Okay so this looks complicated but each colour is a different layer that will be cut. Some of the layers will hide some of the lower layers so the finished product won’t be as complicated as what this design looks like. The swirl (light blue, green-yellow, and orange) is going to be the bottom layers, with the conch design being placed over them. The swirl will be able to be seen through the cuts that create the conch shell outline.
I’m going to use paper, as it is easy to get the colour scheme that I want to use compared to painting each layer of wood. I’m planning on using beach-like colours, such as blues and beige, as the design is based off of a conch shell.
I think that this will take a little bit of trial and error regarding where cuts should show through to the lower layers, so I am going to use just plain card-stock to test each layer.
What is your plan for the size of the piece?
I’m going to do my test layers as about 5×4 inches and see how it looks. I’m wanting to see if the details look better being small or if they’ll need to be enlarged!
What was your reasoning/inspiration for choosing a conch shell?
It was mostly because I liked the natural geometry of seashells, which provide good sections for adding little details. Also from the beginning I knew I wanted to do something related to the sea because I am fascinated by the subject.
this is super cool. How do you plan to align and glue everything together after you cut it?
I have bought foam tape which should add some more depth between layers. I also am going to use regular sticky tape so that some layers are thicker while others are thinner!
Hi Imogen! I love the design that you created! What are your optimal conditions to present the piece?
Hi! I’m not certain what you mean by optimal conditions, but ideally I would like the piece to be about 5×6 inches with 10-20 layers, and framed in the end to prevent damage!
Hey Imogen! This is such a cool idea? Does this symbolize anything? What do you hope viewers feel after seeing your piece?
I’m hoping the the viewers are mesmerized by the details and intricacies. I know that I felt a similar feeling when I was viewing Hazel Glass’s small pieces – I wanted to know how she was able to plan and execute such complex pieces!
Hi Imogen, your artwork is incredible! 84 layers will be a challenge for layering them in the final step, so I’m really looking forward to it. Do you have a plan for paper preservation?
Hi! I’m most likely only going to do 15-20 layers (maybe on another project I’ll attempt more!!). I haven’t really thought about paper preservation, but for now I think I’m just going to tape the layers together and maybe frame the piece so it doesn’t get damaged.