Original Idea: Colored Lithophane:
My original idea was to create a colored lithophane, which is normally only seen in black and while and then start to play around with similar themes used by Carnovsky using different RGB light sources to portray different components of a larger image.
Above is my test trying out this method of putting a colored print behind the lithophane to have the colors show up. Being that this was a small test, if I were to increase the size, I would definitely need to figure out a way to evenly light the lithophane and its subject better. This was a proof-of-concept “thin slice” of my project and hope to move forward with this concept, while also maybe encorporating other ideas as well.
Moving Forward
One of the biggest features I wanted to try encorporating into my project was movement and interaction with the viewer. After giving it some thought, I saw a Zeotrope with a regular image, and wondered if I could do a curved lithophane while encorporating that into a zeotrope to display a moving image.
Moving further into this idea, I also gave it some thought about changing the way the image is viewed with light shining through the lithophane to changing the lightsource to shine down on the object and display a portion of a 3D lithophane.
One quick idea came to mind where I could create a stick figure in different positions and when viewed on a zeotrope, it would seem like he was walking. From these figures, I would create a 3D model with every figure revolving around a circle and when I would illuminate part of the model from above in the dark, only one of the stick figures could be seen. Then, going back to the zeotrope idea, when teh full 3d model would rotate, the figure would change to a different figure and make it look like the stick figure was walking. My only problem with this would be on how to encorporate the colored lithophane idea into the idea.
My next steps are just to work on a curved lithophane and see how well this works with the rotating zeotrope idea, and from there I’ll see how I can make this better.
Draft Shopping List
- PLA filament (White mainly, but planning on playing around with different colors as well) – Already have
- LED light strips
- Considering LED Diodes in many different colors
- Clear Acrylic (Makerspace) for structure of model
- Nuts and bolts (Home Depot/Lowes)
Schedule/Timeline/Plan of Action
Week of 9/13/21:
- Create curved collection of images that when viewed in succession, animate and show movement.
- 3D Print every piece in white filament.
- Starting to assemble pieces on acrylic disc.
- Ordering required LEDs.
Week of 9/20/21:
- Materials ordered will arrive
- Anticipating issues with lighting at first. This week will be dedicated to fixing those issues.
Week of 9/27/21:
- Will be dedicated to getting everything up and running. All issues will hopefully be resolved.
Week of 10/4/21:
- Will be dedicated to refining design and reprinting any required pieces.
Week of 10/11/21:
- Finishing up any last minute changes.
- Final exhibition.
I think making a zoetrope is a great idea! If you move forward with that, I don’t think its necessary for you to incorporate color. You may have to choose between an RGB lithoplane and a zoetrope lithoplane.
I recall you mentioning that you didn’t know how colored lithoplanes worked. I got curious too and found this: https://itslitho.com/lithophane-guides/how-to-make-a-color-lithophane/
When you were describing the zoetrope all I could think about is that scene from the Conjuring 2 with the Crooked Man coming to life out of one. I think even without color it would be impressive, although with your wide range of skills on this stuff it is a good challenge to include. If you can’t figure out the color aspect, maybe you could focus more on the animation part and do something more complicated than a stick figure.
I just looked up what a zoetrope is and that would be very cool! If you could nail the motion to make something appear animated I agree that color may not be as important.
Do you foresee any problems with 3D printing a curved surface at all?
I really like the idea of a zoetrope, but I’m curious what you mean by printing curved pieces – as far as I’m aware, the zoetrope frames themselves don’t have to be curved, just arranged in a circle.
The different orientation of different shaped pieces might create unique shapes . so maybe you don’t need curved pieces if its not coming out correctly.