OBDF: Laser Cutting Intro Semi-Final Update

 My final piece has slowly but surely come together. A maquette model of a foot stool I plan to make. As depicted in the following images I have run into issues as far as proportions and contrast that has primarily been due to simply not having laser cut before. 

The largest issue was simply me not accounting for the thickness of the wood VS the side contour edges inside that I planned to paint. The black of the laser cut completely overpowers the color which had intended to be a bit of an optical illusion gradient that swept through the contours.

Ideally I would take the time to measure each step through the gradient and account for all of the textures and edges in the future. But I feel good about this as a first attempt with these tools as well as an accurate depiction of my concept.

The next issue was the cutting itself...I was successful in arranging my file for the lab tech but they were not able to cut it properly. This was a little confusing as I purchased the wood from the bookstore on campus and then confirmed it with the tech in person beforehand. But nevertheless after several passes time had run out and the pieces had barely been cut out. I attempted to be very careful with taking the pieces apart but there was still a few spots that splintered and cracked as it was not cut all the way through. From a midcentury dilapidated furniture point of view I actually like some of the rough spots and texture at this stage but obviously it was not intended or appreciated.

I am excited to refine this a little bit as I like the silhouette but studio access has been a constant struggle. The woodshop is closed for the grad show? I was then told I was not allowed to sand or polish by hand in the ThingTank so after some wandering around the halls of the school I took up residence in a drawing studio and continued to work the piece as best I could with no tools or materials.

I think my biggest takeaway from this project is primarily how I need to shift my approach to craft in the spring term. The norm of being able to access facilities at consistent time and in turn being able to work on stuff in between classes and work is simply not an option so I need to better plan execution on stuff in the future.