A sculptural re-interpretation of aspects of European two dimensional visual art in the period 1910-1940

This project investigates the apparent dichotomy between solid sculptural forms and their visual apprehension, focussing on the relationship of object to pictorial plane. The writings of Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky provide a background and a particular insight into what Klee calls ‘...the kinetic energies which move the point into a line, the line into a plane and the plane into a spatial dimension.’ (Notebooks, Volume 1: The Thinking Eye) This project adds solid sculptural form - volume - to Klee's sequence by elevating the point from a flat two-dimensional plane to the three-dimensional space of Euclidean geometry. Three key research outcomes were: • A methodology using computer aided drawing (CAD) software, a numerically controlled routing machine, step by step photographic documentation and computer animation was developed in the course of the project. • A concept change involving the replacement of the rigours of the grid with a process using the intersection of the horizon and gravity as drawing coordinates was introduced. • A method of planar layer construction of solid objects was developed to heighten perception of the pictorial qualities of the object. The research project has been manifested in a substantial body of sculptures, maquettes, and CAD drawings