Body

I constructed a ribcage sculpture made out of scraps. 

Above each AI-generated image is the exact prompt I used. There are a few notes I made below them to show my thought process. I began by looking at the body as a whole and then turned to just the aspect of the skeleton, specifically the rib cage. 

The prompt, "The Body – sculptural work that references or responds to the body. This could be through abstraction, texture, or interaction. Lots of possibilities with this one." as a sculpture.

-wood sculpture of body part/section

“A sculpture of a ribcage made out of scrap electronic pieces”

-too much going on

“A sculpture of a ribcage made out of scrap electronic pieces miinmalist”

-too flat, odd detailing/positioning

“A small sculpture of a ribcage made out of scrap electronic pieces”

-i like the same pieces used, kind of mirrored

“A small sculpture of a skeleton ribs made out of scrap electronic pieces”

-less joints, odd heads

“A sculpture a skeleton made out of scrap electronic pieces”

-no ribs, just robots basically

“A sculpture a skeleton with a rib cagemade out of scrap electronic pieces”

-lots of layers, interesting flat ribs

“A skeleton ribcage made out of electronic scraps”

-again flat ribs, looking for something more rounded

Variations of the first image

- I like this skeleton, the metal is a cool touch

“A skeleton ribcage made out of found objects”

-I like the dimensions, I am getting a feel for what I do and do not like about the pieces

Work in progress:

Final Images:

AI-Generated Artist Statement: 

My sculpture, "Electronic Skeleton," explores the relationship between technology and the human body. Through the use of scrap electronic parts, I aim to challenge the notion that technology is separate from our physical selves and highlight its growing integration into our lives. The rib cage serves as a symbol of our vulnerability and fragility, while the electronic components represent the external forces that both protect and potentially harm us. This piece invites viewers to consider the interplay between our bodies and the technology we use, and raises questions about the consequences of this relationship for our future."

My sculpture, "Echoes of Life," is a representation of the human body in its most fundamental form – the skeleton. The rib cage, a crucial component of the skeleton, serves as the focal point of the piece. However, this skeleton is not a traditional one made of bones, but rather, it is created from scrap electronic parts that have been discarded and repurposed. The use of electronic components represents the integration of technology into our lives and the impact it has on our bodies and our society.

The rib cage, made from metal wires, circuit boards, and other electronic parts, is a metaphor for the inner workings of the body. The intricate design and layering of the components symbolize the complexity of our bodies and the numerous systems that work together to keep us alive. The electronic components also reflect the fast-paced and technological advancements of our modern world, which has changed the way we live and the impact it has on our bodies.

Through this sculpture, I aim to bring attention to the relationship between the human body and technology. The use of electronic parts to create a representation of the skeleton highlights the impact of technology on our physical and mental well-being. "Echoes of Life" serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and balance in our relationship with technology. It invites the viewer to contemplate the impact of technology on our lives and the body, and encourages a re-examination of our relationship with it.

Personal Artist Statement:

    Most think the dumpster area behind the art building is for trash, but I find this area to be full of potential. Last semester one of my favorite projects was using 'found' objects to create a sculpture. I went digging around and found whatever I could to take apart. I used my best findings to create, "Cyber Ribs." I generated a lot of AI images (maybe even too many) to help me visualize the idea I was aiming for. Instead of making a whole skeleton, I focused on just the spine and ribs. I felt that making a whole body out of scrap pieces would be too similar to my previous robots. The ribs are made from scrap wood, excess copper sheets, wire bundles, a steamer tube, coffee machine filters & tubes, a cord body, and two plug-in cord heads. The spine is made out of a photography light that had seven screw areas to put light bulbs in. There is a thin piece of wire that runs through the spine to hold the pieces in a line. I reinforced each rib with a wrapped piece of wire, which also allows some of the pieces to be moveable. The wire made for a less-delicate piece that is much easier to move around. Some days were more difficult in finding usable pieces for the ribs, but I eventually gathered seven different materials that I enjoyed. Drilling the holes for each piece was tedious as they all required different sizes to fit. I had to strengthen some ribs with hot glue because the sizing was off. I like how light shines off of the metal wire accent I included. I am not sure what kind of animal would have a rib cage long like the one I created, but I assume possibly an oversized ferret or strange cat. This sculpture was exciting to create and see come together. I would like to maybe add on to it someday and make a full-size skeleton of some sort. 

    The body itself is made up of so many elements that all somehow work together. The pieces I assembled, made from scraps, are similar; they are both so different yet somehow work together. Every piece was once a working component of something completely different. Using recycled items allows each segment to have a new purpose and live a new life. The ribs protect our most vital organs. This part of the body is powerful as it fortifies us as creatures. We are all complex. In our ever-changing society, technology is part of constant growth. Living things continue to grow throughout their lives as well. The ribs are examples of our evolution not just in physical growth, but in technology too. We discard "old" automation as new works are invented. We no longer have a use for some pieces due to the production of newer items or breakage. Most of the pieces I found were of something that did not work anymore. The reinforced metal around each piece is to show that sometimes the recycled elements need help, but that does not mean they are a lost cause. Humans are so quick to throw anything away upon breaking. We are taught to buy a new one instead of figuring out the issue at hand. Sometimes only a small piece is broken and can be easily fixed and for much cheaper than a brand new "toy." I feel that repurposing anything and everything is important. We have finite matter and should be better at recycling. Our world and bodies are dependent upon growth and this becomes stunted when we give up on renewal. The body is just as complex as our expanding world. 

    I am inspired by robots and recycling what is considered "already used" in our world. The concept of simply buying something new when the other one feels "done" is not a good use of materials in my opinion. I try to repurpose materials in my projects. I feel better in a way knowing that I gave something discarded a new life. I hope that viewers can see this in my work. I would like to make people really reflect on the materials I use and think about how that ties into the art as a whole. Our bodies are repurposed in a way - every day we try new things and do something different than the day before. Like our bodies are vessels, I want my artwork to be a vessel that shows trying something new. Finding purpose is important to me and I appreciate depicting that in my art.