idea of stars. Furthermore, if I had incorporated a candle/lightbulb into the middle circle of the piece, perhaps the work would have alluded more towards exploration and celestial bodies.

That being said, the critiques I received were very gracious and insightful. Despite the astronomical theme not showing through, classmates picked up on the balance between personal passion and forced career. Much of what I incorporated into my piece I did not fully understand until then, only having a gut feeling on what I preferred and thought would look best.