SHAPE

Prompt
Create a 3D structure from a cut-out cardboard shape, explore the interplay between light and shadow, and observe how adding elements alters the shadow's form.

Materials Needed:

  • A piece of cardboard (approx.A2)
  • Pencil
  • Scissors or craft knife 
  • Glue or tape
  • Flashlight
  • Ruler
  • Paper for sketching

Steps:

  1. Sketch Your Shape (5minutes):
    Begin by sketching a simple shape (e.g., a star, heart, or geometric pattern) onto your piece of cardboard.

  2. Cut Out the Shape (5 minutes):
    Carefully cut out the shape from the cardboard, making sure to keep both the cut-out piece and the negative space (the hole left behind).

  3. First Light Projection (10 minutes):
    Place your cut out in front of a flashlight or lamp in a darkened room. Observe the shadow it casts on the wall or roll of paper.

  4. Build Around the Cut-Out (20 minutes):
    Use the cut-out piece and other cardboard scraps to build a 3D structure around the negative space. Be creative in how you attach and layer the pieces to create depth and form.

  5. Second Light Projection (10 minutes):
    Place your 3D structure in front of a flashlight or lamp in a darkened room. Observe the shadow it casts on the wall or a piece of paper. Compare the new shadow to the original one. Notice how the addition of the cut-out piece alters the shadow’s design.

  6. Document: Create a post in the responses tab with 2 of your photographs

Deliverables:

  1. A completed 3D structure.
  2. Photos of the shadows before and after adding the cut-out piece.
  3. A short reflection on how the addition of the cut-out piece influenced the shadow.

Total Time: 1hour