Project #2 - Robot #2

Artist Statement:

I continued with robot creations further into this project. The name of my new robot is, "L1GHT" inspired by the lighting effect created. I enjoyed our found objects project the most and continued this with my final work. Similar to my last robot, I am inspired by the movie Robots again for this project. My previous robot was inspired by the plot of the movie; robots feel that they do not need to be fixed or get new parts, they are happy with their random mix. For this new robot, I wanted to focus on the antagonist aspect of the movie where robots are trying to assimilate all into using new and improved pieces. The way that light shines on the wall fascinates me and I am pulled in more by the spinning back.

Again, my robot is made from parts of a coffee machine and a fluorometer. We can clearly see that this robot looks significantly different from the last. I realized that the combinations for parts do not truly have a limit. I could have made so many various robots from the parts I found, which fascinates me. I began with the head closed off, but say potential in what the piece could physically hold. I had the head holding green motherboard parts, but then decided to take them out. I cut a hole and angled the lamp in the middle so light would shine through the plexiglass on top. The glass was clear at first, but a few sections began to bubble so I added texture to the whole piece. The horns are to help accent and bring attention to the glass on the head and I also thought they were a good aesthetic choice. The eyes are mismatched because I appreciate the idea of playing with positive and negative space. The arms are from a discarded chair and I find them sleek and shiny next to the completely black body. The back of the body began as a simple metal piece with precut holes. I thought stringing various wires through the back would create a nice effect and play into showing that my work is meant to be a robot. I remembered the microwave spinner I attempted to use for my planets project and knew I needed to incorporate that into this new work. I decided to make a big motherboard on the back spin. This effect is just enough and subtle, which I was intending to do. The wires look intentional with the spinning component and I appreciate how they tie into one another. I learned how to prop up my robot so that the motherboard does not hit the table or break. To complete my piece, I drilled holes all in the body so that light is able to shine out and create a circular lighting effect on the walls. Above, you can see my in-progress work and final images accompanied by a video (that may or may not work).

My robotic creation is related to the ideas of black holes and Star Wars. Black holes are mysterious parts of space we do not know fully about yet. L1GHT is black with holes of light shining through, similar to space and stars. The spinning motherboard represents how black holes spin throughout space, a relentless turning motion accompanied by the bright stars. In my last project, I explained how I am intrigued by space and understand that my interests once again made an appearance in inspiring my work. When I was younger, I would watch Star Wars with my dad and brother. My absolute favorite character was R2-D2. In a way, the outer shape of L1GHT reminds me of the round body and odd eyes that R2-D2 has. The Star Wars universe seemed so large to me and as if possibilities were endless. I like to think that L1GHT could have been a robot part of this universe. I believe they would be in charge of helping guide travelers to certain planets based on star mapping technology and how to avoid getting caught in black holes. Star Wars ties in with my concept of space, which is interesting as this idea has seemed to guide most of my artwork without me consciously knowing. I had a great time designing this second robot of mine and thinking of how a back story could be worked into its life. I learned that I enjoy making robots and this project helped me consider getting my master's in sculpture or focusing on robots more.