Create your own biomorphic fresnel lens suncatcher
In this class, we will design stunning suncatchers inspired by biological forms made from layered laser-cut flat Fresnel lenses.
Location
Artisan's Asylum
96 Holton Street Boston, MA 02135Refund Policy
About this event
- 3 hours 30 minutes
Instructor - Jess Holz
Jess Holz creates artworks which give the viewer a peek into invisible worlds, as well as a chance to reflect on the influence of scientific visual culture on our collective imagination. She has recently recieved an MFA in Art+Technology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; previously she has worked in several labs, gaining valuable technical experience with a number of microscopic imaging techniques. The discrepancy between what can be perceived by eye and what is imaged has fostered her fascination with perceptual systems along with the optical properties of materials. Jess actively exploits this in photography and installation.
Class Description
This class is for anyone interested in light art, biology, and/or laser cutting. In this class we will create stunning suncatchers made out of flat lenses that refract light and distort one another, changing appearance as you move around them.
Fresnel lenses were first used in lighthouses, they focus light via concentric rings of material rather than a curved surface. This allows them to be large and flat.
We will spend some time researching biological illustrations for inspiration, then patiently trace these designs for our suncatchers in CorelDraw software.
Using 8x10 inch flat acrylic fresnel lenses as our stock material, we will cut and engrave our designs using the laser cutter, then glue the engraved pieces together, to create a layered effect that refracts light. In the end you will go home with your very own biologically inspired lens art. Please note, these are lenses that focus light, so please do not hang them in direct sunlight (it is safe to hang them in North/South facing window, for instance). Jess has previously created mulitmedia installations using this laser cut fresnel process (https://holocenter.org/edge-of-light-artists/jess-holz-borderlands), this workshop will share Jess’s unique process and give an introduction on how to to use light as an artistic medium.
Material Fee
The materials fee for this class is $25. This is separate from the ticket price and is to reimburse the instructor for any tools or materials used in this class. This will be paid once, directly to the instructor at the start of the first class meeting. This instructor accepts cash, check payments, or through Venmo or Paypal.
Class Goals
-Students will receive an introduction to light and optics in art.
-Students will learn how fresnel lenses work and how they are made.
-Students will research the diverse world of intricate biological forms to find something that interests and inspires them.
-Students will learn how to trace and create laser cutter ready files in CorelDraw software.
-Students will learn practical design considerations for laser cutting.
-Students will learn how to join their laser cut lens creations together in layers using a modified rivet process with glue.
-Students will leave with their own a lens art object.
Material Supplied
The materials fee covers three 8x10 acrylic fresnel lenses as stock material, as well as UV curing glue and suction cups for hanging in the window. Students will also need access to CorelDraw, which can be downloaded to their laptop as a 15-day free trial.
Students Should Bring
Bring a laptop and pen and paper.
Prior to arriving please install a free trial of CorelDraw. You may use Adobe illustrator or CAD software to trace images if you have knowledge of those tools, but please install CorelDraw if you haven't designed vector graphics before.
Prerequisites
Students must be 18 years old or older.
All skill levels are welcome
Class Policies
Learn more about our class and ticket cancelation policies here.
Please email education@artisansasylum.com with any questions.
*Sales end 24 hours before the start of the class to allow the instructor and staff time to prep.
Frequently asked questions
Students may withdraw from a class up to 7 days prior to the start of the class via Eventbrite’s refund feature. In extenuating circumstances, students may contact education@artisansasylum.com to request an exception.
To request a class or ticket transfer, either use the “contact the organizer” feature offered by Eventbrite or email Education@artisansasylum.com with your name, ticket information, and transfer request. Transfer requests are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Artisans Asylum reserves the right to cancel or reschedule classes in the event the minimum number of students for the class is not reached, an emergency, such as illness, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. Communication for canceled and rescheduled classes is sent via email.
If another class is available at a later date, or if the class has been rescheduled, your class fee will automatically apply to the next class session unless the session is already full or you specifically request a refund. No refunds are given for changes to location or Instructor.
All students under 18 must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of an adult.
We occasionally capture photos of students during our classes to use in promotional materials, online, and on social media platforms. By enrolling in a class, you are giving us permission to do so.